Stella De' Tolomei

The whole hotel looks like a palazzo of a native, Ferrarese aristocratic Family (which, as the grand Tolomei surname suggests, it most likely originally is). Part of the palazzo seems still used by either owners, or their on-site house/hotel managers. Another part is used jointly; that includes well-equipped kitchen with a lovely garden with a table where one could arguably enjoy a morning or evening drink/breakfast/ chat. Still other, upper floor is as a as set of guest rooms, a common corridor in Bentham’s panopticon design (with exception of doors that are non-transparent) and a free and helpful city guide in English, and a very comfortable shared bathroom, and common corridor. It is those rooms that are rent to us guests. There is no elevator, but the guest floor is reachable by climbing a solid, palazzo-style staircase. My room was small but it contained all the things necessary, including a well-functional floor air conditioner, mosquito net for the window (both all-important in May-to-October Italy), ample storage of blankets and duvets and a desk table with light for work. Interiors seem renovated not long ago. Both check-in and check-out automatic and working smooth. Out of the palazzo, a charming historic area opens up, as the palazzo hapend to be located right in the oldest center of Ferrara, a former Byzantine fortress. The city center with Saint’ George cathedral is within 7-10 minutes walking down touristy streets with lovely, well-stocked bookshops, artisanal bottegas and family-run as well as franchise cafes, pasticcerias and trattorias along the way. This guest-palazzo experience seems to be a fitting part of a recreational trip to Ferrara, that I would highly recommend for cultured romantic couples (for that specific guesthouse, where Female partner is OK with rustic style). As the city itself provide amazing vibe and experience. Did not expect to encounter that when booking a room for brief respite during an intercity transit.

Nothing worth mentioning

The whole building had an vintage vibe in it, i knew my wife would love it and we all did. We had our own car and got the garage as well which itself is an experience as we got to drive in Ferrara center and explore it with the ZTL pass. Yes the steps are squeaky, yes some corridors are narrow, but those are parts of the vintage experience. The hostess was really nice and the check-in was easy even tough we arrived quite late.

It was hot in Italy during that period and even with the air conditioning on, the room was still quite hot, but still in the end we slept good. The fine print costs do raise the price quite a bit, so take a look at those before booking as this turned out the most expensive house we slept during our journey from Finland.

Beautiful property on a lovely street and right at the center.

The apartment was very homey and the staff was very helpful. There was a shared kitchen and an outdoor area for sitting.

The room was small and had an unfortunate sulphur smell from the water(?). There were 3 sets of steps to climb the last were quite steep and narrow.