The Opera in Verona

We stayed at the Lady Verona Residence near the Roman Porta Borsari and enjoyed it very much. We had a room with a lovely terrace, although I don't remember the room number.

We saw Carmen, and the arena is definitely worth it.

Have fun.

Stayed at Hotel Torcolo several years ago and would do so again. Good location near Piazza Bra and within walking distance of the Roman Coliseum (where the opera is held), Roman theater, Ponte Scaligero, Basilica San Zeno, the Dante statue, Piazza Erbe, Della Scala tombs, Castelvecchio, and just meandering around the old historic district. Avoid the fake "Juliet's Balcony" and her fake tomb -- just touristy come-ons. Enjoy the many restaurants between Piazza Bra and Piazza Erbe. Examine menus carefully because donkey and horse meat are frequently listed.

In 2015, we absolutely loved the Hotel Giulietta y Romeo, which is 50 metres from the Arena. It's really hard to go wrong in Verona.

http://www.giuliettaeromeo.it/index.cfm/en/

I stayed at Hotel Bologna last time I stayed in Verona because I was going to the opera and traveling alone on that trip. The hotel is a block from Piazza Bra - so close to the arena that I just used the bathroom in my hotel room during the intermission.

Interesting tips, everyone!
@TC -- how are donkey and horsemeat listed on the menus,
and which did you prefer?
I don't recall getting the chance to try any in other Italian cities!

Assino is donkey. Anything with caval has horse in it.

Estimated Prophet is correct about the horse and donkey menu items. But, we had another thought. If it is still allowed, take a cushion to sit on! Stone seats are truly a pain in the behind.

Last time i was at the opera in Verona, 2017, they were renting out cushions when you enter. I don't remember how much they were, but the vendors were inside, past the ticket-takers, and when you handed them the correct amount, in cash Euro, they handed you a cushion. (This was also true when I was there approx. 2008.) Those cushions are absolutely necessary for comfort, whether you are sitting on the stone seats along the side, or sitting in the somewhat more expensive plastic seats with seat backs that have been installed up the middle. The stone seats along the side are "rush" seats - whoever gets to the seat first can sit there. The plastic seats, with better views of the stage area, are assigned seating. You can pick those seats on the website.

EP, except caciocavallo. According to cheese.com:

Caciocavallo, which means "cheese on horseback", gets its name from the manner in which the cheese is always tied together in a rope and dangled over a wooden board to drain and age.

We get good caciocavallo here in Oklahoma, oddly enough, and I always wondered where the name came from. It resembles provolone.

Jane - I recall seeing that cheese - in Oklahoma! - but I never knew what it was called.

2nd vote for Hotel Torcolo but might I also suggest a VRBO rental? I've done that several times and found the convenience worth while, especially if you are in town for several operas). I like to stay in the centro storico when possible. For me, it adds a level of interest to a city that already is captivating (made more so by the operas!).

I'll pass on the donkey and horse meat. Hmmm, what was that in the bolognese?

EP, there's a small town in southeaster OK that was settled by Italian miners. The town is Krebs; it is now locally famous for its Italian restaurants and an Italian grocery store, Lovera's. Lovera's also makes some dandy sausages and caciocavallo cheese. Both are widely available across the state. I've only eaten at one of the restaurants, and didn't much care for it. It's definitely Italian-American, but lots of people are big fans.

I do buy the sausage regularly, and the cheese occasionally.

There are a lot of hotels near the Arena, all good.
My friends from abroad told me Torcolo hotel is ok.
I know the owners (camilla e massimo) of b&b "la finestra sull' Arena" and i know it is very ok.
About opera, yes you need a pillow because the stone is hard. You can rent it or take yours. It 's hot too, because all day the sun warmed it. And you have others people attached to You. The first people to arrive in Arena sit on eitherside of stage, down,near it. So or you enter soon and wait two hours or you will finish far from stage. Much much better reserve seats in parterre.....so you can go out Arena during the interval to drink something in the square, too.

