Bologna, the capital of Emilia Romagna in the country’s north, boasts far more than being the birthplace of ragu’ Bolognese and mortadella.

It’s also considered Italy’s most culturally rich cities, combining Etruscan and Ancient Roman roots with a bustling, vibrant modern art and culture scene. Plus some of Europe’s most prestigious art and music festivals.

So if you’re keen to discover what life is like in a modern Italian city or are just following the scent of tagliatelle con ragu’ alla Bolognese, Bologna is definitely worth a night or 5 in your travel itinerary.

Planning to take our Gourmet Food Tour of Bologna? We’ve put together a list of the best hotels in the city to help you plan the perfect trip.

We haven’t included prices as they vary so much from season to season, but the listings are ranked by stars to help with your search!

3 Stars

Albergo Drapperie

Hidden on the upper floors of a 19th century palazzo, Albergo Drapperie is right at the heart of Bologna’s amazing Quadrilatero foodie haven. Buzz in at the ground floor and climb the stairs for an authentic experience of living like a local. A local with cash, that is, since the rooms have marble floors and exposed timber-beam ceilings, as well as the odd fresco.

If you haven’t stuffed yourself silly in Bologna’s many foodie spots, breakfast is served daily at extra cost with fresh pastries and cappuccinos. The reception is open 24-hours and the hotel is pet friendly.

Address: Via Drapperie, 5

Website: www.albergodrapperie.com

4 stars

L’8 Boutique

Located in the Montagnola district, 350 metres from Via Zamboni, these apartments are both cute and convenient. The building itself dates back to the 1700s and was once home to the Convent of S. Andrea.

Owners have tried to maintain the history and tradition of a typical Bolognese houses with exposed beams, original bricks, frescoes and period furniture - including what I imagine are historically accurate stiff beds.

Each apartment is unique and has a kitchenette for when you don’t feel like eating out. Just note, there is no lift, so it’s stairs only!

Address: Via Agamennone Zappoli

Website: www.l8boutiqueapartments.it

Savhotel Aemilia

Just a few minutes' walk from the heart of the city, Savhotel Aemilia has 125 newly renovated rooms with a palette that is more international than strictly Italian, but comfortable and modern all the same.

This place is not super flashy, but it does feel modern and polished. Some rooms have city views, and there’s a rooftop terrace and the Gurmè Restaurant serving Bolognese and Italian dishes.

Address: Via G. Zaccherini Alvisi, 16

Website: www.aemiliahotel.it

Zanhotel Tre Vecchi

Opened in 1860, the family-friendly hotel welcomes guests in the Montagnola district of Bologna, which is about a 15-minute walk from the Basilica and a 20-minute walk from Bologna train station.

The 150-room hotel has an old-world Italian glamour about it. The rooms are simple, and while the decor feels a bit early 2000s, they’re very clean and well-maintained, with everything you need for a short city break.

Address: Via Indipendenza, 47

Website: www.zanhotel.it

Hotel Porta San Mamolo

A 10-minute walk from Bologna’s main square, Hotel Porta San Mamolo is set apart from the hustle and bustle of the city with a lovely garden that’s perfect for unwinding.

A continental breakfast is included and the rooms are furnished with bright Rococo flair, so you’ll feel like you’re a guest of Louis XVI instead of the very friendly hotel staff. Reception is open 24/7 and when you’re not exploring Bologna’s sites, you can relax in front of the fireplace or play a game of tennis.

Address: Vicolo del Falcone, 6/8

Website: www.portasanmamolohotelbologna.com

Hotel Re Enzo

Hotel Re Enzo is a chic option with a bit of an Art Deco feel. It offers spacious rooms, a generous breakfast, and a relaxing terrace with great city views.

In terms of location, the hotel actually sits on the border between Saragozza and the Historic Center. So each day, you can choose between the hustle and bustle of the center and the quieter, more relaxed Saragozza area.

Address: Via Santa Croce, 26

Website: www.hotelreenzo.it

Hotel Corona d’Oro

An intimate 40-room, boutique property, this hotel once was the private residence of an aristocratic family when it was constructed in the 15th century. It sits on Via Guglielmo Oberdan, a narrow, pedestrian-only street in the heart of the city’s medieval center—steps away from the majestic Piazza Maggiore, immersed in a neighborhood of interesting boutiques, bars, restaurants and food shops.

In the rooms, ecru-colored walls complement classic Italian fabrics. Beds are uber-comfortable with plush bedding and the bathroom walls and floors are made of Italian Carrara marble.

Each morning, the lavish breakfast buffet includes a wide choice of pastries, breads, homemade cakes, fruits, juices; eggs, and even an automatic pancake-maker.

Address: Via Oberdan 12

Website: www.hco.it

Hotel Metropolitan

Recently refurbished, Hotel Metropolitan has a modern and unique aesthetic. Think Bologna meets Japan. The interiors are minimalist and clean, but the included breakfast is anything but. Snack on fresh fruit, cold cuts, cheese and a handful of different breads and rolls.

In the evening, enjoy an aperitivo at the bar in the tree-filled courtyard with plenty of snacks and some impressive looking cocktails.

