Hotel review: Crowne Plaza Hotel Verona, Italy

Hotel review: Crowne Plaza Hotel Verona, Italy

by | Mar 1, 2017 | Hotel Review, 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

by | Mar 1, 2017 | Hotel Review, 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

by | Mar 1, 2017 | Europe, Italy

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

I want in

Hotel review for Hilton Garden Inn Florence, Italy

Hotel review for Hilton Garden Inn Florence, Italy

by | Feb 26, 2017 | Hotel Review, Italy

Check out my reviews of the Hilton Garden Inn Florence.  During my Italy vacation, 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.

Featured photo by Jason Briscoe.

 

Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli (previously Hilton Novoli)

Via Sandro Pertini, 2/9, FLORENCE, 50127

Hotel Review:

The Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli is a very modern, updated, clean hotel.  This is a really, really nice hotel.  I am surprised to see Hilton change it to a Garden Inn which is a lower tiered category of hotel.  Maybe the level of Garden Inns is going up and I need to adjust my expectations.  Check out their site pics for yourself.

As I mentioned, this is a very modern hotel.  There is onsite gym, restaurant, wi-fi, etc.  I didn’t use these but I am sure they would be up to par.

One thing that wasn’t up to par – and I read on customer forums before I went there – was that the a/c wasn’t working.  I told the front desk but for the 2 nights I stayed, there was no a/c.  The hotel staff provided fans but that only circulated the hot air.  The windows wouldn’t open more than 3 inches.   It’s as if the hotel put an ultra-modern window in there (maybe for winter) but didn’t think about summer.  I was there in May and it was cool and lovely outside.  That is exactly the type of air temperature I would have loved if the window would open fully.

Everything else I loved about this hotel.  Did I mention super-clean and modern?

When I was at this hotel, the roses were in full bloom.  There is a trellis in the back courtyard with climbing roses and they were in full blossom.  Beautiful.  I saw roses in bloom all over Italy – maybe that’s a thing (which I really love).  I regret not asking where to get seeds for those roses.

Neighborhood:

Another wonderful thing about this hotel – even though the location is not in walking distance of the city center – is that it is near a retail shopping strip center sort of thing.  There are cafes, dining, shopping, etc in walking distance which is really nice.

Be sure to check out The Coop (or Cooperative).  This wonderful supermarket is more like a Whole Foods or boutique grocery but without the expensive price tag.  It’s filled with Italian artisinal brands and also has pizza, pasta, cheeses, breads, etc that you can take-away on the go.  The supermarket section has many locally made products that are certified as authentic Italian.  The prices are very reasonable and these items make for great souvenirs.  I got my breakfast items from The Coop every night.  You could easily get a pizza or sandwich to go for the day and pick it up in the morning.  Check it out at e-coop.it

Getting to/from:

To get to the Hilton Garden Inn Florence from the SMN train station, take the local bus 22 going towards Novoli (stop: Ragghianti).  You can also access the city by the local bus ($1-2 euros one way).  To get the bus, exit the hotel entrance and walk 5 minutes on Via Sandro Pertini to the main road, Via di Novoli.  Cross the street to take the local bus 22 heading towards city center (Novoli stop: Stradella).  If arriving at the hotel, exit the bus and you’ll be on the right/closer side to walk down Via Sandro Pertini towards the hotel.

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 16,000 points (with $0 cash).  When I stayed the points needed were closer to 30,000 (which 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 16K points.  Check out how many points are needed here.

City tax of $4.5 euros per person per night applies to all non-residents of Florence.  If you are a resident of Florence, what are the odds of you staying at this hotel in your own city, hmmm?

Recommend (Y/N): Yes

Not only would I recommend this hotel (even with the a/c issue) but I would also stay here if I am in Florence again.

 

Hilton Garden Inn - Novoli

The Coop - Supermarket

Hotel review for Hilton Garden Inn Florence, Italy

Hotel Review: Crowne Plaza Rome, Italy

by | Feb 26, 2017 | Hotel Review, Italy

Below is my hotel review for the Crowne Plaza Rome (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.  The toughest was Rome which makes sense given that it’s a large and visited city.

Featured photo by Jason Briscoe.

 

Crowne Plaza Rome / St Peter’s

Via Aurelia Antica 415 P.O.Box 9076, Rome – 00165, Italy;   Email: cpstpeters@hotel-invest.com

Hotel Review:

My stay was in early May.  This hotel was very clean, modern and everything you would expect from a Crowne Plaza.  It’s not in the heart of Rome but the city is very easily accessible. 

I stayed here using points and was upgraded at check-in to a suite.  This meant an additional, attached room.  My room was a double queen bed layout and the additional room had a couch, extremely huge wooden table (maybe for breakfast or meals), a tv, a walk-out balcony and an extra bathroom (very helpful).

There was always complimentary coffee and tea.  The coffee was Nescafe and I have no idea if it was a distinct roast for Italy but it may be the best instant coffee I’ve ever had.  I had this same one serving package at several other Italian hotels and same deal – really tasty coffee.

This hotel doesn’t have an executive lounge which is a bummer since most Crowne Plazas’ do have them (or is that only in the US?).  In lieu of that, the hotel gave me more points and the suite.

From my rooms’ balcony, I could see a very large Olympic size swimming pool.  Unfortunately, I never made it down to the pool but it was in use by many kids, parents and adults.  I also didn’t get a chance to try out the hotel restaurant.  There is also complimentary wi-fi.

One night we got pizza in the neighborhood near the hotel.  It was an interesting process – the pizza is baked in a giant rectangle which is cut into squares.  There are many options (ie. Different squares with different toppings like potato or mushroom or mozzarella & balsamic, etc).  Then they weigh it and charge by the weight.  The experience was as fun as the pizza was delicious.

Getting to/from:

From FCO airport to the Crowne Plaza Rome was $40 euros for 4 people with 4 carry on bags.  Not sure if that is the going rate or if it’s a seasonal rate but that’s what we paid.  It was a 20-25 minute ride.  Another option is to take a train or bus from FCO to the center of Rome and then take the metro&bus back to this hotel.  I recommend the taxi but if you have the time and want to save the $$, then the bus/train/metro is an option.

If you buy a bus ticket from the front desk (1-2euros), then wait in front of the hotel on Via Aurelia Antica (street).  Take the local city bus (98, 98F, 889 – double check your route) and get off at the metro (stop: Cornelia).  From there, you may access any part of Rome that you want.  If you’re on the bus, you can also see the neighborhood near the hotel which has many shops and food options.  There are supermarkets, pizza places, etc.  In other words, the hotel isn’t isolated as some other American hotels can be in Europe. 

Prior to arriving, I emailed the hotel to ask about transportation.  They shared the following document: Crowne Plaza Rome/St. Peter’s Shuttle

Other:

One thing I do want to mention that pertains to all the hotels I stayed at in Italy – hotels charge you a city tax per person for staying there.  This is similar to the resort tax that many hotels charge in Hawaii or other islands.  This appeared to be a tax on anyone who can afford to stay at an American hotel.  Does anyone have a different take on this?  For my 3 night stay, I paid $80 euros which I thought was much considering I got no extra value for that charge.  City tax is $6 euros per person per night.

Recommend (Y/N): Yes

I would recommend this hotel to anyone wanting to stay in/near Rome, use points for a free hotel night, looking for a more modern hotel or just wondering what this particular hotel is like.  It was so nice that I kind of feel guilty that I didn’t spend more time there – I was out early and back late exploring Rome (which is how I spent most of my trip to Italy).

 

Crowne Plaza St. Peter's Rome

Metro Station - Cornelia