Due Torri Hotel

Due Torri Hotel is housed in a palace named Dell'Aquila, built in the 14th century and among the most beautiful palaces in central Verona. The building has a rich history: Mozart stayed here in 1770 and the Treaty of Villafranca was signed here in 1859. The likes of Margaret Thatcher and Placido Domingo have also spent time here in the hotel's present incarnation. Despite updates over the years, the Due Torri retains much of its historical character, with frescoes, sculptures, reliefs, and marble floors and columns in the lobby and most public spaces. Many rooms have authentic furnishings from the Biedermeier and Empire periods. The basement features colorful depictions of circus life, created by Pino Casarini, considered one of the great fresco painters of the 20th century. There's also a high-ceilinged breakfast room and an interior open-air courtyard plus a rooftop terrace with good views of the neighboring Church of Saint Anastasia and nearby Lamberti Tower. All of this classic style and the surplus of places for guests to unwind after a day spent touring the city means that the Due Torri draws well-heeled tourist couples in search of an elegant, centrally located place to stay.

Due Torri has an excellent location in central Verona, within walking distance of nearly all of the city's main sights. It's situated on the Piazza Sant Anastasia, next to the Church of Saint Anastasia. Considered among the finest examples of Gothic art in Italy, the Scaliger Tombs are a two-minute walk away. The number 70 bus is a block away, as is the Adige River. Palazzo Forti modern art gallery is a three-minute walk from the hotel, while the Piazza delle Erbe -- a former Roman forum -- is five minutes away on foot. The square is home to numerous cafes, the Lamberti Tower, the fresco-laden Mazzanti Houses, and the Palazzo Maffei, a Baroque palace. The Verona Cathedral (the Duomo) is also a five-minute walk from the hotel. Featuring the famous balcony of "Romeo and Juliet" fame, the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House) is a little over a five-minute walk. The Arena of Verona -- once a Roman amphitheater and now a renowned venue for opera -- is 10 minutes away on foot. Verona Porta Nuova train station is a 10-minute drive from the hotel, while the Verona Villafranca Airport is a 20-minute drive away.

The 89 rooms at the four-floor Due Torri are elegant, with many featuring authentic furnishings from the Empire or Biedermeier periods. Unlike many nominally historic hotels, nothing about these rooms feels dated. The look throughout is colorful and Old World, but tasteful, with bold hues like green, red, and yellow in most rooms. Additional accents include bright tapestries, wainscoting, and Venetian stucco walls or all-over patterned wallpaper. Hand-varnished parquet floors make a classy impression that's amplified by Murano glass lamps and gilt frames in many rooms. Views are of the neighboring Church of Saint Anastasia in certain rooms, and suites with sitting areas and sofas are also available. 

By city-center standards in Italy, rooms are pleasantly spacious, with entry-level Classic Rooms starting at 20 square meters (215 square feet) and upgraded categories having even more space. All rooms have desks, in-room safes, trouser presses, minibars, bathrobes, slippers, and flat-screen TVs with English and international channels. However, they lack tea- and coffee-making facilities. Marble bathrooms are clean and spacious, with good counter space around the sink, generous toiletry kits, and shower/tub combos. Pets are allowed for a nightly per-pet fee, and the hotel provides dog carpets and water and food bowls. 

Every morning, the Due Torri offers a breakfast buffet that's served in a high-ceilinged room and features hot eggs, meats, baked goods, and a range of beverages, including prosecco. Unfortunately, it's not included in room rates. The restaurant serves well-prepared regional and international cuisine, and has an extensive wine list and elegant cocktail lounge. The rooftop terrace offers pre-opera buffet dinners and Italian cocktails along with views of the nearby Lamberti Tower, the Verona Cathedral, and the Church of Saint Anastasia. Room service is available 24/7. The Due Torri also has an interior courtyard lounge and occasional jazz nights. Weddings can be arranged and there are meeting rooms, a business center, and free hotel-wide Wi-Fi. The property has a shaded pet area in the courtyard, and there's a dog walking area along the nearby Adige River. Parking is available for a fee.