10 Best Hotels in Emilia–Romagna, Italy

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.

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.

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.

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 antique furniture and chandeliers, 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; the Sogno Amaranto suite has gorgeous frescoes. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In a calm location within easy walking distance of Modena's main tourist attractions, this hotel housed in an old palazzo has plenty of old-world character in the form of antique paintings, fancy plasterwork, and trompe l’oeil in the public rooms. Rooms are clean and come in varying sizes, and there is a terrace with tables and chairs and spacious gardens to relax in. The elegant restaurant La Secchia Rapita provides traditional local dishes and attentive service, while wide-ranging buffet breakfasts are served in the vaulted cellar.