Hotel review: Crowne Plaza Hotel Verona, Italy

Hotel review: Crowne Plaza Hotel Verona, Italy

Below is my hotel reviews for the Crowne Plaza Hotel Verona (IHG brand of hotels).  I stayed at American hotels because I wanted to use points for award reservations and for more modern conveniences.  These hotels are not found in the city center (as most American International brands are not usually in the center of town) but they were all easily accessible, modern, clean and luxurious.  I booked award reservations 4-6 months out from my arrival and found availability.

For more information on what to see and do in Verona, Italy, check out my post: All the Lovely Sights in Verona, Italy.

Featured photo by Nik Lanus.

 

Crowne Plaza Hotel Verona – Fiera

Via Belgio 16, Verona – 37135, Italy 

Hotel Review:

The Crowne Plaza Hotel Verona claims to be the only international hotel brand in Verona (per the IHG website).  My stay was in May and I was very impressed.  Not only is the hotel very modern but it may be the cleanest hotel I’ve ever stayed in.  The rooms were spotless and even the coffee maker seemed like it had never been used.  The bathrooms were ultra-modern and clean.

There is an onsite gym, pool, restaurant and complimentary wi-fi.  Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to sample these.  However, based on my impression of the hotel, I can’t imagine it to be less than stellar. 

Getting to/from:

By taxi, it is $12 euros one-way from the train station (Porta Nuova Verona).  The hotel is not in the city center of Verona but is accessible by hotel shuttle bus or local bus.

The hotel shuttle bus has a schedule (3 times in the morning and 3 times in evening).  You may have to reserve a spot ahead of time in peak times.  It drops you off in the city center. 

The local bus #98 is almost outside the entrance.  From the front door/entrance: turn left, make a left at the first street (Via Francia), then right onto Via Roveggia.  The street you are looking for is Via Roveggia – take the bus heading northeast to go into town.  This street is kind of behind the hotel – just look for passing buses and look for the bus stop which will have a map of the different buses and where they are going.  From there, it’s less than 10 minutes to the city center.  While on the bus, I did pass by the train station.  Thus, I’m sure there is a way to take the bus from the station to Crowne Plaza but I arrived after 9:30p so I just took a taxi. 

The local bus #62 stops outside the hotel entrance but I am unsure if this will take you to Verona city center.  If in need, there is a Tesla super-charger station next door to the hotel.

Other:

This hotel charges a city tax.  However, I can’t locate the exact number on their website.  When I was there I paid around $2.24 per person per night.

Recommend (Y/N): Yes

I would stay here again and definitely recommend the Crowne Plaza Hotel Verona.

 

 

Crowne Plaza Verona

Hotel review: Crowne Plaza Hotel Verona, Italy

Hotel review: Hilton Garden Inn Venice, Italy

Below is my review of the Hilton Garden Inn Venice.  During my trip to Italy in the Spring, I stayed at American hotels because I wanted to use points for award reservations and for more modern conveniences.  These hotels are not found in the city center (as most American International brands are not usually in the center of town) but they were all easily accessible, modern, clean and luxurious.  I booked award reservations 4-6 months out from my arrival and found availability.

For more information on sightseeing in Venice, check out my post Navigate the waterways and top sights in Venice, Italy.

Featured photo by Nik Lanus.

 

Hilton Garden Inn Venice Mestre San Giuliano

Via Orlanda, 1, Venezia Mestre, 30173, Italy

Hotel Review:

The Hilton Garden Inn Venice is very clean, modern with a very international and upscale vibe.  I have no complaints about anything – the rooms, bathroom, etc were beyond my expectation.  The location is outside Venice but I can’t think of a better value.  It is only 10 minutes away by bus which picks you up right outside the hotel.  Best hotel deal in Venice if you ask me.

There is a snack bar downstairs which is a bit pricey but if you are in need as I was, then it’s there for you.  From this hotel, you can also take the bus to the airport which I did at the end of my stay.  That involves going up the stairs to take the overpass on the other side of the highway.  En route to airport, I noticed a McDonalds and other restaurants nearby (although not in walking distance).

Other:

Hilton’s loyalty program, Hilton Honors, will be changing in late February to include new perks.  One of them is variable pricing on award reservations as well as the option to pay with points and money.  That is great news for this hotel because you may be able to reserve this hotel for as low as 14,000 points (with $0 cash).  When I stayed the points needed were closer to 30,000 (40K is now the high range).  Not sure if May is considered a peak for this hotel but if you book in advance or in a non-peak time, you may be able to get a better deal.  This hotel is a steal at 14K points.  Check out how many points are needed here

There is a city tax of $3.10 per person per night at this hotel.

