Hotel Casa del Pellegrino

Hotel Casa del Pellegrino carries a name that means the pilgrim's house, and it fits a city that has welcomed pilgrims for centuries. People have come to Padua to honour St Anthony since the Middle Ages, and the city has long had simple, honest places to stay for those who travel on a modest budget. This hotel is a straightforward, good-value base in the central part of town for visitors who want a clean room and a sensible location. From the centre you can reach much of what makes Padua special on foot or by a short tram ride. The Scrovegni Chapel with Giotto's frescoes, the market squares and the Palazzo della Ragione, the university quarter and Prato della Valle are all part of the compact historic city. The Basilica of St Anthony, the most visited sight in the city, is a major draw for pilgrims, and staying at a simple hotel in the centre keeps the cost of a visit down. Expect basic comforts rather than extras. Rooms are generally plain, clean and quiet by city standards, with private bathrooms in most cases, and the service is friendly and practical. Do not expect a spa, a bar or a grand lobby. The point of a place like this is a comfortable bed at a fair price, so that more of your budget goes on food, tickets and day trips.

Because simple hotels can vary a lot between rooms, read the category details carefully when you book. Check the size of the room, whether it has a private bathroom, which floor it is on and whether a lift serves it. Ask whether breakfast is included. A basic continental breakfast of coffee, pastries, bread and jam is common at this level, and Padua's cafes offer excellent alternatives at modest prices if you prefer to go out.

A good day from a central base starts with a coffee and a pastry in one of the old squares, followed by the Scrovegni Chapel on a booked slot, a walk through the market squares and a lunch of local specialities such as bigoli with duck ragu or a plate of cured meats and cheese. In the afternoon, visit the Basilica of St Anthony, remembering that shoulders and knees should be covered, and finish with a stroll round Prato della Valle, where the statues and canal make a pleasant place to watch the light fade. Aperitivo hour in the squares is the best way to end the day.

Padua is also a convenient and affordable base for the wider region. Trains reach Venice in about half an hour, Vicenza and Verona are easy rail trips, and the Euganean Hills and the Brenta canal are accessible by bus or organised tour. Staying in Padua and travelling to Venice often costs far less than a room in Venice itself, which is one of the main reasons budget-minded travellers choose it.

Practical matters include parking, which can be limited and costly in the centre, so ask the hotel about options before you drive in. Most visitors arrive by train, and a taxi or tram will complete the journey. June brings pilgrims for the feast of St Anthony, and fairs and graduations fill rooms at other times, so book early for those dates. Quieter periods often offer the best prices.

This is a sensible choice for pilgrims, backpackers, solo travellers and families who need simple, central accommodation. If you want historic atmosphere or resort-style facilities, other hotels in this guide offer more, but for value and location it is hard to fault the idea.