Casa Babbuino provides a special experience. If you need front-of-house staff bowing as you enter, towels changed every day, or someone to bring you coffee, this place ain't for you. But if you like beautiful art, sitting quietly in nature, whimsical décor and being away from the noisy centre of town, book it now, as they have only four rooms.
When you enter, you're in a large space with comfy chairs, interesting books, a long dining table, a sound system connected to a tablet with several music playlists to choose from. Everywhere you look you see interesting art and of course baboons. I love the burnished black and tan floor tiles laid in a herringbone pattern.
The kitchen is at the back, just beyond the ground floor washroom. The kitchen is pretty small, but has every utensil you need for cooking and eating. They provide a small guest fridge with a container for your stuff, labelled for each room. There's a grocery store just down the road where you can stock up. I was really glad to be able to make eggs in the morning and sandwiches for the afternoon. Italy is so expensive, plus I get tired of croissants every day. It was hard to find an eggs-and-bacon breakfast place, and when we did, it was always pricey, and I'd rather spend my restaurant money on cichetti, pasta, fegato and wine.
We were blest with good weather most days, so it was possible to eat outside in the back garden. The trellis was full of delicious grapes and there's an herb garden at the back. Again, the garden is full of whimsical sculptures and art.
Our room ['Surf'] was large and looked out on to the garden. The street wasn't noisy at night, but I would request a back room, also I think the front rooms are smaller.
Check-in was very easy. Sophia, a temporary resident, was there to let us in, give us our card, show us everything and explain how it all worked. She had suggestions for restaurants, groceries and a laundromat. When we needed more supplies, we just left her a note and supplies appeared. It was very pleasant, when our paths crossed, to chat and share stories.
It's true that you're out of the city centre. You have to walk about 20 minutes to get to Ponte Pietro. My husband figured out the city bus system, and it served us well. We never had to wait too long.
Also, when we arrived, we walked from the Verona Porta Vescovo train station [not the main Porta Nuova station], less than 15 minutes.
It's a real neighbourhood, fun to walk through, with a South Asian component, so lots of restaurant choices if you're tired of pasta. If that's possible.
We had really good food at Osteria da Morandin, just up the road. Be there right at 7:30 if you want a table for dinner.
Casa Babbuino provides:
free coffee and tea. The espresso maker is grrrreat.
a full kitchen with stovetop, oven, microwave, kettle, salt, pepper, oil and vinegar
flat and fizzy water
a kettle in your room
Casa Babbuino does not have:
an elevator. All rooms require a walk up stairs.
a toaster
Casa Babbuino asks that you:
wash and put away your own dishes
sort your own garbage and recycling
IT
UA