Choosing a Hotel in Bologna

Hi Brenda, we stayed at the Zanhotel Tre Vecchio several years ago. It’s not a new hotel, and I’m not necessarily recommending it. But, you can check where it’s located. That’s as close as I would stay to the train station. Especially traveling solo, I would focus on Piazza Maggiore and historic center and then just walk to the train station when needed.

You might take a look at Albergo Centrale Bologna. It's about a 15 minute walk from the train station, on a quiet little street just a couple minutes from the historic center. We stayed there in 2022, and it was fine. Pleasant room, great location, very good places to eat as close as across the street and within a couple of blocks.

When we were there we paid €104 a night, double room with breakfast. The website is a bit hinky today, but you might try emailing. They actually have two hotels in that area, and both seem to be very affordable. There are good reviews on TA, as well.

We would stay there again.

https://www.albergocentralebologna.it/en/
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Jane’s suggestion (Hotel Centrale) is in a great location, just a block north of where we have spent 2 separate 5-night visits in an apartment. We really like that location, halfway between the train station and the central Piazza Maggiore, and an easy walk to both. I felt very safe walking around there (with my husband, but I would have safe solo as well). If we return to Bologna I would choose the same location again.

We did walk down to the Porta San Mamolo area one day to go walking in the hills south of town. It is a residential area with lots of traffic. Nothing wrong or unsafe about it; but it is pretty remote from the main sights and not as nice for walking as the more traffic-free porticos of the central area. I personally would not be happy in that location.

I've only stayed in Bologna once at the University Hotel. It is nothing more than basic accommodations but it is good value for money and is well situated in the funky University side of city. Plenty of restaurants, cheap arty coffee shops and a 10 minute walk from the city center.
https://www.hoteluniversitybologna.it/

I would add my vote to staying closer to the city center rather than the train station. The amount of time and effort you'll spend traversing from the train station area to more interesting parts of town versus the convenience of access to the station doesn't make sense to me. The walk down Via dell'Indipendenza is interesting once or twice but I think it will lose its charm after a few days.

I don't know that neighborhood - it's pretty far south of the tourist areas of the city center - but I never felt that any part of the central city was ever unsafe or even sketchy. Even on the university side where street art and graffiti are everywhere and young people were out at concerts or gatherings hanging out did it never felt like there was the possibility of things getting out of hand.

Whatever you decide, have a great trip,
=Tod

Thank you everyone. You've convinced me to stay closer in.

Another vote for the Hotel University
Great location, updated rooms with a huge bathroom
Simple breakfast
Good value