Great hosts, great apartment, great town!

Guest: Janet and Larry (Montrose, Colorado, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/21/08 Review Submitted: 06/16/08

Due Colonne is indeed a wonderful place to stay. We were there for a week in May. The photos on the website represent the apartment perfectly, and Marco and his parents were enthusiastic hosts and very easy to deal with. Like others, we really appreciated the washing machine! The building was very quiet; there was some occasional noise from the bar at the corner when we had the windows open in the evening. We had a memorable meal (very reasonably priced, we thought) at Hosteria 700 in Piazza Gallina and enjoyed a pizza at Pomorodo, just across the street from the apartment. Good lunch places are the cafeteria 44 Piatti at Via Torriani 11 (thanks, Lonely Planet) and Piadineria on Via Platina (Rough Guide). Another piadineria is near the west end of Corso Vittoria Emanuele. Our favorite prosecco stop was Gelateria Pierrot (great gelato, too!). Also check out Gelateria Principe at the east end of Viale Trento e Trieste. A third good one is Casa del Gelato, Corso V. Emanuele 59/61. We were lucky to hear a concert at Teatro Ponchielli: Kurt Masur conducting an orchestra of young Italian conservatory-trained musicians who were fabulous. The audience even demanded an encore. Hearing the "Cremonese" Stradivarius played was also a treat. On our seventh trip to Italy, we finally made it to Cremona and are so glad we did! We would love to return.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+.

Living like a Cremonese

Guest: brad b.
Date of Stay: 12/17/11 Review Submitted: 01/19/12

My Wife and I had a wonderful stay at Due Colonne in December. The apartment was spotless, it has a queen-size comfortable bed. We rented the self-catering apartment here for three weeks in winter while visiting friends and family, no need to worry because it is a very warm apartment, spacious and cozy. As the other reviews indicate there are plenty of Cafes and restaurants within very short walking distance, it's in a good location where you don't need a car to get around. We really loved our stay here in Cremona, It has a lovely park, city centre and piazza. It's a good place for shopping with both high-end shops and outdoor markets and it has a beautiful church, plus the famous tower ( the view is worth the climb). We highly recommend Due Colonne and we would happily stay there again on our next trip to Cremona!

Owner response:Thank you so much! Your review expresses why we love Cremona so much. . . it is a taste of the Italian way of life without all the tourists in other parts of Italy. . . the beauty of Italy with the locals. . . the Cremonese!!!

Recommended for:

Perfect - Better Than a Hotel

Guest: Tina S.
Date of Stay: 09/23/11 Review Submitted: 01/08/12

All of the positive comments you read in these reviews are accurate so any qualms you have can be allayed. The apt is truly larger than it appears in the photos and is extremely well-thought out and comfortably furnished. What you don't see in the photos is a small room off the bedroom that contains an additional armoire, full-length mirror, and dresser. How delightful for two women sharing the place! Specific items that were appreciated were the fabulous WiFi (I was able to read the NY Times online every morning while having a cup of coffee); the washing machine (we went through a lot of clothes because it was very warm); the perfect air-conditioning; the elevator (it would have been difficult to get heavy suitcases up the stairs); the shower with good water pressure; the location (close to everything). The hotels in Cremona leave a lot to be desired so this is a great choice even if you are a person who normally would go to a hotel. I returned to Cremona in November but stayed at a hotel there because I was with a group and we wanted to stay in the same place. Believe me, I kept wishing I could have stayed at Due Colonne! Someone will have to convince Marco to get another apt in the building. On the (very minor) negative side, it would have been nice to have a tea kettle. We managed anyway, but a kettle would have been easier. (You see, I'm searching to find a negative so that this is a balanced review!) One also misses the niceties of a hotel like fresh towels every day and someone to make the bed and pick up after you. But again, this is a quibble and I will happily return to Cremona and Due Colonne as soon as I can arrange it.

Owner response:Thank you so much for your helpful review! We will definitely add a tea kettle! I'm also happy that you thought to mention the small room off of the bedroom. We have never highlighted that in the listing, but it comes in handy for so many purposes. Once, we even set up a blow-up twin size bed in that room for our guest's child!

Recommended for:

Two weeks July - Aug. 2011

Guest: EJ (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 07/23/11 Review Submitted: 08/15/11

We stayed at 2 Colonne for two weeks. The apartment is very nicely and newly appointed, with WIFI, Air-Conditioning, and a washing machine. It is in the historical center, a short walk from the main squares (Duomo and Roma) in the pedestrian historical center. An elevator makes it easy to bring up and down heavy suitcases. The owner's parents who met us to give us the key were extremely pleasant and welcoming, and explained all we needed to know. In addition, a useful binder in the apartment has information on about anything one may want to know about Cremona. We enjoyed our stay tremendously and will return.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, age 55+, families with young children.

Great place to stay

Guest: DHW (St Albert, Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 06/10/11 Review Submitted: 07/13/11

My husband and I spent a week here in June. The apartment is spacious and very comfortable. The bar down the street is a little noisy, but closing the windows closes out the sound. The market around the corner twice a week was a wonderful source of meat, cheese, fruit and vegetables. We took day trips to visit Lake Garda, Verona, Parma and Modena and got Amarone wines, authentic balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese. The washing machine and air conditioning were greatly appreciated.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+.

Great town and amazing condo

Guest: Chels (Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/04/11 Review Submitted: 05/23/11

A beautiful condo in heart of Cremona. Has everything you'd ever want. I spent 3 days here on my own and it was a wonderful experience. The reccomendations left in a binder in the condo are perfect. This town has a lot to offer, especially if you are looking for a different, less touristy Italian experience.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+.

