Everyone was so helpful with suggesting Bologna as a base for my March 2009 trip that I'm hoping to get as much good feedback for possible lodging.

I have confirmed availability at Casa Ilaria (bed and breakfast) for 80 Euros (great price!), but am concerned that the private bathroom is *outside* my bedroom area...not a big fan of that.

I would like a place no more than 15 minutes (safe walk) to the train station. Being near restaurants/cafes would be nice as well. Want quiet, clean, and somewhat cheerful. Don't mind boutique. Want to keep under $150 per night for a single. Breakfast does not have to be included.

Regarding price...it's probably a tad on the low side, but I am able to get discounts of about 15% off that could help bring a room down to my range. So feel free to suggest things that are 15-20% above what I've stated.

Thoughts? I think I saw Una Hotel in that price range...would like feedback on that as well as any others that come to mind.

I've done a little more research and was hoping some of you might be able to comment on the following. So far, it seems that the Internazionale Hotel gets the best review on Trip Advisor. I've confirmed that they are all in my price range.

Internazionale Hotel
Zanhotel Europa
I Portici
Savhotel

If you have any recommendations not on my list and in my price range, I'm open to suggestions. Thank you!

In May 2007, we stayed at the Hotel Porta San Mamolo in Bologna for 130 euro per night for a double, including an ample buffet breakfast.

The taxi cab ride from the Bologna Centrale train station was about 12 minutes.

I highly recommend this small hotel.

I stayed at the Internazionale last year, and would highly recommend it. Perfectly situated between the stazzione and P. Maggiore, large rooms, abundant breakfast, etc. And great rates on weekends if no trade fair in town.

Check out Cappello Rosso and the others in that family owned chain. If there is no fiere happening, they do come down in price. I hesitate to recommend Casa Ilaria only because of the punks that seem to "own" the street and piazza right in front of it. You can have some wonderful inexpensive meals at the group of restaurants known as IL Rosso.

Where are these Il Rosso restaurants located?

I spent literally weeks researching hotels in Bologna for our stay there in June, eventually chose the Hotel Paradise & loved it. My review - http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...a_Romagna.html.

Wow...great suggestions so far. I have requests out to Hotel Paradise and Hotel Porta San Mamolo. The comment about "punks" outside is much appreciated.

Al Cappello Rosso looks FABULOUS...they even have "special" rooms for single female travelers. It is a bit higher than what I was hoping to spend, but it's still very worthy of a consideration.

Also found the Palazzo Trevi B&B which looks great.

We, too, were very happy with he Internazionaloe. We thought the location just right.

Byrd

We stayed at Sofitel just about directly across from the station as we planned to take quite a few trips from there. We heard no street noise as we asked for a quiet room and were given one in the back.

It was about a 15-minute walk to downtown but not bad. We traded that off for quick access to trains.

You will love the food there. Clerk suggested excellent places nearby.

Thanks again for all the tips. I was able to get a nice rate at Al Cappello Rosso, so booked there.

You can get an incredible deal at:
http://www.albergodrapperie.com/chisiamo_en.php

My husband and I stayed there for a couple of nights in 2007. It's on a pedestrian walkway in the middle of vegetable, flower and fish markets. Very lively area. It's also a block down from the famous Tamburini market. You can walk everywhere from there. Don't fall for the breakfast suggestion..it's horrible.

We are staying at the Art Hotel Novecento next weekend. We wanted to be right in the center and the hotel gets such wonderful reviews that we decided to book it.

I'll report back when we return.