Located in northern Italy, Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. Unlike popular Italian cities like Rome, Venice and Florence, Bologna does not seem to receive as much attention from tourists. However, if you are into art, history and food, this lively and fascinating city is certainly worth exploring for an authentic feel of Italy. Be it hotels or private apartments, Bologna has an accommodation to suit your exact needs for a splendid holiday. Read this guide for the best hotels and apartments to stay in now.
1. Vacation rentals
Ever since Airbnb entered the lodging scene almost a decade ago, the idea of renting a private apartment or house has become increasingly popular. In particular, vacation rentals are popular with young travelers who tend to go for unique, local travel experiences. Vacation rentals can also be a cost-effective lodging alternative for large groups traveling together. Here are 4 of the best private apartments in Bologna for a wonderful stay.
2. San Martino’s two-story apartment (from 218 USD per night)
Fancy a stay in a roomy two-story apartment with a private terrace in the beautiful city? Set on the second floor of a historical building, San Martino’s apartment located in Via Broccaindosso will make your dream come true. This spacious three-room apartment is tucked in a quiet street away from the bustling city, surrounded by many pleasant small restaurants off the beaten tourist path. However, if you prefer, there is a supermarket nearby so you can buy the ingredients and use the fully equipped kitchen to whip up a home cooked meal or two. Chill out on the private terrace on the higher floor in the apartment, which offers good views of the city. The hospitable hosts are so professional in assisting you in every way they can, that you might think it is a luxury hotel you are staying in!
San Martino’s two-story apartment
Address: Via Broccaindosso, Bologna, Italy (see map)
Price: from 218 USD per night
Number of Guests: 5
Access: 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) from Uscita San Lazzaro motorway & Bologna Central Station
3. La Casa Di Marta (from USD 192)
If you prefer to stay right in the city centre for an easy walk to everything, yet don’t want to compromise cost for comfort, La Casa Di Marta will be the ideal choice for you. Within a short walk from the apartment you will find public buses, Central Railway Station, Piazza Maggiore, supermarket, shops and restaurants. The apartment’s large size of 100 square meters (1,076.4 square feet) for a group of three is a luxurious steal for a comfortable stay. Furthermore, the apartment is artistically furnished in good taste and spotlessly clean. The friendly hosts, Martha and Roberto, are extremely welcoming. Not only will they provide a comprehensive information pack on Bologna upon your arrival, there are many thoughtful gestures you will be pleased to discover. These include: public transport schedules in various languages; displaying two clocks in the kitchen, one in the local time and the other in the time of your origin. Feel at home while away from home at La Casa Di Marta managed by the amazing hosts.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the full bath was not only large but complete with beautiful towels/robes and an amazing showerwe didn’t cook during our stay but the kitchen is well supplied with amenitiesi am sure we will visit bologna again and definitely stay at this fabulous apartmenti was just amazed at the space in this apartment and decorated with such a flarethe train was an easy walkable route from the apartmentCleanliness:
clean modern apartment in bolognathe apartment was spotless and we loved the decorthe apartment is extremely comfortable immaculate clean and very well stockedit was very clean and well appointed with all the amenitiesthe appartment is really nice clean fully equipped and well locatedHost:
roberto and marta are warm welcoming hostsmarta and roberto are the perfect hostsroberto and marta were gracious hosts even at 10:00 pm when we needed assistancemarta and roberto were very cordial and helpful even scheduling a taxi on our departureroberto and marta are experienced hosts and it shows in the way they have organised their wonderful apartmentRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was convenient to transportation but also good walking distance to center of bolognaexcellent location close to the train and the piazza maggiorelocation was an easy walk from the train station and easy to find our way around the citythe location was perfect for us to be close to the train and the piazza maggiore
4. Hotels
Despite the growing popularity of vacation rentals, a hotel stay remains the preferred option for many travelers. Staying in established hotels assures you peace of mind in terms of consistent quality, and you can anticipate what to expect in terms of service as well. Check out these 4 top hotels for a wonderful stay in the endearing city of Bologna.
5. Grand Hotel Majestic gia' Baglioni (from USD 596)
Grand Hotel Majestic gia’ Baglioni is the only five-star hotel in the entire city of Bologna. Housed within an 18th-century palace, the luxury hotel is located in the heart of the city, within short walking distance from major tourist attractions such as Piazza Maggiore and Palazzo Fava. It is also just a 15-minute walk away from the Central Train Station. Besides the hotel’s superb location, you can immerse yourself in the sophisticated yet classic 18th-century French setting. All 109 rooms are decorated with unique frescoes and fitted with antique furnitures, while fully equipped with modern amenities for your utmost comfort. Located at such a coveted address in Bologna, the luxury hotel is also known for its fine restaurants serving the best of Emilia-Romagna cuisine. Therefore, you can look forward to waking up to one of the best breakfast buffets in town, included in your stay at Grand Hotel Majestic gia’ Baglioni.
