AngyWarhol

Hi. I am one hotel away from finalizing my Italy trip in Northern Italy. I'd like to stay in the Parma/Modena area, basically in this middle section before I hit Verona.

any suggestions for hotels? I will be there with my husband for two nights and we will be driving. thank you!

Midnightsun

Last summer we stayed at the Hotel Real Fini San Francesco in Modena. It's a five star hotel that has some great rates (I think we booked through venere.com) for Fridays and weekends...about 150 euros. It was exceptionally comfortable and friendly, very close to the historic center of Modena. Not exactly between Parma and Modena, but truly a gem.

AngyWarhol

i saw that place and it looks great. and they have rooms. i was hoping to find some place for 130 euros and under. was it worth the money?

Midnightsun

I think the breakfast alone (all manner of Italian pastries and one very personable waiter we shared with no one...we slept in, and they don't do as much business on weekends as weekdays) may have been worth it. Seriously, it was great value for the money, given that we stayed in a few downtown hotels that were more expensive in other cities, none of which came close to the San Francesco.It was also fun to look at the Ferrari engines here and there in the hallways and the two Testarossas in the parking lot across the way. There was some information on how you could test drive a Testarossa, but we just admired them. The Fini family (which has several. three I think, hotels in Modena) has a long history in the balsamic vinegar industry, and the original store is tucked into the side of the San Francesco. Unfortunately, when I tried to check on rates a few minutes ago, I got a message that no reservations were being taken at this time. Maybe you'll have better luck, although I suppose it is possible they have closed for renovations.

sjd

Have you thought of Locanda Del Feudo (near Modena)with an excellent restaurant.

zeppole

Check the "dove dormire" section of this website for leads.

http://www.gustamodena.it/eventi.php?cod=69

Also, have you checked Venere and TripAdvisor? Both usually offer b&b options.

Finally, simple google searches for "agriturismo Modena Italy" or "agriturismo Parma Italy" will produce maps pinpointing accommodations, My personal experience of traveling in Italy is that you have more to worry about booking hotels than b&bs or agriturismo. The latter are usually family run and charming. The hotels can be iffy or overpriced.

Parma has a number of business hotels outside its walls that I think are quite unappealing, and I think 150 euros is a lot to spend in Italy. I stayed in a Best Western outside of Parma and while it was adequate, I'm sure I could have done better at a b&b or agriturismo.

zeppole

PS: Locande with restaurants are often great, and lots of fun, and I believe Locanda del Fuedo has reviews on line, so I would check out that suggestion.

chazzarelli

I visited Parma 2 years ago and would go back in a heartbeat. I stayed right across the street from the main train station. It was a hotel that had/was being renovated and was a perfect stop for a short stay in Parma. Being near the train station allowed me easy access to hop back on the train and access to taxi's when I needed them. I stayed at the Century Hotel, and will stay there again on my next trip.

I also suggest eating at Parma Rotta for dinner. Amazing food and atmosphere right outside of the main part of town. Available by taxi. http://www.parmarotta.com/

AngyWarhol

thank you everyone! this is incredibly helpful! i will check the sites for a B&B and hopefully i can find something a little cheaper. this is great, i appreciate the help!

tagliolini_al_limone

I stayed at the Locanda del Fuedo twice and second the recommendation. We booked it on Venere. Room prices increase during trade fairs in Bologna -- Modena and Castelvetro di Modena receive some overflow business.

The rooms were comfortable and could hold a family. The restaurant is great. My DH said that the brodo (broth) tasted just like nonna's (grandma's).