Hotel Residence Ducale

Breakfast was generous, and the hotel was clean and comfortable. It’s in a great spot, just five minutes from Mantua.

We could stay in our room until 5 pm on January 1st, so there was no need to get up and leave at dawn after New Year’s Eve. The owner had left us helpful advice, a map, and tips in the room, along with delicious sbrisolona. Recommended.

The location could be very appealing if the small details were handled better. The room is practical, but the TV is tiny and dated, Sky only has three channels, and the double bed is made from two single mattresses, which isn’t ideal. The breakfast was disappointing too, with everything prepackaged. It’s a nice place, just nothing special. For half-board, you need to drive 5 km.

The room cleaning is a real plus, thanks to the cleaning lady, and the Conad across the street is well stocked. There are also two excellent bars and a Korean deli behind the hotel where you can get inexpensive dishes. But breakfast needs a complete rethink, whether guests are there for work or tourism. Calling a spread of cheap pies and croissants a 5-course buffet doesn’t make sense. People need healthier options in the morning, and adding eggs or cold cuts each day wouldn’t cost much.