Grand Hotel Majestic gia' Baglioni
Address: Via Indipendenza 8
370 meters (0.3 mi) from Two Towers
6. Art Hotel Commercianti (from USD 171)
Wish to stay somewhat in the city centre yet enjoy some peace and quiet after a long day out? Then Art Hotel Commercianti may just be the perfect hotel for you. Located right next to San Petronio Basilica, the main church in Bologna, and the Fountain of Neptune, Art Hotel Commercianti is a four-star boutique hotel in a historical building in a quiet pedestrian area. Its great location makes it a convenient base to explore the charming city’s major tourist attractions, shopping malls and best restaurants. Step into your room and you will find elegantly furnished soundproof rooms, that blend in with the image of the medieval city. Feel free to check with the friendly staff if you need any travel information in Bologna. Bikes are also available for free rental, so that you can explore the fascinating city easily on wheels. Don’t forget to energise yourself up with the complimentary breakfast before you head out for your tour every morning!
Art Hotel Commercianti
Address: Via de Pignattari 11
380 meters (0.3 mi) from Two Towers
7. Aemilia Hotel Bologna (from USD 161)
Boasting fabulous views of Bologna’s twin tower landmarks and the hills in the South, Aemilia Hotel Bologna is a great value hotel just 15 minutes on foot from the city centre. Located in a tranquil part of town nearby the famous university district, Aemilia is a modern hotel set in a simple red-brick building. Marvel at the alluring views of the charming city right from the comfort of your tastefully furnished room, equipped with comfortable and modern amenities. Being situated on the edge of the city centre, you will be away from all the bustle and hustle of the city yet close enough to get to major attractions. Furthermore, all the hotel staff are approachable and helpful in assisting you in all your needs, assuring you of a pleasant stay throughout. Last but not least, enjoy the delicious buffet breakfast spread, loved by many every morning!
Aemilia Hotel Bologna
Address: Via Giovanna Zaccherini Alvisi 16
1.06 km (0.7 mi) from Two Towers
8. I Portici Hotel Bologna (from USD 194)
Often, location is key to determining where to stay for your trip, especially if you are on a free-and-easy trip reliant on public transport. Located in the city centre, just 5 minutes on foot from the Central Railway Station, I Portici Hotel Bologna is undoubtedly one of the top picks in Bologna. Set in a restored late 19th-century building, I Portici is a unique art hotel featuring 89 different types of rooms in a bright and warm setting. Rooms are designed either in the minimalist modern theme or the classic Roman theme, but they do not look identical even if they are decorated in the same theme. Furthermore, they are immaculate and well equipped with all the modern amenities any traveler would need. Staying on the main street to the famous Piazza Maggiore certainly makes it an easy walk to everything, from historical sights to shops and restaurants. In addition, I Portici Hotel Bologna is also proud to house the renowned I Portici Restaurant, where one-Michelin starred chef, Agostino Iacobucci, is based. Enjoy a feast for all senses as you dine at the elegant restaurant with delectable Italian cuisine featuring elements of Mediterranean cuisine prepared by chef Iacobucci.
I Portici Hotel Bologna
Address: Via dell'Indipendenza, 69
873 meters (0.6 mi) from Two Towers
9. Maria Chiara’s apartment (from USD 93)
Are you into poetic works? If so, you would have heard of the greatest Italian poet of the late Renaissance, Torquato Tasso, of the 15th-century. Stay at Maria Chiara’s apartment located in a grand building of the bygone era where the greatest poet lived. It is strategically located within a stone’s throw from major attractions in Bologna like Piazza Maggiore, museums and theaters. The apartment may be set in an ancient building, but rest assured it is tastefully furnished with exquisite antiques and all the essentials you need. The roomy 2-bedroom apartment can sleep up to 5 guests comfortably, fitted with comfortable beds, and even a toddler bed for your little one. It is interesting to imagine yourself staying under one roof with the Renaissance’s greatest Italian poet, particularly if you love his work.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
excellent apartment in the centre of bologna close to amenitiesour children loved the table football it keeps quite cool despite the lack of air conditioninga stunning apartment just in center of bolognaher apartment is huge and offers plenty of space and privacythere is no tv but honestly you don’t miss it or want itCleanliness:
very functional super clean apartmentthe apartment is very clean and spaciousit was spacious clean and very well-equippedmaria chiara’s apartment is really well located and very cleanthe apartment was very clean and spacious for four adults and a babyHost:
lovely apartment with a great hostmaria was the perfect hostshe is so friendly and has such enthusiasm for bolognafriendly host easy communicationand maria is the best host i metRead more reviewsLocation:
location is superbnot to mention in a wonderful location a very short walking distance from piazza maggiorelocation was good- short walk to piazza miaggiore and 25 minutes from train stationperfect location in the centreperfect location and a great and spacious apartment near all the attractions in bologna
Superhost
Vacation rentals? Hotels? Take your pick for a memorable stay in alluring Bologna
Regardless of whether you prefer a unique local experience staying in a private apartment or stay in an established hotel, rest assured you will be able to find one to suit your needs in Bologna. The above-mentioned vacation rentals and hotels not only assure you of a safe and comfortable environment to stay in, they will also help create fond travel memories to remember for a long time. Enjoy your holiday!
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