Hotel Giardinetto

The location is a real plus, with lots of buses stopping right outside and the city center not too far to walk. The rooms were clean, nice, and new, and for a two-star hotel I don't have much to complain about. Breakfast was the one small letdown for me: very limited choice, and the bread was stale, so the selection seemed a bit questionable.

The receptionist was so helpful. I'd booked two single beds, but my room had two large double beds instead. It was clean and tidy, with a minibar, safe, and great A/C, and the shower was really good. A great place to stay in Bologna, just a short walk from the center.

Breakfast was very poor, and there wasn't enough for all the guests. The room stayed noisy from a generator running on the hotel property, and ambulance sirens could be heard constantly because the hotel is opposite the hospital emergency room. It's on a dirty industrial street. During the hot season there was no air conditioning; when I asked staff to fix the problem or move me to another room, they were rude. The elevator only reaches a middle floor, so you still have to use stairs to get to your room, and in the evening the only access is by the steep outside stairs. There's also a high step between the bedroom and bathroom. I don't recommend this terrible hotel.

The beds were OK, and it was nice that a cot was provided. Reception is open for most of the day, though the elevator is tiny, like much of the hotel. Breakfast is basic but does the job, although the breakfast room is small. It's more a small hotel or B&B, about half an hour from the center. The rooms are on the small side, clean, and furnished in an old-fashioned but functional style. Our room had a small shower and no bath, and the water temperature changed depending on when someone flushed the toilet. Some staff were a little unhelpful, including one rather large young man, while the women were all nice and friendly.