Residenza Cavour

“Perfectly Placed in Parma!”

Location could not be better on one of the pedestrian shopping streets and the room was wonderfully quiet at night. I was there during the heat wave and the AC was a bit challenged but ok. The apartment was basic but comfortable enough for two nights. Check-in at the Novotel was easy.

“The good, the bad, and the ugly...”

First, for location and the general size and comfort of the apartment, I give 10s. We were thrilled when we walked into the spacious apartment full of huge windows with a view over the tiled rooftops of Parma and the major central sites. The bathroom was large and comfortable, it was nice to have a… more

First, for location and the general size and comfort of the apartment, I give 10s. We were thrilled when we walked into the spacious apartment full of huge windows with a view over the tiled rooftops of Parma and the major central sites. The bathroom was large and comfortable, it was nice to have a kitchen and bedroom separate (we didn't use the kitchen because there's an extra charge). The central location is also absolutely perfect and, in my opinion, outweighs the negative things I will now report. It was a one or two-minute walk to meet our TastyBird tour (recommend) of parmesan cheese and prosciutto making establishments. Overall, we loved it. However, upon arrival at the Astoria Hotel where you check in, and despite my giving a 24-hour notice of our arrival, we were informed there is NO shuttle to the Residenza Cavour. This came as a contradiction to all that is advertised about this hotel on Expedia and Trip Advisor. So they called a taxi, which we paid for. It wouldn't have been an issue if it wasn't advertised otherwise. Second, the bedding..oh my! Imagine a piece of plywood covered with a thin quilt batting and a plastic tarp, then a thin sheet and old, yucky bedspreads blankets from great-grandma's attic. The beds were REALLY bad and I would think such a great establishment could put a little money into better bedding. I could feel the plastic under the sheet and the bed was the most awful I have EVER slept on. They again booked a taxi back to the Astoria when we left, which we paid for. So, other than bedding and the non-existent shuttle (which I rate 0), I give the rest a 10.

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“Great stay in the heart of Parma”

The residence is in the very heart of the city, right in the centre of the shopping area and just a short walking distance some amazing churches and museums. The staff was extremely welcoming and very pleasant. The fact that you have to check-in somewhere else is definitely not amazing, but the dis… more

The residence is in the very heart of the city, right in the centre of the shopping area and just a short walking distance some amazing churches and museums. The staff was extremely welcoming and very pleasant. The fact that you have to check-in somewhere else is definitely not amazing, but the distance is manageable by walk. Overall, though, it was an amazing stay.

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“Great Location but Some Logistical Issues”

We stayed for 2 nights in September. The city centre of Parma is a ZTL so you can't drive your car to the accomodation. Instead, you have to drive to the Novotel Hotel (near the Station) which is to the north of the City. As long as you approach via the roads / motorways (ie. E35) from the nor… more

We stayed for 2 nights in September. The city centre of Parma is a ZTL so you can't drive your car to the accomodation. Instead, you have to drive to the Novotel Hotel (near the Station) which is to the north of the City. As long as you approach via the roads / motorways (ie. E35) from the north, you should be fine to get to the Novotel, but like other Italian cities the ZTL uses cameras to pick up those vehicles without the necessary permits. If you don't know the city, I'd recommend checking your route with the hotel to avoid any fines. We parked the car at the Novotel Hotel (chargeable). I'm sure I read that there was a shuttle bus between the Novotel and the Residence Cavour, but when I asked about this, it apparently wasn't possible. Instead, you are given a map with directions and it took about 10 mins to walk with luggage etc. The bit that is missed off the map is that Residence Cavour is above the Zara store on the right hand side of the main street - which makes it easier to find! Once arrived at the accommodation, we were impressed with the size of the apartment - lots of space and well equipped, and windows that opened onto the street - plus aircon as well. There's also a lift to the accommodation. As per other reviews, if you wish to use the kitchen facilities, you had to pay an extra charge (20Euros I believe), but we didn't use those. Instead, you are well located in the accommodation, right in the heart of Parma which is a lovely city with plenty of restaurants and bars. The bedding on the bed was a sheet and thin bedcover which was fine except it did get chilly at night. In the wardrobe, there was a pack containing spare pillows, fresh bedlinen and a nice blanket, but as per photo, there was a sign on the pack to say that if you used it then an additional charge of 50Euros, so we didn't use it. It's a shame that the logistics leave a bit of a bad impression - because at the end of the day, the accommodation is in a great location, perfect for exploring the beautiful city of Parma.

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