Top 5 hotels to stay in Bologna

The capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna is a beautiful city where the food is also very good. A detail not to be overlooked! Bologna is a very dynamic city, with a large number of young people and students. This is because Bologna is home to the oldest university in the Western world, founded in 1088. There are over 100,000 students at this university, which represents more than a quarter of Bologna’s population. That’s all there is to it. As far as tourism is concerned, Bologna is only the 17th most visited city in Italy. This is partly due to its geographical position, as Bologna does not benefit from the coastline like Naples. And as holidays often rhyme with beaches, Bologna is a little lower down the rankings, but that said, it remains an emblematic city of the Big Boot.

1- Le Stanze dell’Edera

Location: 2 Galleria del Reno Scala C, Piano Ammezzato, 40122 Bologna

Category: Favourite / Good value for money

Highlights:

• Free Wi-Fi connection
• Airport shuttle (extra charge)
• Garden
• Some rooms have a terrace
• Coffee machine in every accommodation
• Very good location
• Kitchen
• Dishwasher

Weak points

• Pets not allowed
• Passing noise in the corridors

Hotel description: Stanze dell’Edera is a guest house with a great location, just 800 metres from Bologna’s historic city centre. The rooms are spacious and offer the option of self-catering. In addition to the kitchen, there is a dishwasher, so you don’t have to worry about the cooking, especially when you’re on holiday! You can have breakfast in the accommodation’s garden. If you choose Stanze dell’Edera, you will be 800 metres from Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s main square. You can easily get around on foot.

2- Ramo Rosso di Paolo Natalini

Location: 11 Via Col di Lana, 40131 Bologna

Category: Good value for money

Strong points:

• Free Wi-Fi connection
• Terrace
• Smoking area
• Quality breakfast included
• Spacious rooms
• Free cot and extra bed (on request)
• Bike loan service

Weak point:

• Pets not allowed

Hotel description: Ramo Rosso is a privately owned accommodation. Its host, Paolo, will give you a warm welcome. The building dates back almost a century, adding to the charm of the accommodation. The interior has been completely renovated. The rooms have en suite bathrooms, double-glazed windows – ideal for keeping out the noise, especially as a major thoroughfare passes nearby – and even a selection of teas and infusions. Breakfast is included in the package and is much appreciated by guests. Some rooms have a terrace. The accommodation is a little out of the city centre, but don’t worry, there are two ways to get there quickly. The first and easiest is to take the bus, which is nearby, and the second is to get in touch with your host Paolo, who offers a bike-lending service. It’s an ideal way to explore the city and get some exercise at the same time.

3- TORTE & LINI

Location: Via Jacopo Barozzi 6 piano 1, scala B, 40126 Bologna

Category: Good value for money

Strong points:

• Free Wi-Fi connection
• Terrace
• Very good breakfast included
• Cheap private parking (10 euros / day)
• Tea and coffee making facilities in all accommodation
• Convenience store at the bottom of the building

Weak point:

• Pets not allowed

Hotel description: In addition to its name, which makes you smile, the Torte&Lini is a great hotel to stay at, in an area that is very popular with the locals. If you are travelling by train, the accommodation is close to the station. The hotel offers a high quality breakfast. At the same time, when it’s homemade and made with love, it can only be good. Each room has a terrace overlooking the street. You can walk to the Ustica Memorial Museum. This impressive museum commemorates the victims of Itavia flight 870 on 27 June 1980, from Bologna to Palermo. The plane exploded in mid-air for reasons that remain a mystery, killing 81 people. Some believe it was a terrorist attack, but nothing has been said.

4- Le Bibliò Rooms Guesthouse

Location: 15 Via Nazario Sauro, 40121 Bologna

Category: Favourite / Good value for money

• Free Wi-Fi connection
• Terrace
• Tray/kettle in all accommodation
• Very good location
• Fridge in every room

Weak point:

• Pets not allowed
• Neighbourhood subject to some noise pollution

Hotel description: The Bibliò Rooms is a privately owned accommodation. It is located in the centre of Bologna, just 5 minutes’ walk from the historic heart of the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. You will be staying in a traditional ochre-coloured Italian building. As you are in a city centre area, you may be disturbed if you are a very light sleeper. Bars and restaurants are located close to the accommodation. You can leave your car at rest to visit the city, which is all on foot due to its location.

5- Grand Hotel Majestic gia’ Baglioni

Location: Via Indipendenza 8, 40121 Bologna

Category: Prestige

Strong points

• Free Wi-Fi connection
• Fitness centre
• Bar
• 2 restaurants
• Very good breakfast
• Room service
• Pets allowed on request (supplements may apply)
• Extra bed and baby cot (0-11 years) free on request
• Valet parking and luggage storage
• Very good location

Description: The Grand Hotel Majestic gia’ Baglioni as its name suggests is one of the most prestigious hotels in Bologna. More than just a night in a hotel, staying in this fabulous place is an experience. It could be your hotel for your wedding, for example… The hotel is located in the historic district of Bologna. It’s important to know that if you plan to get there by car, the historic city centre is not accessible by car at weekends and therefore becomes a huge pedestrian area. You’ll feel like the king of Emilia-Romagna when you enter this mythical place. Mouldings and works of art on the ceiling, omnipresent marble, decoration from yesteryear, chandeliers that make each room glow, and so on. A real treasure!