Majestic Toscanelli

Majestic Toscanelli is one of the places to stay when you want to be inside the old centre of Padua rather than near it. It belongs to the part of town where the medieval and Renaissance city is still the everyday city, with covered markets, arcaded lanes and squares that have been busy for centuries. The historic centre is Padua at its most appealing. The twin market squares of Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta, divided by the huge roofed Palazzo della Ragione, are a short walk away, and so are the university quarter around Palazzo Bo, the cafes of Piazza dei Signori and the lanes where students and families gather in the evening. The Scrovegni Chapel with its Giotto frescoes and the Basilica of St Anthony are within reach on foot, and Prato della Valle, one of the largest squares in Europe, is a pleasant stroll beyond. Expect a more characterful stay than at a business hotel, with a smaller scale, historic atmosphere and rooms that vary in size and style. Facilities are those of an upscale city hotel rather than a resort, and the main luxury is the location. When you book, compare room categories, because older buildings often have a mix of larger rooms, compact rooms and rooms facing the street or an inner courtyard.

A stay in the heart of the centre changes the rhythm of a visit. You can walk to the market in the morning, when stallholders set up under the arcades and the smell of coffee mixes with fruit and cheese, and return in the late afternoon for a rest before the evening aperitivo. Streets around the squares become lively on weekend evenings, so light sleepers should ask for a quieter room, and consider an inner courtyard side if one is available.

Many visitors plan around timed entries. The Scrovegni Chapel requires a booked slot, the anatomy theatre at Palazzo Bo is visited on a guided tour, and the Basilica of St Anthony has dress rules, with shoulders and knees covered. A central hotel makes it easy to fit these around a long lunch, and the same location lets you pop back to your room between sights. Padua is also a good hub for day trips: Venice by train, the Brenta canal villas by boat or bus, and the Euganean Hills for wine, spas and walking.

Food is a highlight. Seasonal dishes such as bigoli with duck ragu, risotto, baccala and the region's cured meats appear on the menus of small trattorias near the squares, and the local sparkling and still wines make a good match. For breakfast, find out what the hotel offers and consider trying a pastry and coffee at one of the old cafes in the squares.

Practical matters in the historic centre include traffic limits and narrow streets. Taxis can reach most hotels, though some lanes are pedestrian, so you may walk the last few minutes with your bag. If you arrive by car, ask the hotel about parking and the best route before you reach the centre. Check whether a lift is available if stairs are a concern, and ask about luggage storage if you arrive early.

This is a good fit for couples, food lovers and travellers who want atmosphere and a prime address, and it is a good alternative to hotels near the station. Book early for June, when pilgrims arrive for the feast of St Anthony, and for fairs and university graduation periods. Compare cancellation terms and look at flexible rates if your plans may change.