Unbelievable Verona Getaway: Best Western Plus Expo Villafranca Awaits!
Unbelievable Verona Getaway: Best Western Plus Expo Villafranca - My Honest, Rambling Review! (Buckle Up!)
Okay, so Verona. Romantic Verona. Romeo and Juliet's Verona. And me? Well, I was there. At the Best Western Plus Expo Villafranca, to be precise. And let me tell you, it wasn't exactly Shakespearean, but it was still… an experience. Let's dive in, because honestly, I've got a lot to unpack. This isn't your standard dry hotel review; I'm here to spill the espresso beans.
First Impressions & Accessibility - The Surprisingly Smooth Start:
Right off the bat, the accessibility was a HUGE relief. I’m talking wheelchair accessible – ramps, elevators, the whole shebang. Finding a genuinely accessible hotel is a gamble, even in 2024! This one, though? Solid. The elevator being readily available was a blessing, especially after a long, tiring day of travel. And the facilities for disabled guests were clearly thought out. (Unlike that one hotel in Prague… shudders). The car park [free of charge] was a huge bonus – less hassle and less cash down the drain! It was a good first impression, and the front desk [24-hour] folks were genuinely friendly when I arrived – a nice touch after a flight delay.
Cleanliness and safety/Hygiene - Did They Really Clean?
Look, after the last few years, cleanliness is PARAMOUNT. And the Villafranca took it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products were used, I was told (I didn't see them, but I trust the word). They offered room sanitization opt-out – which I appreciated! Like, I'm a germophobe, but I don't need to feel like my room's been nuked every day! Rooms sanitized between stays, check. Daily disinfection in common areas, check. Staff trained in safety protocol – well, they seemed to be, and that went a long way. They even had hand sanitizer readily available, including as you go into the restaurants. The safe dining setup was reassuring, and they got rid of shared stationery, which I LOVED. Just the fact they even considered those details meant a lot. I even noticed sterilizing equipment, which is a level of dedication you just have to love.
My Room: The Good, the Bad, and the Oh-So-Comfy Bed:
My room? Comfortable. Very comfortable. The air conditioning worked like a charm (crucial in the Verona heat!). The free Wi-Fi? Solid. I could stream movies without interruption (critical for a weary traveler). The bed was seriously excellent. I’m talking deep, restorative sleep excellent. I could have stayed in bed for days, frankly. The blackout curtains were a godsend. The mini bar was tempting (but I resisted those overpriced snacks). The shower was good. The hair dryer worked (always a win!). But! My room had a slight, tiny, insignificant (but annoying) problem. The mirror was in a weird location! Made taking the perfect selfie a little…challenging. But honestly? A minor quibble in the grand scheme of things.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Rollercoaster
Alright, let's talk food. The breakfast [buffet] was… a mixed bag. There was the usual Western breakfast, plus some Asian breakfast options, which was a nice touch. Decent coffee and there were plenty of desserts in restaurant! Some days were better than others. I enjoyed the breakfast takeaway service to take it back to the room, and felt all kinds of sophisticated having it. The restaurants themselves offered a mix of international cuisine in restaurant, and I even tried the vegetarian restaurant. And the a la carte in restaurant options were great too! This is where I hit one of my biggest stumbling blocks, and, I have to admit, it's totally my fault. I over-ordered. I thought, "I'm on vacation! I deserve it!" So I said "Yes" to the offer of room service [24-hour] one night when I was exhausted. And I ordered the biggest, greasiest pizza the hotel offered. I regretted it almost immediately. I spent the rest of the night lying in bed, feeling like a beached whale. Note to self: eat with moderation. There's also a poolside bar, which I found refreshing on that really hot day.
The Not-So-Secret Spa (or, My Attempt At Relaxation):
I'm not a spa person. Usually. But the Villafranca's spa was tempting. They've got a sauna, a steamroom, and a massage service. And a pool with view, I hear. I decided to be adventurous. I opted for a massage. This is where things got hilariously awkward. The therapist, bless her heart, tried her best, but I have a ticklish back. Like, seriously ticklish. The whole massage was a symphony of me trying not to burst out laughing. It was a foot bath experience that was memorable, in the sense that I will never forget it. I tried to look relaxed. I failed spectacularly. But hey! Things to do, ways to relax. At least I tried, right?
