We liked Bologna very much, for the reasons stated by the previous poster. Loved the food and the porticoes. We took a day trip to Ravenna, which was fabulous (gorgeous mosaics). I am returning to Bologna this spring and will use it as a base for day trips to Modena and Parma.

We stayed at the Hotel Il Canale, mainly because we could get a triple at a good price at short notice. It was within walking distance of the train station and very close to Piazza Maggiore and other sites. Although clean and with nice staff, it is nothing special so I can't recommend enthusiastically.

This time around, we are staying in Hotel Paradise, which is down the street from Il Canale, is similar in price but gets better reviews. We'll see.

Bologna is a nice respite between Venice and Florence; we stayed there a couple of nights earlier this year. We stayed at the Hotel Paradise, a well located (walking distance from the train station) and comfortable venue. There are great restaurants as well.