I will be in northern Italy for a work trip (Verona) in May and after a few days in Venice, plan to park myself in Bologna for 4 days to explore (and eat of course). I would like to find a nice guest house or B&B to stay, that is in the city center but with easy access to bus or train station so I can explore Parma and other cities. Because I will be traveling alone, I really want some place friendly and helpful, if possible. Prefer to keep it under US125. Anyone have any recommendations? Thank you and grazie.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
I don't have B&B recommendations, but I've stayed at two small hotel in Bologna, the Nuovo Hotel del Porto (about €65 single with breakfast) and Hotel Metropolitan (about €100 with breakfast, less than a block from the main street). Both are safe and comfortable for female solo travelers (like me).
Posted by
Shawnee, OK, USA
396 posts
I always stay at Hotel San Donato when in Bologna. It is close walking distance to San Petrino, the piazza and other attractions and restaurants. staff is friendly and helpful. Has a great breakfast included in the price. It is located at via zamboni 16....I think I recall the address correctly from memory.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
FYI, the cost of a room in Bologna varies greatly depending on whether one of their many trade shows is going on. Good luck.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Since Rick doesn't cover Bologna, I bought Lonely Planet's PDF chapter for Emilia-Romagna. My parents and I stayed at a larger hotel near the train station and were perfectly happy with that neighborhood as far as safety, bus lines, and nearby pizzeria. Our one planned, nicer dinner was at Rosteria Luciano, one of the Buon Ricordo restaurants (which aim to get you hooked on collecting souvenir plates).
Posted by
San Diego
1540 posts
I went to Bologna as a solo female traveler. I stayed in the Albergo Centale - it is just about
2 blocks from the main square and cathedral.
It was wonderful. Folks at the hotel desk were very helpful.....
The price was very reasonable - I don't remember exact cost, but I am a real budget traveler.
The city buses stop on the corner by the hotel, hotel includes a generous breakfast.
I'll second the Lonely Planet book for info. I checked it out of the local library to
research info I needed on Bologna.
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
Try the Hotel Paradise, it is a small hotel and the staff there are some of the friendliest I have met anywhere. It is located about halfway between the station and the city centre.