Address: Via dell'Orso

Website: www.hotelmetropolitan.com/en

Il Convento dei Fiori di Seta

Set in a restored 14th-century convent, Il Convento Dei Fiori Di Seta blends centuries-old charm with more contemporary interiors. There’s a subtle elegance to the space that feels both peaceful and unique, like a hidden gem tucked away from the city’s buzz.

Rooms here feature exposed brick walls, neutral tones, and flower murals, as well as spacious bathrooms. The neighborhood is quite, but super charming with some lovely restaurants that are worth exploring.

Address: Via Orfeo, 34

Website: www.ilconventodeifioridiseta.it

The Sydney Hotel

The Sydney Hotel has spacious and functional rooms, and it shares an outdoor pool and bar with Michelino 75. A pool is a rare perk in Bologna, so this one is a must for families traveling to the city in summer.

Address: Via Michelino, 73

Website: www.thesydneyhotel.eu

Photo credit: Al Cappello Rosso in Bologna, Italy

Phi Hotel Bologna

The bedrooms at Phi Hotel have all been decorated in collaboration with local artisans and draw inspiration from old Hollywood, the rolling countryside and… comic books. In the comfy reception, you can get the low down on the hotel’s history, which began in 1379.

There’s also an amazing restaurant onsite where the paper table mats double as the board for an 18th century Bolognese game (dice provided). The fare is features favourites like tagliatelle al ragù and tortellini as well as meatballs and vegetarian dishes, all served with homemade breads, pastas and desserts, as well as local wines and beers. You can expect the same homemade attention-to-detail at breakfast, which is included.

Address: Via de’ Fusari, 9

Website: www.phihotelbologna.com

Art Hotel Commercianti

Art Hotel Commercianti is a romantic hotel that’s full of character, tucked right behind the Basilica di San Petronio. The building itself dates back to the 12th century, and the interiors offer a beautiful blend of antique charm and modern comfort.

Each room is individually styled, with high ceilings, wooden beams and views of Bologna’s rooftops. There’s another Art Hotel in Piazza Maggiore-Indipendenza called Art Hotel Orologio, which is more of the same, but closer to the center with all its hustle and bustle.

Address: Via de' Pignattari, 11

Website: www.art-hotel-commercianti.com

Hotel Touring

Located in a quiet street in Bologna’s Old Town, this hotel is family owned with an emphasis on the family. The building is turn of the century, but the interiors are modern and simple; the atmosphere relaxed and unfussy.

Hotel Touring is within walking distance of the open-air food market and the street itself is filled with osterias and open-air bars. But the highlight of the hotel is the panoramic fifth floor terrace, where the aperitivos and sunset dinners (available upon request) are so good, you won’t feel the need to go out.

Breakfast is included and served in the wine cellar of the nearby Church of San Procolo. There is a large selection of sweet and savoury dishes.

Address: Via dè Mattuiani

Website: www.hoteltouring.it/en

Casa Isolani

If you are looking to stay in the very heart of Bologna, you can’t get much closer than Casa Isolani. This charming B&B is spread across two locations, one is a 13th century palazzo in Via Santo Stefano, and the other in the very chic pedestrian area of Via d’Azeglio, just steps from the Two Towers and Di Mezzo Market.

The style across all rooms is rustic with woven wool rugs, exposed beams and earthenware tiles, but there’s plenty of modern touches too, from TV to Wi-Fi and air conditioning. The highlight at the Santo Stefano location is the original elicoidal staircase, which dates back to the 16th century.

While there is no reception, staff can provide telephone support between 9am and 7pm. At the Santo Stefano location, a buffet breakfast is provided in the breakfast room, while those staying at Via d’Azeglio receive a voucher for breakfast at a nearby café.

Address: Via Santo Stefano, 16

Website: www.casaisolani.com

I Portici Hotel

This 19th century hotel is a 15-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore and has a reputation for luxury thanks to its Michelin-rated restaurant, where chef Gianluca Renzi serves top notch tasting menus under high ceilings and plenty of exposed brickwork.

The rooms are quite sparsely decorated with timber floors, grey accents and terrazzo tiled bathrooms, but they’re clean and comfortable, and many have balconies with city views.

Address: Via Indipendenza, 69

Website: www.iporticihotel.com

5 Stars

Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni

Located right in front of the city’s cathedral, Grand Hotel Majestic has been the preferred accommodation for celebrities, royalty and the odd head of state since 1912.

Inside, you’re greeted by 18th century opulence with Murano glass chandeliers and 15th century fresco by the Bolognese artist Carracci. Services include a personal Art Historian to guide you through Bologna’s heritage buildings and a health and wellness spa.

If you can’t spring for a night, consider visiting the hotel’s Michelin-rated I Carracci restaurant instead, where head chef Claudio Sordi reinvents traditional Bolognese dishes like tortellini in capon broth and veal liver with onions, buckwheat and cedar.

Address: Via dell'Indipendenza, 8

Website: www.grandhotelmajestic.duetorrihotels.com/en

Unique Hotels & Where to Stay in Bologna, Italy