Verona Boutique Apartment

Rooms

The apartment is a 50sq.m open-plan space, ingeniously carved into sections by mirrors, glass and curtains. As apartments go it's not huge, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in style: we loved the clean lines, brass fittings and mid-century modern furniture, including classic pieces by Osvaldo Borsani and Vittorio Nicolis.

Every last detail has been obsessed over to enhance the guest experience - the lime ceiling is coated with wax to reflect the flowing water of the river outside, and the special linoleum flooring is made from linseed oil and jute fibres, which have a gorgeous smell and are warm and pleasant to touch. Even the wallpapers are luxurious, made from soft, washable fabrics.

A superbly comfortable Silvio Cavatorta bed dominates the bedroom, with crisp linens and a gold lacquered headboard. A mural-style feature wall of moody clouds is offset by suspended black tube lighting and sunshine-bright cushions, and the bed looks directly into the glass-cube shower bathroom, which can be curtained off for modesty - or not! (There's a separate loo.)

The living area is cleverly zoned by peacock-blue and gold patterned wallpaper. Two 'Lady' armchairs by Arflex - designed in 1951 by Marco Zanuso - take centre stage beside a nest of mirrored bronze coffee tables and a gold-topped cocktail shaker. There are potted orchids and succulents, cut-glass ornaments, and river views from each window. Beauty is everywhere.

Features include:

• Hairdryer
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

A small but functional kitchenette houses all you need for basic self-catering, including an induction hob, a Nespresso coffee maker and a microwave (no oven). Olive oil, salt, pepper, coffee and sugar are provided. It was perfect for easy breakfasts and snack lunches, but we preferred to head out to local restaurants for most meals.There's a folder in the apartment with loads of decent recommendations.

Pizzeria Vesuvio (a 2-minute walk from the apartment) has riverside tables and great pizza and pasta; Pasticceria Castelvecchio is perfect for coffee and delicious cake. For something more sophisticated, try Vescovo Moro. Specialist Veronese dishes to look out for include risotto al tastasal (risotto with sausage meat), risotto all'Amarone (risotto flavoured with the region's richest red wine), bigoli (buckwheat pasta served with duck, donkey or salted sardines) and pandoro (an egg-yoke cake made in a star-shaped mold and served with chocolate sauce).

Features include:

• Fridge
• Full kitchen
• Hob or stove
• Kitchenette
• Microwave
• Restaurants nearby
• Toaster

Activities

• You're just over the water from Castelvecchio, Verona's beautiful Gothic castle. Despite being hit by Napoleon and WWII bombs, it remains largely intact (glass panels and artwork cleverly fill any holes). Don't miss the sculptures and medieval paintings in its museum
  
• Admire the Piazza delle Erbe, Verona's forum during Roman times and the soul of the old town. Once home to chariot races, it's now ringed by cafés and restaurants, with market stalls selling herbs and spices. We loved its ancient frescoes and beautiful fountains. If you've a head for heights, climb the magnificent Lamberti bell tower for far-reaching views
  
• Nothing could be more romantic than watching live opera in the Roman arena. Plácido Domingo, Tito Gobbi and Maria Callas have all performed here. Book well in advance
  
• Other notable sights include the Teatro Romano, the Portoni della Bra (2 arches leading into the city) and the cathedral (full of red marble)
  
• In imaginary world, Verona is the backdrop to Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet. You can visit Juliet's balcony at Via Cappello 23, the 14th-century house of the Capulets. Below, a golden statue is said to bring luck in love to those who stroke it - and people queue to do so. Close to the apartment, the crypt in the Basilica di San Zeno was the fictional setting for the star-crossed wedding
  
• Lake Garda is an easy day trip, as are the enchanting riverside village of Borghetto and Valpolicella's many vineyards, spread across the pretty valleys of Marano, Negrar and Fumane

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Art classes
• Boat trips
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Museums / galleries
• Private guided tours
• Shopping / markets

Kids

12+ year olds only, and there are no extra beds available, so the child must share the double bed with the adult.

Best for:

Teens (over 12)

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The apartment is on the Adige river in the heart of old Verona, a few minutes' walk from Castelvecchio and the Roman arena.

By Air:
The closest airports are Verona (11km) and Brescia (67km), which handles mostly domestic traffic. Venice (127km) and Bergamo (118km) are a bit further afield but served by more airlines. Click on the links below for a list.

From the Airport
Taxiing here is the easiest option, or you can take a bus into town (30 mins) and then get a taxi (5 mins) or walk (25 mins). Or hire a car - free street parking is sometimes available, otherwise there is a paid car park very nearby. A parking permit is also available from the owner.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

More on getting to Italy and getting around