LeNotti Verona

We had a comfortable room with modern amenities, and the staff were friendly and helpful. It's a lovely family-run hotel, walkable from both the bus and train stations as well as Verona city. We loved our stay and would recommend it as a base for exploring Northern Italy.

It's a cheerful, spotless place, and the hostess was kind. I locked myself out at 2 a.m. after getting caught in a downpour, with the door PIN literally washed off my key. The owners were sympathetic when I woke them. My room and the hallways were cleaned every day during my three-night stay. The neighborhood feels more local and is away from the busiest tourist area, with cafes and restaurants serving excellent food at more realistic prices. Walk a mile along the river and you'll reach the famous castle and the other tourist sights. A good fit if you want a clean stay in a genuine Italian neighborhood and still want to reach Verona's main attractions on foot.

San Zeno made a great base: atmospheric and less touristy, yet only a short walk from the historic center. Around the piazza by Basilica San Zeno, about five minutes away, there are plenty of appealing restaurants and a convivial feel, the sort of place where actual Veronese seem to eat. The rooms are simple but well furnished, cleaning standards are excellent, and the staff are very kind and responsive. A few details for anyone weighing the mixed reviews of LeNotti: it's a small place with 8-10 rooms, run by two sisters. One speaks excellent English, while the other's English is less strong, so try to give an accurate arrival time if you want the first sister there. Construction noise is a real possibility but seems random. During my two-day stay, a crew was putting in a split-unit AC/heat pump in the adjacent building, perhaps what Danny Merkel experienced. A bus does pass one side of the hotel. Paying for an upper-floor room can help with that noise. You can ask for an electric kettle and mugs if you want to make tea or coffee in your room. Breakfast was excellent, with a generous spread and good variety for a small establishment. It cost about €10 extra if not included, which seemed reasonable compared with the €20 many hotels charge. The main downside for me was the painfully slow elevator, and the stairs are only for emergencies.

The room, sheets, towels, and everything in the bathroom were sparkling clean, even the shower glass had no water marks. I've stayed in plenty of four- and five-star hotels that weren't this clean. The host was kind and the location was great. This place was a lovely surprise, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.