The 14 Best Hotels in Bologna, Italy (Luxury & Boutique)
Find out where to stay in Bologna Italy with our guide on the best hotels in Bologna Italy.
Bologna, famous for its world-famous cuisine, is a city that captures the heart with its rich history, vibrant culture, and undeniable Italian charm. Beyond its medieval towers and porticoed streets, the city offers an array of exceptional hotels that cater to discerning travelers.
From grand luxury properties steeped in elegance to intimate boutique retreats filled with character, Bologna’s accommodations reflect the city’s and Northern Italy’s unique binding of tradition and modernity.
Whether you’re just here for the gastronomy and history, or simply to soak in the local atmosphere, the right hotel can transform your stay into an unforgettable experience. Here are my favorite boutique and luxury hotels in Bologna, Italy.
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13 Best Luxury & Boutique Hotels in Bologna
1. Grand Hotel Majestic Gia’ Baglioni
As one of the best hotels in Bologna Italy, the Grand Hotel Majestic “già Baglioni” is a masterclass in Italian opulence, blending the grandeur of an 18th-century palace with the discreet service and elegance that have long defined its reputation. It’s easily the best luxury hotel in Bologna.
Tucked in the heart of Bologna, steps from Piazza Maggiore, the hotel’s façade hints at the treasures within: soaring ceilings adorned with frescoes, marble hallways echoing with history, and gilded mirrors reflecting soft golden light.
Inside, the 106 rooms and suites exude timeless sophistication, each furnished with antique pieces and sumptuous fabrics that evoke the golden age of Italian design. Yet service is attentive and all there with kind staff, room service, express check-in, rich buffet breakfasts, and all the services you might need from a modern, luxury hotel.
At I Carracci, the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, I settle under intricate Renaissance-style ceilings to savor tortellini in brodo, a dish that feels as steeped in history as the setting itself. The adjoining café, with its delicate Murano chandeliers and velvet chairs, offers the perfect backdrop for an afternoon espresso or aperitivo.
Beyond its lavish interiors, the hotel curates experiences as memorable as its decor—think private opera evenings or exclusive tours of Bologna’s iconic culinary institutions. Whether you’re here for culture, gastronomy, or simply to revel in its hushed luxury, this is a 5 star hotel in Bologna that doesn’t just host your stay—it defines it.
2. I Portici Hotel Bologna
The I Portici Hotel Bologna transforms a historic 19th-century theater into a sleek, contemporary retreat where Italian artistry meets modern luxury.
Set just off Via dell’Indipendenza, its unassuming exterior gives way to a world of surprises: grand frescoed ceilings that soar above minimalist interiors, terrazzo floors polished to a soft gleam, and a sweeping terrace that frames Bologna’s iconic terracotta rooftops.
Each of the 91 rooms blends clean, understated design with subtle nods to the building’s past—ornamental moldings, arched windows, and muted palettes that let the architecture speak.
Dining here is an experience unto itself as you’ll find one of Bologna’s top restaurants on your doorstep. At Ristorante I Portici, the hotel’s Michelin-starred jewel, I indulge in a tasting menu that reinterprets regional classics with avant-garde flair.
The dining room, set in the former Teatro Eden, retains its theatrical allure with ornate balconies and dramatic lighting that makes every dish feel like a spotlight moment. Downstairs, the bistro-style café offers an informal yet equally tempting array of local delicacies.
3. Hotel Brun
My top pick for the hottest boutique hotel in Bologna, Hotel Brun (Hotel Brown), is a stylish newcomer that redefines understated luxury in Bologna. Tucked away on a quiet street near Piazza Maggiore, this chic retreat pairs mid-century modern aesthetics with a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Its 20 rooms are all impeccably designed, featuring soft leather headboards, muted earth tones, and custom terrazzo floors that nod to Italian craftsmanship.
The lobby’s lounge area, with its curated selection of art books and sleek velvet seating, feels more like a designer’s living room than a hotel. Downstairs, the cozy restaurant serves a seasonal menu inspired by local flavors, while the intimate rooftop bar offers cocktails with a side of panoramic city views.
Perfect for travelers who crave contemporary style with a touch of Bologna’s charm, Hotel Brun is boutique luxury at its most refined- easily one of the best hotels in Bologna.
4. Phi Hotel Bologna
Everyone seems to have a favorite hidden gem in Bologna, and Phi Hotel Bologna has quickly become mine. Located in a quiet pocket of Bologna city centre, this boutique property feels like a well-kept secret, blending classic Italian hospitality with a distinctly modern flair.
