3 Best Hotels in Emilia–Romagna, Italy

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. 

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.