A great location in Cremona

Guest: Terry (Sun City, Arizona USA)
Date of Stay: 04/17/11 Review Submitted: 05/19/11

We enjoyed a lovely week at this property in April 2011. Its location is just about perfect - right off a charming pedestrian square with a great bakery, a grocery store, and lots of interesting shops and restaurants. The building is nicely furbished, quiet, and secure. The windows open onto a quiet lane with loads of local atmosphere. The apartment is nicely furnished with modern furniture and fixtures, and it was immaculately clean. All the necessities were supplied, and everything worked well with easy to understand instructions. We'd return here without question any time we are in northern Italy.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+.

Endroit parfait pour explorer le nord de l'Italie

Guest: Martin (Montreal)
Date of Stay: 06/23/10 Review Submitted: 04/10/11

Notre séjour dans ce condominium à Crémone a été une expérience positive et mémorable. Étant si bien situé dans la vieille partie de la ville, ceci nous a permis d'explorer ce quartier de la ville fréquemment et aussi souvent que nous le voulions. Bien situé près de lieux touristiques, restaurants et boutiques, il est également très près de la gare de train d'où nous pouvions partir et visiter d'autres villes telle que Milan qui se trouve près de Crémone. Pas besoin de lecteurs MP3 pour se balader dans les rues de Crémone. Nous pouvions y entendre des musiciens jouer et ceci agrémentait notre découverte de la ville. Le condominium est propre et bien entretenu. Un endroit où il est bon de relaxer entre deux excursions ou se retrouver à la fin d'une journée. Il y a une petite table avec deux chaises sur le balcon à l'extérieur. C'est un endroit merveilleux où l'on peut manger avec une belle vue sur la tour de Crémone. L'accueil lors de l'arrivée ( les parents de Marco) a été chaleureux et bien coordonné. Je recommande fortement et sans hésiter ce condominium à tous ceux et celles qui veulent un pied-à-terre ou un endroit qui leur permettra de visiter d'autres villes près de la région

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

A Jewel

Guest: Phil (Montreal)
Date of Stay: 06/23/10 Review Submitted: 04/10/11

I have been very hesitant to report our experience at Due Colonne because there are some secrets that one would want to keep to themselves - and this one of those treasures. A richer secret than the hiding place of the best truffles, is the jewel of the city of Cremona and in the very heart of it, Marco’s Due Colonne hideaway. A small story that describes the tenor of this city - My partner and I were strolling through quiet streets one day when we heard the a gorgeous piano and oboe concerto. We followed the music several blocks until we stood under the window of its source. A minute or two later a young woman came out, leaving on a errand, but noticing our interest introduced herself and put off her errand to invite up to a small concert hall where two young men were rehearsing for a concert the following day. We enjoyed their music enormously and left with the invitation to be their guests at the concert the next night in the ballroom of a castle an hour or so away. The concert was brilliant, the setting stunning, the welcome incredibly gracious. Two days later, walking again in Cremona, I heard my name being called. It was our kind friend who spied us from a distance and insisted on taking us for coffee. It is almost impossible to think of Due Colonne without also remembering the opportunities that it afforded to be a part of this magical city. Music, great food, a warm welcome and the blessing of being somewhere that is not overrun with tourists. The condo itself is about as close to perfect as we could ever ask for. Central (we parked the car and forgot about it) yet quiet, impeccably clean, simply yet well appointed and with every convenience that we could ask for. We were greeted by Momma Belluardo who could not possibly be a more gracious host. We could go back, just to see her again! Parking is easy and free in a municipal lot about 10 minutes walk. The train station is an easy walk and is an easy ride to Verona, Milano and other surrounding cities. A minute or two on foot from the condo you will find bakeries on (one on the first floor of the condo building) causal and more upscale restaurants, cafes, a grocery store, a pharmacy, as well as lovely boutiques. Whether as a base from which to explore other points in Italy, or as your destination for a gentle exploration of Cremona, Due Colonne is simply a lovely place to enjoy as a vacation home.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.

Great apartment in a lovely city!

Guest: Nina and Barry (Troy, NY, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/22/11 Review Submitted: 04/01/11

My husband and I spent six days at Due Colonne and were delighted with the accommodations and the town. The location of the apartment was, as described, just off the Corso on a little side street within easy walking distance of the duomo and other points of interest. The bakery below the apartment was a wonderful bonus! There was some noise at night from the lively wine bar on the corner, but with the windows closed (it was March), it didn't disturb us. The apartment itself is tastefully designed and comfortably furnished. The photos on the VRBO website reflect the apartment accurately, but it actually felt more spacious than we anticipated and was perfect for two people. Both the bed and the living room couch were very comfortable. We prepared most of our meals at home and found the kitchen adequately supplied for simple cooking. The washing machine was easy to use, and thanks to the sunny, warm weather during the week we were there, our clothes dried quickly on the little balcony. Marco was very responsive and easy to deal with prior to our arrival. His parents were gracious and welcoming; they very kindly picked us up at the train station even though we missed our connecting train and arrived more than an hour later than planned. The binder of information about the apartment and the town (in both Italian and English) is thorough and helpful. We spent the week exploring Cremona and took day trips to Verona and Mantova, both easily accessible by train. We enjoyed wandering through the vibrant open-air market on Wednesday and Saturday and coming upon the lit-up torrazzo and duomo on our first night in town. We highly recommend a visit to Cremona and a stay at Due Colonne!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.