Bologna, so good they named it three times! But whether you’re in town to experience the food of la grassa (the fat one), the architecture of la rossa (the red one), or the culture of la dotta (the learned one), we’ve selected the reasonably priced hotels for you.
An eminently walkable town, with a buzzing, student-filled historic centre, the editors of TravelMag compared hotels large and small, on main thoroughfares and quiet(er) side-streets to bring you these five tips for your stay in this beguiling renaissance city.
Hotel Albergo Panorama & SPA
From €59/ night
Less than a five-minute walk from Bologna’s central Pizza Maggiore and housed within a beautiful neo-classical façade, this travellers favourite offers a comfortable, authentically Italian experience. The rooms are simple, but spacious and parquet floored, and most come equipped with AC, WiFi, and TVs. A real bargain!
Hotel Holiday
From €60/ night
At the midpoint between the railway station and the town centre (it’s walking distance from both), this place is the perfect bolthole for tourists on a budget wanting to experience the excitement of central Bologna, then retreat to a calm, cosy setting when bedtime comes. The rooms come clean and fully equipped with modern amenities, and some boast views out over the town’s historic heart.
Cladòna
From €76/ night
A modern, minimalist marvel: ideal for when you feel life in Bologna has become just a little too… medieval. It’s barely five minutes from the train station, too, which makes trips out to Bologna’s beautiful surrounding countryside even more tempting. Every room comes equipped with a flat-screen TV and a minibar, and selected ones have the addition of balconies.
Suite Hotel Elite
From €86/ night
Like the Cladòna, this hotel is the perfect contemporary antidote to a day spent exploring an ancient town. Its rooms, foyer and restaurant sparkle with a stylish cleanliness. Its complimentary breakfast has inspired rave reviews, and the mod-cons are everything you would expect (and include a free garage, should you be driving into town). A 4-star experience at budget prices.
Hotele Centrale
From €81/ night
Smack bang in the heart of town with spectacular views out over the majestic San Petronio Basilica, Hotele Centrale is housed in a beautiful classic Bologna building. But there’s nothing old fashioned about its interior. As comfortable as anywhere else in town, this hotel is deep in the mix of things, with all the history, culture and food of Bologna on your doorstep to be enjoyed.