The Extras: Services and Conveniences (and My Near-Miss with the Gift Shop):
The hotel had tons of services/conveinences. Honestly, a bit overwhelming. There was a concierge, laundry service, dry cleaning, a convenience store, a gift/souvenir shop – the works. The concierge was actually really helpful with directions and recommendations (even for someone like me). I almost fell into the trap of the gift/souvenir shop! I was just about to buy a VERY cheesy "I heart Verona" t-shirt, but I managed to escape before I committed the fashion crime of the century. The luggage storage came in handy. And the car park [on-site] was a blessing.
For the Kids:
If you're travelling with children, this hotel seems like a winner. Family/child friendly, they have babysitting service, and kids facilities – which I can't comment on, since I did not bring any kids. Good for them, I reckon.
The Verdict: Would I Return?
Overall? Yes. Despite my spa debacle and the pizza fiasco, the Best Western Plus Expo Villafranca delivered. It was clean, generally accessible, well-equipped, and the staff were genuinely helpful. It's a good base for exploring Verona. It's not perfect, but it's a solid choice. Just…maybe skip the tickle massage. And pace yourself with the pizza.
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Final Grade: 4 out of 5 awkward massage sessions.
Khao Yai's LUXURY Hideaway: Unbelievable Juldis Mansion Suite Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into… well, my trip to the Best Western Plus Hotel Expo Villafranca di Verona, Italy. And let me tell you, it's gonna be a wild ride. Get ready for some serious emotional whiplash, questionable decisions, and the kind of observations that'll make you question my sanity. Let's get messy!
Day 1: Arrival – Or, the Case of the Missing Charger (and My Sanity)
Target Time: 10:00 AM -ish (Actually, more like 11:30 AM, thanks to that Ryanair flight that thinks punctuality is optional).
- Okay, so picture this: me, looking like a slightly stressed-out panda bear thanks to the utter disaster of my recent red-eye flight. Seriously, why do airlines think shoving you into a sardine can at this hour is acceptable? I swear, I’m pretty sure I woke up with someone’s elbow digging into my ribs. But hey, we made it!
- Problem Number One: The Rental Car. "It'll be fine," I told myself. "I can navigate the Italian countryside with my limited Italian." Famous. Last. Words. Finding the rental desk at Verona Airport was a wild goose chase. I'm pretty sure I accidentally signed up for a timeshare in Sardinia while trying to locate the poor bewildered Hertz employee.
12:30 PM -ish: The Hotel!
- Finally! The Best Western Plus Expo! It looks… nice. Clean lines, modern. Definitely a step up from the airport. The lobby smells faintly of that strangely pleasant, slightly artificial "hotel air freshener". You know the one.
- Problem Number Two: The Charger Apocalypse. You know that feeling when you reach a new place and realize…you left your phone charger at home? Yeah. That feeling is currently my entire emotional state. It's a crisis, people! How am I supposed to document my every pasta-fueled whim without a fully charged phone? Panicked googling of "nearest electronics store" commenced. (Spoiler alert: It involved a lot of flailing Italian and a particularly confusing hand-gesture involving what looked like a squirrel and a pizza.)
- The room is thankfully spacious. And the air conditioning WORKS! Hallelujah. But wait…am I imagining things…or are those two twin beds pushed together? Guess I can't be picky – at least I'm not sleeping in a closet tonight.
2:00 PM: Lunch! (or, the first pasta-fueled confession)
- Found a tiny trattoria nearby. It was a stroke of pure dumb luck. Absolutely no English spoken (score!), which forced me to stumble through ordering. I think I ordered "a plate of happiness" and "possibly a small dog".
- What I actually got was: Tagliatelle al Ragù. Oh. My. GOD. I am currently experiencing extreme pasta-related joy. The sauce was rich, the pasta perfectly al dente… I almost cried. Seriously. I think I'm in love with Italian food. Help.
- Also, I may have shamelessly used the bread to mop up every last drop. Don't judge me.
Afternoon: Finding a Charger & Maybe Some Sanity
- The electronics store adventure was… memorable. Let’s just say that the combination of my broken Italian, the store clerk’s questionable English, and the sheer amount of options made me want to bury my head in a bowl of pasta.
- Victory! A universal charger purchased! My phone is saved. The world is once again vibrant and full of Instagram opportunities. (First thing I do: upload a massive plate of pasta).
Evening: Hotel Reconnaissance + Mild Existential Dread
- Back to the hotel. Wandered around, checking out the (rather underwhelming) gym. The pool looked inviting, but I chickened out. I'm the kind of person who always feels like they’re being judged in public pools, which is probably an indication of some deep-seated personal issues.
