ZANHOTEL REGINA, Bologna

The hotel sits on Via dell'Indipendenza, the main shopping street, just 600 metres from the train station and a 12-minute walk to Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers, and the cathedral. Covered porticos line the route, useful in bad weather. The Marconi Express connects the airport to the station in 8 minutes. Parking is available at the APCOA underground garage 50 metres away (€24/day). Numerous restaurants, trattorias, and bars are within a short walk. For day trips, the train station offers easy connections to Modena, Parma, Ravenna, and Ferrara.

The hotel offers 54 rooms, with bedding preferences to be specified at booking. Standard rooms are on the smaller side, with limited space around the bed and a small writing desk. Bathrooms are basic and can be cramped; some have fixed overhead showers only. Soundproofing is limited - street-facing rooms can be noisy. A few rooms have windows onto a blind wall. Apartments and studios are available with kitchenettes and more space. Air conditioning generally works well, but some have reported inconsistent heating or cooling. Daily housekeeping is provided. No rooms have balconies. For a quieter stay, request a room away from the street and on a higher floor accessible by lift.

Breakfast includes bread, pastries, cold cuts, cheeses, yogurts, fresh fruit, cereals, and hot drinks. Vegan options such as soya milk, soya yogurt, almond milk, and plant-based pastries are available. Cappuccino and espresso are freshly made. The breakfast room is small and can get busy. There is no on-site restaurant or bar (except for tea and coffee available at reception). Many excellent trattorias and osterias are within a few minutes' walk; staff can provide recommendations. For late-night snacks, a McDonald's is next door.

The hotel offers a lift, key card access, safety deposit box, and air conditioning throughout. Express check-in/out is available. Laundry service is available for an extra charge; a self-service laundromat is nearby. Bicycles can be stored indoors. Coffee is available on site. The reception can arrange taxis, provide tourist advice, and help with restaurant bookings. No airport shuttle is available. Parking is not on site but a public garage (APCOA) is 50 metres away (€24/day). City tax of up to €5 per person per night is not included in the rate.