What People are saying
Very good B&B
Yuri Pon 11/08/2014 00:06The owner has several buildings and I was not in the major one, actually in one where owner lives. I had entire apartment for myself it is very modern and in a great condition. Couple of downsides: no english channels on TV, mosquitoes were able to reach the room from the courtyard, and the internet was very spotty. Otherwise it was a great 4 night stay, and I would recommend this B&B to anyone.
A very good B&B in a beautiful city
Jacomb45on 12/07/2014 08:03We had a very large double room with a skylight but no windows, rather than the junior suite with city views that we had booked; that said, we did have the run of a joint sitting area outside the room, which was nice. The bathroom - the criterion for many people - was excellent.
Before we reached the room, though, we had an easy 15 minute walk from the station. More problematic, however, was contacting the owner, who lives offsite, for checkin - and it was even more difficult to arrange to pay for the room at the end of the stay. (No, we didn't contact the owner prior to our arrival as suggested as we only booked our train at the last minute.) The breakfast was very pleasant, as was the woman in charge of it, and our host gave us pastries when we checked in - a nice touch..
Be aware, then, that for Italian B&Bs having a mobile phone is a must, as the owners often have a number of properties that they must deal with.
Al Battistero is in an excellent location to see the sights - the 5th century Arian Baptistery is a 3-minute walk away - while a supermarket and department store are 5 minutes away, at the entrance to the main shopping street.
Ravenna itself is terrific: LOTS of interesting sights for those of you who like wonderful 5th and 6th century buildings and their mosaics - and there were very few tourists in town. Eat at Mariani's, near the theatre a few minutes' walk away, or at the even closer Al 45, which is associated with Al Battistero.
We recommend Al Battistero, and would certainly stay there again ourselves.
A little gem
Valeria27mon 10/06/2014 22:33The Battistero is just a few minutes away from the railway station, and literally around the corner from one of the main attractions of Ravenna (the Arian Baptistry) and within a few minutes walk of almost anywhere in Ravenna. It is not a typical b&b, in the sense that there is no reception and no full time staff. The owner lives next door and can be contacted on arrival by ringing the door bell (which rings through to his mobile!). The building itself, like a lot of the amazing churches in Ravenna, is fairly plain on the outside but then full of surprises on the inside. All rooms (and the staircase) are tastefully decorated, with a mixture of modern and antique furniture (although the bathrooms are definitely modern), and a lot of paintings and art. Everything is absolutely spotless. The rooms are spacious and so are the wardrobes. Comfortable bed (if you like memory foam mattresses). There is a kitchen/breakfast room with a fridge for the guests' use. All drinks and food in the fridge is included in the room rate. There is a lovely and very helpful lady who comes in in the morning to serve breakfast. Probably the only minor "negative" point to make would be that with our room (number 3) being right next to the breakfast area, I was woken up when the first guests started having breakfast. However as this was just after 8am it wasnt a problem. Also, I am a very light sleeper, and I should point out that my boyfriend heard nothing at all. Definitely a place I would recommend, and definitely very good value for money. They also have a mini apartment with its own kitchen area.
Superb
Krappyrubsnifon 15/10/2013 23:26What can I say? Almost perfect in every way. A quiet retreat right in the centre of Ravenna, with comfortable good-sized rooms and excellent facilities. It's a slightly unusual set-up. The owner lives a couple of streets away and will meet you to let you in (key pad security on the front door) and then leaves you to it. Breakfast in a dining area/kitchen will be fixed up by the charming Albanian girl who comes in mornings, or you can just help yourself (tea and coffee and snacks on tap). All very charming - and not expensive. Best, friendliest and most unusual B&B I've ever been to.