Not that we go in for favourites at TravelMag – everywhere in the world’s got something worth seeing! But there’s something about Ravenna that really encapsulates what a mind-bogglingly rich travel destination Italy is. This town’s got everything: food, culture, architecture, and mosaics… lots of mosaics – it was capital of the Western Roman Empire from the 4th to the 6th Century. And despite all this, it’s still comparatively ‘off the beaten track’, meaning more authenticity and smaller crowds.
As with many town’s in Italy, hotel’s in Ravenna find space where they can and some are old town houses rather than purpose built. This means, if you’re looking for a central stay, be prepared for character. If this is less your speed, the outskirts will make a better base. We’ve rounded up the best of both to help you with your choice.
From €82/ night
Named after the British poet who came to Ravenna in the early 1800s (typically) pursuing a romantic conquest, this hotel has everything you might need or expect to make your stay a pleasant one. Located in the historic heart of the city on a peaceful, pedestrianised street, its rooms are spacious and comfortable, and all of them come with WiFi and air conditioning included. If you do decide to make this place your choice, though, make sure to book early, as it fills up fast!
From €74/ night
Ravenna is the world capital of mosaics: so it’s no surprise that they’re naming their hotels after them. Despite the city’s antiquity, however, Hotel Mosaico is a relatively modern build, ideally located right next to the old town centre and a short walk from the railway station. Clean and comfortable with large, light-filled rooms, it is a great place to unwind after a hard day’s sight-seeing, and well connected to main roads, providing easy access to the rest of the delightful Emilia-Romagna region.
From €60/ night
A great choice if you’re travelling by car. Yes, it’s a little out of town, but it’s reasonably priced, comfy, and quiet. There’s a lot to be said for this if you’re tired of rickety medieval hotels, plus it offers great access to the countryside, where some of the best food in the world is produced. A good one to keep in mind too, if you’re travelling with kids: there’s an amusement park nearby, should they grow tired of the mosaics.
From €99/ night
OK, we’re starting to splurge a little now, but at 99 euros a room you get what you pay for: a central location, great service, and large executive quality rooms. Granted an official seal of approval by the Italian hospitality industry, budget accommodation does not come much better. The rooms are sound proofed and air conditioned, there’s Internet access in all of them, and a highly recommended breakfast buffet in the morning. Oh, and it’s all slap bang in the middle of historic Ravenna: those mosaics are just a short walk away!
From €79/ night
One for the traditionalists. Located in an old town house with beautiful wooden floors and a charming garden where breakfast is served in the summer, this is a great choice for those who don’t want to leave traditional Italy behind at the end of the day. Less than 100 metres from Ravenna’s central San Vitale Basilica, this is a real bargain, and it’s not like there’s an aversion to modern technology here either: WiFi is available throughout the hotel.
