Bologna lodging dilemma: Santo Stefano atmosphere vs. rooftop pool near station (family with kids)

It depends how close you are to Giardino della Montagnola. I would not stay close to that. If you are closer to the crossroad of Amendola then good. Santo Stefano is certainly more centrally located and usually I say nothing is far to walk in Bologna but you have a very young child so walking from Milazzo to the center might be difficult. BUT for ease of day trips... certainly Milazzo but not if near that park. People may disagree with me but I avoid that area when I am in Bologna. Most likely fine during the day but early evening etc no way. Sorry I don't have small children. Go to Bologna at least once a month and have spent weeks living there for quite a few years. You will still be able to experience the charm of Bologna by just walking around.

Thanks for your reply. The cross street is via cairoli so I believe it’s a few blocks from that park. We will have a travel stroller for the toddler, which will help with the walking. I like the idea of staying in the San Stefano area because it sounds very charming. But staying in the other area having the option of a pool with young kids and nap time seems ideal.

We stayed for a week with kids in this great apartment on via Mascarella, similarly close to the train station but in a more interesting part of town and significantly closer to the center: https://www.booking.com/Share-Z9HLj5

No pool, though, and I can see how very much that would make life easier. I'd be tempted. I see that the pool place is a 17 minute walk to Piazza Maggiore and a 6 minute walk to the train station. Yeah, I'd probably give up some charm for that 6-minute walk if I was going to do 2 or 3 day trips.

Also, I'm thinking that charm is for grown-ups. Our granddaughter's favorite thing in Bologna was a hideous toy store window display of ratty old Barbie dolls in homemade clothing. Grandson's was the food.

lol good point about the charm being just for grown ups. It’s true kids usually pick the most random things that they remember as their favorite. . The food is what we are all very much excited for

Think of the pool/spa as a detox for your kids who have been inundated with historical sites and churches all day. If the spa is private, I would lean towards Option 2. You could also chill in it after the kids are put to bed. Nighttime rooftop drinking is the best drinking.

Less charming neighborhood...My concern is that we'll miss out on the atmosphere of staying in the historic center if we choose Via Milazzo

I'm staying a few blocks south of your Option 2. That I'm not in the "middle" of the historic center didn't bother me one bit. It is all a short walk away. I get that it feels more urban than other parts of the city. I valued the 2br/2ba and washing machine over quaintness and being in the middle.

Thank you, everyone. This is super helpful. Been getting overwhelmed with all of the choices and we have never been to Italy.