Belludi 37

Belludi 37 is housed in a two-floor building that dates to the early 20th century, with an elegant, colonnaded facade on the ground floor. While renovations added modern elements, many of the original architectural details remain, including the lobby's handsome stone staircase with a wrought iron railing. The chic reception area has violet carpet and a sleek, black desk, and guests are welcomed with a glass of prosecco. It's an inviting space, but it's more of a spot to land for a moment before heading in or out. The hotel draws couples and other leisure travelers who want a design-savvy stay in a prime location, and the kind of personalized attention that only the best boutique hotels offer.  

Belludi 37 is in the historic center of Padua, within a short walk of shops and restaurants, and a two-minute walk from the Santo tram stop and Businello 4 bus stop. It's also two minutes on foot to reach Basilica of St. Anthony and Piazzo del Santo square. Orto Botanico di Padovia, which is billed as the world's oldest academic botanical garden that's still in its original location, is a three-minute walk away. Prato della Valle, the largest square in Italy, is also three minutes on foot from the hotel. The University of Padua (where Galileo once lectured) is a 12-minute walk, and it's about a 14-minute walk to Palazzo della Ragione medieval town hall. It takes about 15-minutes to reach Padua Cathedral.

Padua train station is roughly a 12-minute tram ride. Venice Marco Polo Airport is the nearest airport, and it's about 40 minutes by car, or about an hour on the train. Venice is a 45-minute drive, and about the same by train. 

Guest rooms and suites at Belludi 37 are smart and super appealing, with rich decor and designer touches throughout. There's mid-century-inspired furniture, vivid purple rugs and luxe shag carpets, and bright throw pillows in sophisticated patterns. All guest rooms come with AC, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, minibars with free bottled water and soft drinks, and free Wi-Fi. Beds have memory foam mattresses, and while some double beds are two singles pushed together, the hotel provides special mattress toppers (limited, and upon request) to cover the gap. Several rooms have high coffered ceilings, and some feature ebony-stained oak floors, seating areas with sofas, espresso machines, and views of the nearby Basilica of St. Anthony. Bathrooms are less posh and have stall showers, although they have removable showerheads, and there are eco-friendly bath products and bidets. 

Suites add separate living rooms, iHome docks, iPads (available upon request), robes, slippers, and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. Free extras include room service and picnic baskets packed for excursions to the nearby Prato della Valle. Rooms average 269 square feet. The property also has an apartment-style unit in separate building, with a full kitchen, a living room, and a washing machine.

Belludi 37 serves an excellent free breakfast spread, featuring cooked-to-order eggs, ricotta pie, and Italian meats and cheeses. There's no full-service restaurant, but room service is available, and the hotel also serves items like Venetian biscuits and coffee are on the house throughout the day. The hotel offers airport transfer (for a fee), free bicycle rental, and Vespa rental (for a fee), and the staff sells tram tickets, provides sightseeing recommendations, and books restaurant reservations. Parking (for a fee) is available, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. The front desk is closed overnight, but staff is available 24 hours a day. Travelers with limited mobility should note that the hotel doesn't have an elevator, but staff is on-hand to assist with luggage.