Originally a historic palazzo, the hotel was carefully reimagined to preserve its architectural soul while introducing contemporary comforts. The result is a space that feels both grounded in Bologna’s past and perfectly in tune with its future.
Walking into the lobby, with its marble accents and warm lighting, I was immediately greeted by the concierge, who seemed genuinely eager to share tips for exploring the city. It’s this personal touch—staff who truly care—that sets Phi apart.
Upstairs, the rooms strike the perfect balance of elegance and simplicity: plush linens, a lot of color, thoughtfully curated yet curious furnishings and tall windows that flood the space with natural light.
The hotel’s intimate restaurant is another highlight. Dining here feels less like a formal affair and more like being welcomed into a friend’s private dining room, where every dish tells a story of Bologna’s rich culinary tradition. After dinner, I took a moment to sip an amaro in the cozy courtyard—a tranquil escape from the city’s buzz.
5. Hotel Corona d’Oro 1890
Hotel Corona d’Oro 1890 is a refined jewel in the heart of Bologna, seamlessly combining historical grandeur with modern sophistication. Housed in a restored 14th-century palazzo, this elegant retreat exudes timeless charm, from its frescoed ceilings to its intricate Venetian mosaics.
The 40 rooms and suites are understated yet luxurious, featuring antique furnishings, plush fabrics, and an ambiance of quiet exclusivity. Just steps from Piazza Maggiore, the hotel offers unparalleled proximity to Bologna’s cultural landmarks while serving as a tranquil sanctuary.
With its impeccable service and rich architectural details, Hotel Corona d’Oro 1890 offers a stay that feels effortlessly indulgent.
Check availability and book your stay.
6. Casa Bertagni
Casa Bertagni or Bertagni House is an exquisite boutique hotel set within a historic building that beautifully reflects Bologna’s architectural heritage.
Perfectly positioned near the city center, it offers guests a blend of timeless elegance and modern comfort. The spacious rooms, all uniquely decorated, feature air conditioning and thoughtful touches that ensure a restful stay, from plush bedding to curated artwork.
The hotel’s common areas are equally inviting, with an eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary furnishings that create a warm, artistic atmosphere.
Combining historic charm with modern amenities, Casa Bertagni provides an intimate and sophisticated base for exploring Bologna. It’s easily one of the best hotels in Bologna Italy.
7. Casa Miramonte
Few places in Bologna combine charm, comfort, and value quite like Casa Miramonte, a boutique guesthouse perfectly positioned in the centre of Bologna. This historic property is ideal for travelers seeking a stylish yet intimate stay without breaking the bank.
Its affordable room prices make it an enticing choice, but the standout feature is the small spa with an indoor sauna—an unexpected touch of luxury. For those looking to unwind after exploring Bologna’s vibrant streets, booking a private sauna session is a must.
The guest rooms are spacious and thoughtfully designed, blending classic Italian elegance with modern amenities like air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. Located within walking distance of Bologna’s iconic porticoes and cultural landmarks, Casa Miramonte is proof that you don’t need to sacrifice comfort or style for a central location.
Whether you’re here for a quick city break or a longer escape, this guesthouse offers a stay that’s as relaxing as it is memorable.
Check availability and book your stay.
8. Elizabeth Lifestyle Hotel
While there are plenty of stylish boutique hotels in Bologna Italy, few capture the city’s energy and elegance quite like Elizabeth Lifestyle Hotel. Positioned in the northern part of the city, just outside the center this contemporary property is a favorite among travelers who value both design and convenience.
Though housed in a historic building, the hotel offers an impressive array of modern facilities that ensure every comfort is met without losing its chic, Italian flair.
Inside, the interiors are bold, sleek and inviting, with terrazzo floors, custom furniture, and a dark yet warm color palette that reflects Bologna’s signature terracotta tones. The rooms are equally well-appointed, featuring high-speed, free Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and luxurious bedding.
For a truly elevated experience, guests can opt for suites that come with private terraces—perfect for unwinding with a view of the city.
With its locally inspired free breakfast- expect plenty of local cold cuts-, stylish communal spaces, and attentive service, Elizabeth Lifestyle Hotel seamlessly blends historic charm with cutting-edge amenities. It’s the ideal choice for visitors looking to enjoy Bologna’s rich culture while surrounded by contemporary comfort.
Check availability and book your stay.
9. Albergo Rossini
Albergo Rossini is a timeless gem in Bologna, perfect for those seeking a stay steeped in traditional Italian design. Located in the heart of the city, this boutique hotel evokes the elegance of old palazzos, with its grand archways, intricate tilework, and classic furnishings that harken back to a bygone era.
