Airbnb starts Valentine’s contest to stay a night in Verona
Worldwide: For couples who seek a spark of classical romance this Valentine’s Day, Airbnb is offering a free night in Verona, Shakespeare’s city of love.
The company will offer one lucky couple one-night free accommodation in Juliet’s house, complete with Michelin starred food and romantic photography.
The contest asks that couples write a letter to the non-profit Juliet Club, which responds to mail for the fictional heroine, detailing their own love story. From these submissions, one fortunate pair will receive the free night.
While Shakespeare never specified which house was Juliet’s, the balcony and 13th century design have led historians to support the property. Rebranded as Casa di Giulietta, Airbnb have, for the first time since the 1930s, renovated the property into a house.
The building includes views of the city, as well as the original bed used in Franco Zefrelli’s 1968 Romeo and Juliet film.
For those less dramatically inclined, the stay comes with impressive perks. The winning couple will be treated to a personal butler throughout their stay in the luxurious room, and will be given a candlelit meal and cooking lesson by two-star Michelin Chef Giancarlo Perbellini.
For those interested in applying, the contest is open until the second of February. If you’re not one of the lucky lovers though, Airbnb is still offering unique Veronese experiences, including a photoshoot or a Romeo and Juliet inspired dinner at Casa Perbellini.
Airbnb’s list of experiences has been expanding since they launched the service in 2016. In February, the service expanded to Bermuda for the first time, and expanding eco-friendly offerings with Rutopía in Mexico.
The company began offering an Adventures service in summer of 2019, combining the experiences service with housing, offering a full bundled holiday. This romantic retreat is similar, and represents Airbnb’s continuing diversification in the face of its potential public offering.