I stayed at Hotel Europa and would certainly recommend it. It's in a very convenient location close to Piazza Bra,and there are lots of restaurants nearby. It's only about a two minute walk from the hotel to the arena where the Opera is held.

I'm not sure what the post-covid situation will be like, but in normal times it's important to book hotels well in advance during opera season.

Slightly related: If you are staying for several days and don't want to buy opera tickets for every performance, you can hear very well from the cafes nearby the amphitheater (I can't remember if this tip was in Rick's guide).

I have stayed in La Finestra sull'Arena and really liked it. I also liked going back there at intermission to use the bathroom, it was that close. It does get some noise post-opera when people are strolling around with their friends, but it doesn't last long. I agree with the previous comment that you should stay as close the the arena as possible, as Aïda at least didn't finish until after 1:00 am. No trains to anywhere at that time of night.

I believe we also stayed at the Torcolo some years ago (it’s a pink building just behind Piazza Bra if memory serves). We went to see Aida (spoiler - they all die) and my memory is that it started and finished late and when we got out we sat outside the hotel sipping pink fizz and chatting with our friends until the wee small hours. But you know, when in Verona.....

The next day, a bit later maybe than usual, we had a wander round the amphitheatre in the daylight which is well worth doing and watched as they swapped the Aida set for Turandot for that evening’s performance. In fact walking through the streets behind the stage end of the arena they were piled high with scenery for the sets of the various different operas that they were performing that season. In the same area at night you might catch performers in full make up and costume having a crafty cigarette between acts!

I second the Hotel Romeo and Giulietta. It is a great place to stay and close to the opera venue.

Before the Covid put the stop on a planned trip for next April, we were going to base in Sirmione on Lake Garda near the Aquaria Thermal Spa, but one evening attend the opera in Verona. Cannot imagine how that would rank in my highlights of my Italy experiences, but it would have to be up there. Hopefully one day!

https://www.arena.it/arena/it/pages/cast-2021.html
Who think the opera is boring...(me)
In 2021 there will Be in Arena :" the lumineers, kiss and simple minds " Too.
https://www.canzoni.it/concerti/italia/verona/

If Mr. Covid will allow it

Hubby and I have stayed twice at Relais Empire Verona. Great rooms, great customer service. Just a short walk to opera

"Who think the opera is boring...(me) "

Me too.
I've been to the opera twice, once at Sydney Opera House, and fell soundly asleep for both productions.
I like the music, but prefer to listen to it while I do housework!

For what it's worth...

As a musician I appreciate the technical expertise by vocalists & players alike to pull off something like this. But I too would get tired of it after a few minutes.

Until...I saw the movie Moonstruck (with Cher & Nicolas Cage) and a theme of the flick is the opera La Boheme by Puccini. That prompted me to buy the CD with the explanation of the acts, and suddenly I 'got' it.

Ever since, I do my homework before seeing an opera, which I've done in Chicago a few times. Otherwise, like the others, I'd probably fall asleep. And to see one at the Verona Opera House, which was built in the 1st Century A.D., come on! History!

The second part of arena restructuring has started. Mayor Sboarina said that's what will allow the Arena to return to its former glory and original luster. a few weeks and the difference will already be visible to the naked eye. The restructuring will also allow the basement to be opened to visitors. Thanks to unicredit bank and cariverona foundation.

https://www.msn.com/it-it/notizie/italia/al-via-il-secondo-cantiere-di-restauro-dellarena-di-verona/ar-BB1aXlLN

Stayed at the Hotel Milano last year and saw Aida. Hotel was within 50 yards of the Arena and had a roof top terrace that looked into the Arena. Very enjoyable.

Verona seems like a city that would be nice to stay and settle for a while. Train to Padua, Venice and Milan. See Lake Garda. Roam around the city and the countryside a bit.

Treviso and Murano look gorgeous! Too many great places to choose from!