Getting to/from:

This Hilton Garden Inn Venice is accessible by local bus #5 or #19 from the Piazza Roma (bus stop/parking grounds), the last transportation stop in Venice.  If coming from the Venice train station (next to Piazza Roma) or Piazza Roma itself, take bus #5 or #19 north.  You will see the hotel from the bus (on the left side) – just ring the bell to get off.  Once you disembark, you will have to climb up stairs to take an overpass b/c the hotel is on the other side of a very busy highway. 

If coming from the airport to the hotel, you can take local bus #9 or #15.  Once you see the hotel on the right side, disembark.  You will be on the other side of the highway so no need to cross the overpass.  Just walk towards the hotel.  And vice versa, if heading to the airport from the hotel, use local bus #9 or #15 but you will have to cross on the overpass (to go North). 

Please note the differences in buses 5, 15, 9, 19.  Double check the correct bus and direction at the bus stop which has a map of the route.

Recommend (Y/N): Yes

In short, I would stay here again.  This hotel provides great value for the $ paid – and even greater value if you snag an award reservation.  Hotels in Venice are very expensive and this one is conveniently accessible by bus to both Venice center and the VCE International airport.

 

 

Hilton Garden Inn - Mestre Venice San Giuliano

Venice International Airport

Venice - Piazza Roma

Take an unforgettable Italy vacation

Take an unforgettable Italy vacation

Take an unforgettable Italy vacation

Going to Italy for vacation is always one of the top destinations on any traveler’s bucket list.  And with good reason.  There are endless things to do, see, eat and shop for in Italy.  It’s an art, food and fashion mecca.  There are many cities and regions in Italy — all offering its own flavor and distinction.  With Italian trains receiving a facelift in recent years, travel around the country is even more accessible.

I took this 10 day vacation with my family in May/Spring.  We started in Rome and ended in Venice. However, you could easily do the reverse or even start in the middle at Florence and pick up either leg.

Below is my recap of each place with links to my blog posts that have more detailed information about sights, getting around and maps to help you out.

 

Take a walking tour of Rome

Rome wasn’t built in a day but you can do a pretty good job of covering major sights around town.  Start with the most iconic, The Colloseum, and take a walk through history.  Don’t forget to stop for gelato or get a café.  The many squares are great places to people watch.

Check out my Walking Tour post of Rome for more information.

Explore a Roman Villa in Tivoli

Consider taking a day trip from Rome to get out in the countryside.  Visit the small town of Tivoli where you have access to a few Roman villas.

My suggested Roman villa is Villa D’Este which has a beautifully frescoed villa and expansive gardens.

 

Seek inspiration in Vatican City

Seeing Michaelangelo’s masterpieces is a must do for any traveler and Vatican City doesn’t disappoint.  Although small in size, the art and history of the Vatican overwhelms.

Get the inside scoop on how to make the most of your time in the Vatican.

 

Eat, Shop & Stroll in Florence

Appease your senses in Florence with a stroll through the city.  Gardens, retail therapy, gelato, David and incredible art await.  Make sure to take in the view of it all from the hilltop, Piazza Michaelangelo.

Read more about the many ways to enjoy your time in Florence.

 

Discover Siena in the heart of Tuscany

Explore the Tuscan medieval city of Siena for a  look at Florence’s rival city.  Stroll the winding cobblestone streets and enjoy a café at the Campo in the center of town.

Check out my post on what this beautiful, red city has to offer.

 

Snap your pic@Pisa

Get swept away in the craziest, cheesiest photo taking session at Pisa.  Don’t fight it — just join the fun.

Read more on this fun and funny tourist attraction.

 

From Verona with Love

No where is eternal love more cherished and celebrated than Verona.  Come explore this sweet and lovely city with its cobblestone streets, Romeo & Juliet balcony and heart shaped confections and pasta.

View all the loveliness of Verona.

 

A Doge in Venice

Visit this unique and beautiful floating city in all its splendor, starting with San Marco’s square and the Doge’s Palace.  Ride the Grand Canal, see a glass blowing demo on Murano Island and explore the connecting bridges and neighborhoods.

Take to the water and discover Venice.

*Featured photo by Federico Beccari.

 

 

 Where to stay in Italy?  My Hotel Reviews…

italy hotel review travel ze globe

Crowne Plaza Rome

italy hotel review

Hilton Garden Inn Florence

italy hotel review

Crowne Plaza Verona

italy hotel review travel ze globe

Hilton Garden Inn Venice

Join the Newsletter fun

Get updates on the latest tips & trips