Best Western Hotel Biri, Padova

...attractive.

The Best Western Hotel Biri sits just outside the old city of Padova in an area that has been earmarked for development. It's all glass and concrete and tarmac and shopping malls and Macdonalds and...you get the picture. Still, the hotel itself was a belter and an easy 20 minute drive took you to the doorstep (or should that be quayside) of Venice.

As I said, the hotel surroundings are less than salubrious ...
...parkland to the city centre, you'd have to be a gloop of mozarelli short of a pizza to venture in that direction after dark...or during the day. Obviously, I'm exaggerating... but not a lot.
This place is not really geared for the holiday market with buinesses and conference centres close by, but there were quite a few guests who were obviously doing much the same as we were.

It's not surprising realy as it's well situated for ... more

Padova is not the first destination that springs to mind when thinking of Veneto, but a quick scan of the price lists for hotels in the rather damper Venice soon lends it a certain attraction. Yes indeed, Venice was our destination but we were spending just one day there and the hassle of lugging cases around that particular labyrinthian waterworld just to go through the same palaver the next day just made Padova even more attractive.

The Best Western Hotel Biri sits just outside the old city of Padova in an area that has been earmarked for development. It's all glass and concrete and tarmac and shopping malls and Macdonalds and...you get the picture. Still, the hotel itself was a belter and an easy 20 minute drive took you to the doorstep (or should that be quayside) of Venice.

As I said, the hotel surroundings are less than salubrious and although it's theoretically possible to walk through the mostly parkland to the city centre, you'd have to be a gloop of mozarelli short of a pizza to venture in that direction after dark...or during the day. Obviously, I'm exaggerating... but not a lot.
This place is not really geared for the holiday market with buinesses and conference centres close by, but there were quite a few guests who were obviously doing much the same as we were.

It's not surprising realy as it's well situated for access to all of Veneto's attractions. Verona is only about 40 minutes away, Vincenza is just up the road and the Venetian villas are a mere boat trip away. What's more, Padova is a quiet little city that's well worth the exploring.

You can't miss the hotel as it sits right on a busy junction on the main road out towards Venice.
There's ample parking in a secure, enclosed area to the rear of the hotel which is free, although there are also garages at a charge if you really want to protect your wheels. One downside is that there's no rear entrance to the hotel so you have to walk quite a bit to get back to the entrance.

The building looks ultra modern, but in fact it was built in the 30s. Obviously, it's been upgraded since then.

Check in was easy enough and soon we were on our way to our room on the first floor (the hotel has eight). A higher floor might have been nice to take advantage of the view over the city but it wasn't to be.

The room was lovely. Recently modernised and freshly decorated, it was bright and airy. Large windows opened out onto a small balcony (although large for a city) with table and chairs overlooking the main junction at the front of the hotel resplendent with fountain and park.
Never a dull moment here, there was a continuous hustle and bustle of people toing and froing...and in all likelyhood, dealing. Ah yes, it seems we had stumbled upon a ready supply of nefarious substances. Of course, this held no interest for us apart from the entertainment value of people watching.
Our suspicions were realised the next evening when, looking out we saw police swarming the area and searching everyone in sight. I'm not sure if they found anything, but they duly led away a few bodies.

But back to the room.
Nothing out of the ordinary, it was nevertheless comfortable and furnished well. The beds were comfy and there was enough storage space to suit our needs. We had a flat screen TV with a good selection of international channels and also a coffee maker and mini bar. The air conditioning was switched on, which isn't always the case in June in Italy but to be honest, the weather this June was pretty rotten and AC wasn't the most important consideration.

The bathroom was clean and well-lit with everything you'd expect in a bathroom. Toiletries were the usual BW standard...which is average. Not a lot more to be said on the bathroom really.

The hotel has several facilities including a large conference centre, a 3 theatre cinema (not actually theirs, but discounted for guests, a technogym (?) and gymnasium - but to be frank, the only gym I'm interested in is Gym Beam. There's also a bar, pizzeria and a panoramic roof top terrace.

The rooftop terrace is where you'll find the hotel's restaurant which is surprisingly called 'La Terraze'. We ate here one night and I have to say, it was an excellent choice.
The panoramic terrace is well named, and the restaurant is completely surrounded by it. Stunning views of the old city and the domes of the Basilica Sant'Antonio were a high point.
The food in the restaurant was absolutely delicious and the service immaculate. Crisp white linen tablecloths, white walls and subtle lighting gave the restaurant a bright and summery feel.
We had two courses, a couple of beers and a bottle of wine for around £40 which is pretty good considering the exchange rate (even back in June). Hotel restaurants can usually be overpriced and of dubious quality I think.

All in all, a pretty good hotel. The immediate surroundings were not inviting, but the hotel's overall location was good. It was comfortable, quiet (as long as the windows were closed) and friendly. And as for the restaurant, well if I was ever in Padova again, I'd certainly know where to dine.

We paid around 80 euros a night which wasn't too bad then but is a tad more expensive now. Good value though.

©proxam2008 

...less