16 Best Hotels in Emilia–Romagna, Italy

Originally opened in the late 19th century and restored a century later, this small, charming place exhibits a Venetian influence, with Murano chandeliers hanging from the high coffered wood ceilings in common rooms. The second floor, where most of those are sited, is well appointed, with tasteful furniture and lots of fresh flowers, and the breakfast room is adorned with a vibrant border of 17th-century frescoes. Such simple elegance extends to guest rooms, with their comfortable beds and sweeping drapes. On-site is a lively wine bar serving light meals, lunches, and dinners, plus a restaurant serving local specialties.

A stone's throw from Piazza Maggiore, this place that started out as a pensione in 1875 has endured into the 21st century with a winning combination of comfort, affordability, and some family-size rooms. Rooms are simply furnished, and those facing the inner courtyard (without a view) are really quiet; many are triples and quads. The bathrooms are large by Italian standards (though not all rooms have a private one). A copious buffet breakfast includes breads, pastries, yogurt, and cheese, along with local specialties like mortadella. Parking is usually available in the nearby square. Note that a major renovation will mean that no rooms will have any view of the city until the completion of work in early 2021.

This swank place, with decor inspired by European design of the 1930s, is in a little piazza just minutes from Piazza Maggiore. Clean lines and elegant restraint are the hallmarks of the rooms, the lobby, even the elevators—and equally well-dressed people like to stay here. It's well worth paying extra to upgrade from a basic double, as other rooms are that much bigger. The ample breakfast includes eggs, and every evening the bar hosts a happy hour. Those considering a longer stay might want to avail themselves of one of two luxurious apartments in a nearby palazzo, where the effortless style of the Novecento prevails.

The location of this stylish and welcoming family-run hotel can't be beat: it's right around the corner from Piazza Maggiore on a quiet piazza. The inviting living room has Oriental rugs and comfortable couches. Rooms are mostly painted yellow, with hardwood floors, and some have antique clocks and tremendous views of 14th-century Palazzo Comunale just across the way. The ample breakfast includes fresh fruit, and the staff are uniformly friendly and professional. 

From the marble lobby to the luxury rooftop-terrace suites, Bologna's oldest and grandest hotel, set in an 18th-century palazzo impresses with its classical aristocratic French decor and top-notch food. The Classic and Superior guest rooms have linen sheets, antiques, draped curtains, and an aristocratic air; while the top suites, including a sprawling Venetian-style apartment, beloved of celebs and royalty, have cathedral views.  

This 1908 extravaganza, made famous by Federico Fellini in his film Amarcord, is grander than ever with ongoing restorations that keep the place completely current while maintaining its Belle Époque charm. The stage is set by enormous crystal chandeliers in the lobby and inlaid wood in the rooms that seem comforting rather than formal. The place is full of light, partly because the many large windows let it all in. A spotless private beach provides tranquility (though so does the pool). In summer La Dolce Vita, the terrific restaurant, moves outside to one of the sweeping terraces overlooking perfectly kept gardens and the sea. It also serves lunch on the beach, and in July and August there's live music. The adjacent Residence Parco Fellini offers four-star rooms and suites at affordable prices. 

Brightly colored fittings enliven the white-walled, hardwood-floor guest rooms—think minimalism with a splash—at this hotel on a quiet little piazza near the forbiddingly majestic Castello Estense. The nearby Prisciani, which is part of the Annunziata, has larger rooms and suites, making it a perfect place for families.

Elegance and historic charm are the keynotes of this converted medieval palazzo once belonging to the powerful Azzoguidi family, just a short stroll from Piazza Maggiore and all the main attractions. The soothing calm of the sumptuous interior is most evident in the Liberty-style lounge, which features stuccoed decor and a glass dome, and is highly conducive to a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea. The period touches extend to the spacious and well-soundproofed guest rooms and suites, some of which have Renaissance-era frescoes and wooden ceilings, balconies, and views of Bologna's medieval towers. Breakfasts are abundant.

