We (my wife and I) will be staying in Bologna for a couple of nights in December or January (side trip from Venice). I would welcome suggestions for hotels at say 90 to 120 Euro per night. Historic centre would be our choice – we don’t know Bologna at all.

I was in Bologna a few weeks ago and stayed at the Albergo delle Drapperie. I believe the cost per night was 85 Euro, although in December/January it may be less. The hotel wasn't fancy but clean and in a good location in the historic center. http://www.albergodrapperie.com/chisiamo_en.php

Hello Peter, how fortunate you two are to be able to return for a long time in Venice.

I love Bologna and oh the food! But I would sure encourage you to book a hotel room as soon as possible. I say that as every time I have been in Italy going to Bologna has been somewhat spur of the moment and there has never been an available hotel room due to all their commerce fairs that are held there. I noticed that the hotel heatherny posted about even addressed that situation. Btw, I like the hotel heatherny shared with you. Best regards.

Heatherny & LoveItaly, thanks. The hotel looks good - we'll probably make it there in January. And yes, we're seduced by the food.

We're taking my MIL with us for two weeks (she's a sprightly lass of 80 or so). That will be fun - a fresh set of eyes for me.

Cheers

We stayed at Zanhotel Regina http://www.zanhotel.it/ita/hotels/regina

84 Euro / night with buffet breakfest.

On the main commercial street, 5 minutes walk from train station. Big rooms, perfect location, very clean.

If those places are full, you might check the Hotel Roma, where I stayed a few years ago. It is on a pedestrian street a few steps from the main piazza. Not charming but very well located with professional staff:

http://www.hotelroma.biz/eng/albergo.php

We stayed at Hotel Internazionale and liked it very much.

http://www.monrifhotels.it/HotelInternazionale/en

I agree that booking a hotel as early as possibly is a good idea.

Byrd

I'm planning five days in Bologna in November, and have been looking for an apartment. Even though I've read on the boards how quickly Bologna can book-up, I was still a little surprised by the limited availability. Good advice to look early!

the trick with bologna is to pick a week when there is not a trade show. Even apartments are filled during the shows and conventions. I remember you can look up the fair schedule on the Internet.

Thanks all for your advice. We've booked a couple of nights at the Albergo delle Drapperie - trip report will follow in due course (January 2011).
81 Euro per night - for 28th and 29th December.

www.hotelparadisebologna.it
They also have apartments across from the hotel.