Admiral Park Hotel by Falco D'Oro Hotels

The restaurant is worth considering for its good staff and mediocre food, but I'd avoid staying at the hotel. The pool sits unused for most of the year, and the rooms are gradually falling apart without anything being done to improve them. It’s sad to see what was once a fine hotel go this way. I used to stay here for years on business trips and visits to my parents in southern Italy. Service started declining around 3-4 years ago, after a visit with my girlfriend. The front desk felt arrogant, and nobody seemed to care whether tired guests felt welcome or got a smile. I gave feedback, but it didn't seem to matter. Bright white lights outside the window apparently suit a business hotel, and the open Wi-Fi is treated as though security isn't a concern. The worst experience came after my credit card and phone were stolen in Palermo. After a 10-hour drive, at 20:30 I was left to find another hotel and a restaurant for the night. Apparently “Pay at the hotel” meant prepay at 15:00 or your booking would be cancelled and you'd be left on the street. They were fully booked, sorry, goodbye. Service was zero, and nobody offered a smile, even though I’d booked weeks ahead. A horrible week got even worse.

The bed is huge, which was great for two people, and breakfast was good. It's a lovely place with an elegant style, though I wish the receptionists were friendlier.

The hotel is on the outskirts of Bologna, and I was very disappointed with how the taxi was handled. I'd suggest booking one yourself: the hotel tends to call it before your scheduled time, then you get charged a lot for the waiting. Staff didn't help and said that's how it's usually done.

We found this place at the last minute on our way home to Belgium, travelling with our dog and 1.5-year-old twins. We called just 30 minutes ahead, and the staff had our room ready when we arrived, with an extra mat and food for the dog. Check-in was easy, and everyone was just as helpful and friendly at breakfast. We'll make this hotel part of our yearly trips to Italy.