Set in a Renaissance palazzo in central Modena, this luxurious bolthole combines modern and antique furnishings, and has a selection of spacious room and suites (the Royal has a beautiful frescoed ceiling) with smart marble bathrooms. The feeling of being secreted away in an exclusive, tranquil retreat is enhanced by the top-notch service and facilities for both eating and pampering. 

For a quiet and welcoming lodging on a residential street a stone's throw from the Basilica di San Vitale, look no further—it even has a delightful garden. Common rooms, like the sitting area, have cheery yellow walls, Oriental rugs, a bit of chintz, gleaming hardwood floors, and Arts and Crafts furniture. Breakfast is served in the garden when it's warm enough, and later on you can relax here with a drink from the honor bar. Rooms and bathrooms are surprisingly large by Italian standards. Several have private terraces overlooking the garden (two open right on to it), and two can connect, making it good for families.

In the early 18th century this lodging began life as a convent (later suppressed by Napoléon), but now it's a delightful city-center bed-and-breakfast, popular with performers at the city's Teatro Comunale. Filippo Orlandini is the resident proprietor—very hands-on and eager to make your stay as wonderful as possible. The living room, temporarily transformed with linen tablecloths, doubles as the breakfast room. Guest rooms have comfortable beds and flowers in the window boxes. When it's warmer, you can sit outside on a small terrace with a pergola. One self-catering apartment is also available.

Though given a stylish modern makeover, the courtyards, vaulted brick lobby, and breakfast room of this 15th-century palazzo retain much of their lordly Renaissance flair. Guest rooms are a little more down-to-earth, but standard doubles and some of the enormous bi- and tri-level suites have dark wooden floors, exposed roof beams, and cozy antique furniture. Top-floor rooms and suites—some with terraces—are roomy and especially good for families. Everything here, including room service, is impeccable. The location is quiet but fairly convenient.

Set in a historic, central palazzo, Bezzi is the best bet in town for reliable, friendly customer service, and a comfortable stay amid modern surroundings, a quiet garden, and panoramic rooftop solarium. Guest room and suite decor is mainly muted, whitewashed and minimalist with parquet flooring, while some have accented, striped wallpaper.  

Marchese Vittorio dalla Rosa Prati has converted part of his family's 15th-century palace on Piazza del Duomo into luxurious, self-catering accommodations, and those with connecting rooms are ideal for families. Each is different, but all have pastel walls, hardwood floors, large beds, small kitchenettes, and spotless bathrooms. Many have amazing views, either of the Baptistery next door, or of the stunning piazza; others face a quiet courtyard, ensuring a fine night's sleep. For a longer stay, opt for one of the even more spacious apartments, all of which are furnished with the same simple elegance as the palazzo.

A 17th-century palace has been refurbished with 21st-century amenities to provide a lovely place to rest one's head: the suites are under the same management as the Parizzi restaurant (it's a shared entrance), so you can just glide downstairs for a marvelous meal. (Alternatively, room service of the highest quality is available.) All suites—with hardwood floors, high ceilings, and well-supplied kitchens—offer simple elegance at reasonable prices. One is perfect for families; another will suit sybarites who might want to splash around in the Jacuzzi. Rates are lower for weeklong (and long-term) stays.

Proprietor Antonio di Resta shows his impeccable sense of style and love of all things French in a lovely little bed-and-breakfast just a few steps from the Duomo. Both mansarded rooms have been eclectically and painstakingly decorated with treasures found in markets both in Italy and Provence (among other places). Floors are hardwood, and the sheets on the amazingly comfortable beds are linen. The small sitting room provides a perfect place to unwind, and the little kitchen up a flight of stairs provides city views. Breakfast is served just down the street at Mon Café, the café and bistro owned by the B&B. If two couples, or a family, are traveling, both rooms can be rented, and the public rooms become yours.