Savoia Hotel Country House Bologna

The included breakfast was pretty good, though there could have been more savoury choices. Getting around is easier than the distance from the centre might suggest: bus stops are close, and buses go straight to the centre or central station. Public transport to the airport isn't very convenient, and the light rail costs so much that a cab from the hotel works out better for two people. We paid 75 euros for one night in a small ground-floor room. The bed was tucked into a corner, so my girlfriend had to climb over me to get to the bathroom at night. The TV's position was baffling, though I wasn't planning to watch Italian TV anyway. The bathroom was spacious, but turning on the overhead shower sent cold water down my back. It also had an odd smell, probably from the air freshener.

Breakfast was excellent, though it was served at the neighboring hotel. Everything else about the stay was disappointing. We had booked two nights but left after one, when ants filled our ground-floor room in the morning. Staff sprayed strong insecticide and told us to open the windows and wait. When we asked to move, they said no other rooms were available, although Booking.com showed at least four still open. Their unwillingness to help was the worst part. Our room was right by the entrance, so we constantly heard people coming and going. The bed was uncomfortable, the water was heavily chlorinated, and the place felt cheap, nowhere near four-star quality. For a hotel calling itself four-star, the response to the ants was unacceptable. I wouldn't recommend staying here.

The hotel is outside the old town, and having a car would make things convenient. Buses reach the old town in 20 minutes, or you can take a taxi. The room was luxurious and well maintained, and breakfast was exceptional.

The grounds were charming, but the staff were a bit rude, and the price was far too high for the experience. Any amenities are at the sister hotel within walking distance, not this one. The small, grimy rooms smelled damp and musty, with mosquitoes everywhere. Bathrooms felt wet and stale, and the tiles and grout were gross, with mold and mildew. I stayed a few days for a local tradeshow. Taxis were necessary, making it poor value. The AC gets switched off by September even when the rooms are roasting. I was told to open the window, but it was noisy, and the broken screens let mosquitoes into my room. It wasn't a relaxing stay and wasn't worth the cost. I don't understand the ratings or the claim that this is a four-star hotel.