The Ferro family acquired the Grand Hotel in Verona about 60 years ago, and thanks to their passion for art, their will to meet guests desires, and their foresightedness, they turned it in the Grand Hotel Des Arts.
The Liberty style building was commissioned, at the beginning of the 1920s by the Reichenbach’s, a noble Austrian family who desired an prestigious residence in the elegant city of Verona. Later on, without altering its charming architecture the residence was turned into a hotel, that still today boasts the original beautiful “Verona” red marble floor. Subsequently, with the Ferro’s unique touch it became known as Grand Hotel Des Arts, because the hall, the public areas, and the indoor garden, are decorated with fine furniture, as well as with paintings, and sculptures of famous artists such as Ciardi, Cascella, Minguzzi, Manzù, Purificato, Murer, Arnoldi. Not even the important renovation that took place in 2013, which made it more functional than ever, spoiled in the least the cozy magnificence and historical charm of this hotel.
Moreover, the Grand Hotel Des Arts location is as good as it gets, on the main street that runs from Porta Nuova to the amazing Piazza Brà, the largest square in Italy. Here it is possible to enjoy delicious food and drinks in the many cafes and restaurants from which to admire Palazzo Barbieri, or where to wait for the beginning of a show in the famous Arena that is within the piazza. Originally an amphitheater, the Arena was built nearly 2000 years ago as a place of entertainment for the Romans (50 years before the Colosseum was built), and still today it is a world-famous music venue with a summer opera festival and regular contemporary music performances. Not far from the hotel there is also Juliet’s house with the balcony from which the beautiful Juliet was used to speak to Romeo. In the same courtyard today lovers from around the world exchange promises of eternal love and write their names and romantic phrases on the wall near the entrance, which is known as Juliet’s wall. However, despite the fact that many major tourists attractions are close by, the hotel is away from the hustle and bustle, offering plenty of quiet to the quests.
All of the above is accompanied with a top quality impeccable service – including complimentary chocolate on the pillow each day, bottled water, slippers, drink making facilities in the room, and a complimentary drinks area in the art-filled foyer. Indeed, the staff motto is “We invest each of our smiles to make sure you are completely satisfied”, and some guests compared the smiles of the staff to the beautiful sites they visited in the city.
In the heart of a city of art like Verona, full of history and charm, the Grand Hotel des Arts is, therefore, a proposal for art and culture, as well as of comfort and elegance, for demanding guests.
Ilona Catani Scarlett