ddandbob - we stayed at the Hotel Paradise. It was a nice place, and well located. They also have a few nearby apartments to rent for about 10% more than the hotel room. We saw one of those and would seriously consider that option. If you look up my trip report you will find a full description of the hotel. Also, there is a picture of the hotel's exterior in the photos that I posted.

Bookmarking to read later---I just booked a quick weekend trip for next month to Bologna :-)& have to start the plannig...

hi basingstoke,

so how long would you recommend for a stay in Bolgona then?

regards, ann

For us, I think at least another 2 nights for a total of four would have been better. There are a number of small museums, particularly those connected with the University that would have been interesting to us. Galleries too. There are neighborhoods that we did not explore in the depth that we would have liked and of course, Bologna is known for its cuisine. If we had even more time, we could have used Bologna as a base to take sides trip to Ravenna and other nearby towns. Actually it is kind of ironic that we spent those two nights in Bologna at all. We had intended to visit Ravenna, not Bologna but looking at the train routes, it seemed more practical to base in Bologna and go to Ravenna for the day. When we arrived in Bologna, we were so intrigued with what the city has to offer, we put off visiting Ravenna for another trip.

I had lunch at the Trattoria dal Biassanot a couple weeks ago. Ordered the lasagna verde based on your recommendation on your other thread. It was excellent. The panna cotta for dessert was superb. Great find!

Planning on a 4 night stay in Bologna next month and hoping to catch some music during the Bologna Festival during the month. It will be our first time in this region so for all of those who have been and raved HELP! Where to stay? we usually prefer the smaller boutique type hotels, is it too ambitious to think we could see the local highlights and have a day to side trip to Ravenna for the mosaics and another to Ferrara which sounds like it may be worth a day trip for lunch and a stroll? We will be coming off a week in Venice, and a 3 night stay in Mantova. I have about 8 days of flexibility before heading to Padova for 2 or 3 nights prior to flying out of the Venice airport on the 25th of May. Any hotels,sights not to be missed, and favorite eating establishments are greatly appreciated. Also I know everyone raves about the food in this region does that hold true for those that prefer fish and veggies!?!?!? Thanks tish

I have hesitated to write about my trip to Bologna because I was not as taken by the city as others here. I was there for 6 nights last month. I did, however, really enly the quick/easy access for daytripping -- went to Venice and Parma (on a Sunday unfortunately which is when most was closed...Parma was really pretty) and Modena for a soccer game (and I thought Modena was very very drab).

I eat primarily vegetarian and a little fish, no meat. One thing that surprised me was the preparation of the vegetarian pasta dishes -- generally no tomato sauces; just butter and parmesan cheese which actually was quite bland. My favorite entrees were a wonderful artichoke risotto at Monetgrappa da Nello and a ricotta stuffed eggplant roll with spicy tomato sauce at da Cesari. The eggplant was actually an appetizer, but when I didn't order anything else, they brought out a larger portion of it for me. I loved it! I also loved the warm/dense chocolate cake with warm chocolate sauce for dessert. :) I also really enjoyed my pizza at Bella Napoli.

I stayed at Al Cappello Rosso. The location can't be beat - about a 1 minute walk to the main piazza and a 15 minute walk to the train station. My room was tiny -- I booked a double room for single use and am pretty sure I got one of the smallest double rooms. But it was very comfortable, super clean, and got a nice chocolate on my pillow every night. Breakfast was more than adequate -- meats, cheese, croissants and pastries, hard boiled eggs, fruit, yogurt, and cereal.

We are considering stopping by Bologna (no overnight) and we will be in a car. Is there a place to drive to and park, and then get a bus or train into the center?
We did just read about the three traffic tickets within half an hour or so on another thread!!

Philbill - sorry I can't help with that. Perhaps by topping, someone who can help will see your question. I no look, why not post it. I am curious now that you asked.

beanweb - mi Chica is mostly vegetarian in the same sense that you are. Italy is great for that - there is a large variety of menu possibilities that do not include meat.