Contributor/ Alex Wood
Best Known For
Standing on ancient Roman ruins, the stylish five star Palazzo Victoria sits at the heart of the city of romance with it’s own distinct style, avoiding the stuffiness of some 5 stars to entertain an eclectic mix of guests.
The Good Stuff
The hotel couldn’t be any more central. Set in the historic heart of Verona on Corso di Porta Borsari, all the key cultural attractions and shopping areas are just a few minutes walk away. This attribute really shines in the evenings after the tourist hordes have departed and you’re left to wander the deserted and magically lit streets as if back in the 14th century.
The Vibe
Set around an inner courtyard and Zen garden, the hotel is part modern art exhibition, part ancient history museum – fusing these elements with stylish Italian contemporary design and bold feature furniture from the likes of Gaetano Pesce. Overall, it’s a surprisingly peaceful place considering it’s centrality, with the clientele never seeming to overwhelm the relaxed ambience even at the busiest of times.
Inside the hotel – 7/10
The interior of the classic Veronese building sets history side by side with the present, with classic roman frescos and visible ruins contrasting with works of modern art including a slightly-cliched lobby graffiti wall. The rooms range from extravagant luxury suites that take this theme even further, through to more conservative standard rooms with excellent beds and stylish, if slightly tired, decor.
The hotel’s concept restaurant, Borsari 36, delivers on it’s promise of modern reinterpretation of Italian cuisine with delicious creations and the bar prides itself on its’ specialist apertivos, although the ambience of the latter suffers from the competition of other bars in the local area; making it less of a destination for drinking.
Outside the hotel – 9/10
Being in the centre of historic Verona gives visitors an opportunity for a different approach to sight-seeing. With classics such as the Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza dei Signori and Arena Verona on your doorstep; its easy to check these off and focus more on soaking up the locals’ culture pre and post the high tourism hours. This revolves around al fresco dining and drinking with a great atmosphere at icons such as Caffè Filippini, which has served the hippest of Veronese their cocktails since 1901 and Ristorante Antica Torretta by the Ponte Pietro; the perfect place to end a moonlit stroll with a great menu and excellent wine cellar.
