7 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. 

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.

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 luxurious. 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 with glass dome, and the period touches extend to the spacious and well-soundproofed guest rooms and suites. The choicest rooms have Renaissance-era frescoes and wooden ceilings, balconies, and views of Bologna's medieval towers. Breakfasts are abundant and their swanky restaurant/cocktail bar Casa Azzoguidi is top-notch.

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.

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.