- Sat on the balcony and had a mini-meltdown. The beautiful view was overshadowed by the gnawing sensation that I might be completely and utterly alone. It's moments like these when you realize the world keeps turning regardless of your personal dramas. You'd think I'd be used to this by now. Sigh.
- Tried to order room service, succeeded! It was… fine. Incredibly convenient. The pizza, though!
Day 2: Verona: Romeo & Juliet (and a Whole Lot of Walking)
- Morning: Attempt at breakfast (buffet!) – Failed. The coffee was weak, the bread was… well, let's just say I've had better. I think I ended up with mostly pastries, which is probably a bad sign.
- Verona! The Arena: Oh. My. God. Seeing The Arena, it's HUGE. I thought I knew what I expected, but nothing prepped me! I spent a solid half-hour just wandering around in awe. The scale of it! The history! You can practically feel the ghosts of gladiators. Very cool experience.
- Juliet's Balcony & The Crowd: Okay, I’m not usually one for super-touristy things, but I had to see Juliet’s balcony. The chaos was real. Everywhere, people squashing to get a photo in front of the balcony. It’s a little cheesy, but you can’t help but get swept up in the romantic atmosphere. People write love letters, and stick them to the wall. A lot of them. I didn't. I just felt really very single at that moment.
- A Serious Meal Breakdown:
- Lunch! Decided to try a trattoria on a side street. The smell of cooking garlic wafted through the air, beckoning me.
- Ordered: Risotto all'Amarone and a glass of Amarone di Verona.
- Okay, guys. I'm not going to lie. By the time I finished, I was well and truly tipsy. Amarone is some serious, potent stuff!
- My emotional reactions to the Risotto were off the charts. A flood of Italian joy. Seriously, the rice was perfectly cooked, the Amarone wine-infused was rich, the cheese, the flavours were so overwhelming rich. My eyes got misty. I think I even gave a tiny round of applause when the waiter took the empty plate away.
- I am now in danger of becoming a pasta-and-wine-addicted cliche, but I don’t care. Worth it.
- Afternoon: Wandering, aimlessly. Getting lost. Discovering hidden piazzas. Loving the faded beauty of the buildings. This is precisely what makes travel magic.
- Evening: A quiet dinner back at the hotel…room service, again. Might have overdone it. Seriously, my bank account is in trouble, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to wake up in a pasta coma.
Day 3: Verona, Revisited & Departure
- Morning: Awful. Not going to lie, I woke up feeling like a brick. Breakfast: skip the buffet. Went to a cafe for a proper cappuccino and a cornetto. Much better start.
- A Second Chance at Verona - The Gardens:
- The Giardino Giusti was calling my name! Needed some sunshine. Walked through the gardens, the view from the top was magnificent. I decided to take everything in and just be in the moment. I watched some kids play in the green, I watched the sun, I sat on a bench. It was a good moment.
- Souvenir shopping. (Ugh.) I hate souvenir shopping! Mostly because I’m terrible at it. Ended up buying a bunch of stuff I probably don't need.
- Lunch: Back in the city. Found a little place that does a great, local, cacio e pepe.
- Afternoon: Departure to… well, back to the real world. The trip went by too quickly!
- The Drive Back to the airport was, thankfully, uneventful. Actually, that’s a lie. I did get slightly lost, but it added to the experience, didn’t it?
- The Airport: The airport was predictably packed. I did make it safely though!
Reflections
- This trip wasn't perfect. It was messy, emotional, and often hilarious for the wrong reasons.
- Did I figure out myself? Probably not. Did I eat a truly embarrassing amount of carbs? Absolutely. Did I love every minute of it? Mostly.
- Italy is amazing, the best place on earth, the food is to
Unbelievable Verona Getaway: Best Western Plus Expo Villafranca - Uh... Is It REALLY Unbelievable? Let's Find Out! FAQs
So, "Unbelievable Verona Getaway"... Is that, like, hyperbole? Because, let's be real, sometimes hotels *lie*.
Villafranca? Where even IS that? And is it…boring?
The Rooms: Are they actually as nice as the photos? Because Photoshop is a cruel mistress.
Breakfast: The make-or-break moment for any hotel. What's the damage?
What about the staff? Are they friendly, or the stony-faced type?
Parking situation? Because driving in Italy is…an adventure.
The Pool! Did it live up the hype?
Value for money? Would you go back?
AnyStay Collective
