Has anyone stayed at the Hotel Al Cason in Padua? What's it like? If you wouldn't recommend it, what would you? Thanks!

Al Cason has a nice website. If your aim is to be close to the train station (and thereby avoid taking taxis), there are properties even closer: the 3-star Moderno and the elegant Liberty-style 4-star Grand'Hotel Italia are directly opposite the station in the same square. This latter hotel offers significant discounts to their posted web rates (depending upon arrival dates). I am researching this precise issue.

Thanks! I'd be glad to hear the results of your research..

I received two recommendations (one from this site) for the Hotel Majestic Toscanelli, which looks very nice. We are booked in August at a rate of 148 Euros.

It's me again- I read on some site or other that the area around the rail station in Padua (where the Hotel Al Cason is situated) is not "the best" - what does that mean? Is it unsafe, or what? Thanks!

While I have not visited Padua in MANY years, I can tell you that the areas around the train station in many mid-sized Italian cities (Padua has over 250,000 inhabitants) is often not "cheerful". Perfectly safe (and convenient) during daylight hours, but I would not want to be walking around for no good reason at night (particularly after 9 p.m.). Also, the area around the Padua Station is NOT like Naples or Rome or Milan! The Moderno and the Grand'Hotel Italia are in the square overlooking the station, not 50 yards distant, so the "walk" can be kept to an absolute minimum (which is also why they are more expensive than the Cason, which is further away). From the station to the tourist center of Padua is a 15 minute walk (there are also buses). If you want to experience the night life there, you might consider a more centrally located hotel. If you want an easy entry and exit from the city without using taxis (particularly for late night arrivals and early morning departures), the two hotels opposite the station would be logical choices. The Grand'Hotel Italia offered me a 30% discount over their rack rates for a Saturday night in early May: not bad considering that this is a top hotel. It is also recommended by Cadogan's Guide. The Al Cason is also recommended, but is a cheaper property in a less convenient location. By the way, the central bus station (with frequent buses to the Palladian Villas along the Brenta River) is also close to the Station.

Stayed at the Moderno a few years ago. Good hotel with large rooms. Modest prices.