Starhotels Excelsior

On my first stay at a StarHotels in Bologna, the hotel lived up to what I expected. The lobby and rooms were good quality, breakfast was perfectly adequate, and both check-in and check-out were quick and efficient. Being near the central train station works well if you're arriving by rail, though the feel of the surrounding area could be a small downside. I stay with StarHotels often and am usually very happy with the brand. Some locations are simply on the expensive side.

We were given early check-in, and the rooms were spotless thanks to the great housekeeping team. The rooms were a good size and comfortable, and staff at both reception and the bar were friendly and welcoming. We only stayed one night, but did lose a star because we got stuck in a lift. They got it sorted fairly quickly.

Breakfast stayed well stocked even with big crowds, and the team cleared used dishes quickly. Housekeeping did a great job too. The front desk staff were just as helpful, answering questions, suggesting restaurants, and booking tables for us. I can't recommend the hotel and its staff highly enough.

The room was spacious and clean, with the usual things like slippers, soap, and a hair dryer. It was a practical stay rather than a luxurious one, and breakfast at 15€ was a bargain. The hotel is right across from the station, with Piazza Maggiore about a 15-minute walk away. A train strike complicated our plans, but the front desk helped us work it out and extended checkout while we exchanged our tickets for a later train.