Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around Italy. Each property is independently reviewed by an Italy Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall.
Why we love it
Verona’s grande dame traces its roots back to the 14th century, making it not just one of the most historic hotels in the city but one of the oldest in Italy. If the walls could talk, they would tell stories of illustrious past guests, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Maria Callas.
What to expect
This member of the Leading Hotels of the World wears its history proudly on its sleeve. It has a vaguely medieval vibe, especially in the grand lobby lounge, which features murals by Pino Casarini (one of the few major 20th-century fresco artists) depicting knights inspired by a historic tournament, leaded windows and antiques. The hotel has two restaurants, including a rooftop terrace, a wellness center with a Turkish bath, sauna and gym, and seven meeting rooms for conferences and events.
Background
Originally built as the Palazzo dell’Acquila, it was converted into an inn with stables in 1674 and became the luxurious Grand Hotel Imperiale in the mid-19th century. It has hosted royalty and celebrities, including Mozart, Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria, Giuseppe Garibaldi, and Maria Callas, who used to stay in a suite facing the church when she would perform at the Arena di Verona and often greeted her legions of fans from the balcony. It’s currently owned by Gruppo Duetorrihotels, the hospitality group behind the Grand Hotel Majestic Già Baglioni in Bologna, among other properties.
Location, location, location
The Due Torri Hotel enjoys a privileged position right in the heart of Verona’s centro storico, looking onto the Church of Sant’Anastasia. The main shopping street is just steps away and the banks of the Adige River are a short stroll from the hotel. The city’s main sights, including the Casa di Giulietta, Piazza Erbe and the Arena di Verona are within a 15-minute walk of the hotel.
Where you’ll sleep
The hotel’s 89 rooms and suites are mostly decorated in an Empire style, with antiques, Murano glass lamps and pink marble bathrooms. Some of the decor can feel a bit dated, especially if you’re used to staying at newer hotels, but I was told during my visit that the hotel is in the process of updating the rooms. I got a peek at some of the suites, including the Maria Callas Deluxe Suite and the Sant’Anastasia Presidential Suite, which feel fresher.
Dining & drinks
A buffet breakfast is served in a dining hall above the main restaurant. During my stay, the rooftop terrace was not yet open for the season, so my husband and I opted to go out to local restaurants instead of eating at the indoor restaurant, Bistro al 2, which serves a business lunch style menu in the afternoon and a more formal fine dining menu in the evening.
Service notes
The staff are professional and helpful. I didn’t have any major requests, but if you’re looking for concert tickets at the Arena di Verona, the concierge can quickly secure the best seats, as the hotel is an official ticket agency for the Verona Arena Foundation. They can also organize romantic dinners, shopping experiences and tours of the vineyards in nearby Valpolicella.
Spa time
During my stay, I was busy exploring the city and its many attractions, so I didn’t have time to use the wellness center, but it has a steam room, sauna, sensory showers, treatment rooms and a gym equipped with Technogym machines.
Family perks
The hotel offers children’s programs and babysitting services. It also welcomes pets with mats and food and water bowls.
Accessibility
- ADA friendly rooms/bathrooms
- The hotel has an elevator.
Features & amenities
- City setting
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Free WiFi
- Spa
- Fitness room
- Rooftop terrace
- Family friendly
- Pets welcome
Contacts
Due Torri Hotel
Piazza Sant'Anastasia 4, Verona
Tel. +39 045595044
Website
