The Palazzo Arrivabene B&B is an amazing place - truly palatial entry hall and stairs, and super comfortable reception rooms with massive ceilings and grand doorways. You ARE in a palace!

Stayed in June 2025

A warm welcome from even before I arrived. I lost my crown the night before my arrival and wonderful Claudio made a call to his personal dentist and I had an appointment to have it cemented in the very next afternoon after my arrival. The ambiance of this Palazzo is so wonderful. The fantastic breakfast is far superior to what I expected. I really appreciated the many tips for where to eat and enjoy an Aperitivo. And, I learned much about local history when Claudio took time to chat with me at breakfast. I even met his sweet 90 year/old mother!

Stayed in April 2025

nothing

the total elegance

Stayed in November 2024

I am quite picky about my pillows, so I do think the pillows could’ve been a little softer:).

This hotel is in an excellent location. The interior is an absolute treasure. You are actually staying in a former palace with fresco paintings on the 20 foot high ceilings. Truly magical. Claudio and his mother Luciana are delightful hosts.

Stayed in October 2024

The peaceful and gracious environment.

Stayed in June 2024

Palazzo Arrivabene was a dream place to stay. A beautiful palazzo, with a wonderful interior, and very clean and stylish too. Claudio and his mother are immensely charming and their help and breakfasts were wonderful. There is no better way to discover Mantova, or any other city in the neighbourhood, than by staying in this place.

Stayed in April 2024

We loved everything!

Really a beautiful Palazzo as described, but better, because it is also a home. Luciana and Claudio were such gracious and helpful hosts, and you felt so looked after. The residence is full of history, huge elegant public rooms, more intimate bedrooms, with brand new bathrooms. The breakfast really is superb, fresh fruit, special cereals etc, and the most wonderful selection of cakes (mostly made by Luciana) and pastries. As noted by others, there are stairs, but your bag is deftly carried up by Claudio.... the whole experience of Mantua was heightened by staying here. Very well located too.

Stayed in April 2024

Palazzo Arrivabene wasn’t just a place to stay for the night, it was an experience. Claudio and his delightful mum were so welcoming , and you could tell they wanted you to enjoy their home and hospitality.

Stayed in April 2024

Nothing !!

Historic and beautiful, close walk to train station and the main sites to visit

Stayed in April 2024

If I really wanted to be picky, the pillows could have been softer (but they probably would have been changed had I asked as it seemed nothing was too much trouble for Claudio) and it would have felt even more special if there had been luxury toiletry amenities in the bathroom instead of very basic sachets of shower gel. But sensibly, there was nothing to not like!

Everything about our stay was special - from arrival to departure. Personal, special attention was paid to all details and we were made to feel as if we were staying in the home of friends. The bedroom was massive with slippers and dressing gowns provided, breakfast at the long table in the exceptional dining room was delicious and plentiful (delicious local cheeses, salami made especially for Claudio, plentiful pastries, etc.) and the lounge, freely available for our use was magnificent. Our very own palazzo in the centre of Mantova with a key to the front door. Claudio arranged a transfer from the airport on arrival and both he and his mother were charming hosts. 2 other couples were also staying at the same time - one couple had visited 10 times so that is plenty of recommendation. The location was central but in a quiet street and only 5 minutes walk to the station if required. Very easy walk to all sights, shops and restaurants and such a beautiful city to visit.

Stayed in March 2024

Nothing

Palazzo Arrivabene is a lovely palazzo in the historic area of Mantova. The location is perfect because you are within easy walking distance of all the sights. It is in a limited traffic zone, but we were fortunate to get street parking and our host provided the permit. The palazzo is elegantly furnished, with incredibly high ceilings, frescoes and large, shared areas for breakfast and lounging. Our room also had space for relaxing in private. Claudio and his charming mother were wonderful hosts and offered many suggestions for sightseeing and dining. One of the most elegant places we have stayed!

Stayed in September 2023

Niente! E stato perfetto!

It was lovely to see Claudio and his mother Luciana again after staying at their wonderful home some 12 years ago! Palazzo Arrivabene is an absolutely beautiful place to stay in one of our favourite Italian cities. Parking is nearby if you cannot get a place outside on the street and within minutes you can walk into the centre of Mantua. You could not ask for more lovely hosts. The room was comfortable, well equipped and spotlessly clean and breakfast was lovely. Grazie Mille Luciana e Claudio!

Stayed in September 2023

Claudio is the most generous, knowledgable, friendly and congenial host I've encountered in my travels. He went above and beyond to arrange a private historic library visit in another city (on a day it was closed)! Do not hesitate to book a room here. From the host's warm welcome and hospitality throughout my 1 day stay to the decadent cheese, sweet pastries & cakes, cafe, tea fruit, and ham breakfast to the well-stocked art, history, architecture bookshelves for curiosity feasting in the living room salon to the original Renaissance ceiling frescos in the grand hall enterance to the spacious antique decorated bedroom & bathroom, you feel like you're time traveling- mingling the present moment with 15th century Italian Renaissance. It's on a quiet side street a few blocks walking distance from all the city center sights and only 20 minutes between both famous Palazzos. Mantova was by far my favorite city to visit- away from the maddening Venice, Milan, Rome, Florence tourist crowds, with world class art collections in Palazzo Te and Ducale, mouth watering gelato, al fresco dining, etc.

Stayed in June 2023

No negatives, Arrivabene is a dream B&B.

Arrivabene is the B&B of my dreams, kind hosts in a beautiful family home which combines history with modern comfort and a terrific location in the heart of a lovely small town.

Stayed in May 2023

Nothing. Quiet despite central location

Historic Palazzo preserves 18th century architecture, frescoes, comfortable furnishings and respite after busy sight-seeing in Mantua. Convenient walk to historic center.

Stayed in March 2023

Nothing

The owners were wonderfully helpful and charming. Everything worked very well.

Stayed in April 2023

Right from the start, Claudio gave us great instructions, helpful and responsive. The Palazzo is an amazing building and as our host, he couldn't have been more knowledgeable about the city and what we should see and do. On our first night he rang around and found us a fantastic place for dinner at really short notice. We were made to feel so welcome and breakfast was always relaxed and friendly with great conversation. The whole stay was just perfect for us!

Stayed in October 2022

nothing

stunning

Stayed in October 2022

You don’t expect an elevator in an old Palazzo, so expect to walk up some stairs….

This a beautiful Palazzo built in the 1500’s. Beautiful high ceilings, frescos and paintings. You feel like royalty. Claudio is the owner and was very very helpful, especially helping with our luggage up the many stairs to our room and with suggestions and recommendations for restaurants, etc. His mother is a very gracious hostess and handles the breakfasts, which are delightful.

Stayed in October 2022

Very nice staff. Good breakfast. Great location. Very nice room.

Stayed in September 2022

nothing

A stunning architectural masterpiece. Palatial main rooms and an entry that would put Buckingham Palace to shame. Rooms were spacious and ever so comfortable. New Italian Modern baths! A first family of Mantua runs this property which has been in their possession since 1916. Their hospitality is unmatched.

Stayed in September 2022

Incredible ambience in a beautiful Palazzo, with a great location in the old city centre. Delicious breakfast with cakes and coffee and very nice hosts. Not many cars around so very quiet too.

Stayed in September 2022

Very good breakfast, amazing place (attractions like in museum!), great hosts

Stayed in July 2022

It could have been even better with a kettle

Very good food in a communal dining room

Stayed in June 2025