Each room is uniquely styled, blending antique touches with modern comforts, creating an atmosphere of understated sophistication.
From the moment you step into its warmly lit lobby, Albergo Rossini envelops you in the charm of historic Bologna. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the city’s cultural landmarks, while its serene ambiance offers a quiet retreat after a day of discovery.
Perfectly combining tradition with comfort, it’s a delightful choice for travelers who want an authentic Italian experience.
10. Hotel Metropolitan
Hotel Metropolitan is a chic, cosmopolitan retreat tucked away in the historical centre of Bologna, offering a modern twist on Italian hospitality. Its stylish interiors are a blend of modern design minimalism and subtle nods to Bologna’s artistic heritage, with clean lines, warm tones, and carefully curated decor.
The rooms are thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort, featuring sleek furnishings, luxurious bedding, and all the modern amenities discerning travelers expect.
One of the highlights is the hotel’s rooftop terrace, where you can sip aperitivi while taking in panoramic views of Bologna’s iconic terracotta skyline.
Located just steps from Via dell’Indipendenza and the city’s historic center, Hotel Metropolitan is perfect for travelers seeking a sophisticated, urban vibe without sacrificing proximity to the city’s cultural landmarks- ideal on any first visit.
With great service and refined aesthetic, it strikes a perfect balance between contemporary cool and timeless elegance.
11. Art Hotel Orologio
Art Hotel Orologio was where I stayed the first time I visited Bologna, and it instantly set the tone for my love affair with the city. Nestled on Piazza Maggiore, just by the Clock Tower, the hotel is perfectly positioned to soak in the heart of Bologna’s medieval charm.
The building, with its classic terracotta facade and elegant arches, feels like a part of the city’s soul, and stepping inside is like entering a well-curated homage to Italian craftsmanship.
Though it exudes the romance of an old-world Italian townhouse, the hotel has all the modern touches you’d hope for, spacious rooms, immaculate bathrooms, and a quiet air of refined luxury. Each of the 33 rooms feels thoughtfully individual, with rich wooden furnishings, intricate tile floors, and views that frame Bologna’s historic skyline and terracotta roofs.
The hotel’s name is no accident either—clocks and timepieces feature prominently in the decor, a subtle nod to the passage of centuries in this timeless city.
12. Royal Hotel Carlton
Royal Hotel Carlton is a refined sanctuary in Bologna, seamlessly blending classic Italian elegance with modern conveniences. The hotel’s interiors exude a timeless charm, with antique furniture, plush fabrics, and intricate detailing that transport you to an era of understated sophistication.
From the moment you step into the marble-clad lobby, the atmosphere is one of quiet luxury, perfect for travelers who appreciate a classic vibe with a touch of grandeur. The rooms and suites continue this theme, offering spacious layouts adorned with vintage-inspired decor and large windows that invite natural light.
Beyond its elegant design, the hotel caters to contemporary needs with a fully equipped fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool, ideal for guests looking to maintain their routine while traveling. Private parking is also available.
Located close to Bologna’s central station and a short walk from the city center, the Royal Hotel Carlton is a perfect choice for those seeking a harmonious blend of historic charm and modern comfort.
Check availability and book your stay.
13. Aemilia Hotel Bologna
Aemilia Hotel Bologna is an uber-modern retreat that offers a fresh perspective on this historic city. Situated just outside the bustling city center, it’s close enough to keep you connected to Bologna’s heart but far enough to provide a sense of calm.
The hotel itself is sleek and contemporary, with an emphasis on spaciousness and comfort. The rooms are minimalist, modern yet inviting, with comfortable beds, large windows that flood the space with natural light, and thoughtful touches like plush bedding and well-equipped workspaces.
It’s a place that feels as functional as it does stylish—a balance that makes it perfect for both leisure and business travelers.
The panoramic rooftop is where to be in the evenings with views of endless terracotta rooftops stretching toward the iconic Two Towers and rolling hills beyond. Watching the sunset from the terrace feels like discovering a secret slice of Bologna.
Check availability and book your stay.
14. Art Hotel Commercianti
Art Hotel Commercianti is a boutique gem that perfectly captures the spirit of Bologna’s medieval heart. Nestled just steps from the iconic Basilica di San Petronio, the hotel occupies a historic building that once housed the city’s notaries in the 13th century.
The atmosphere is steeped in history, with vaulted ceilings, frescoed walls, and antique furniture giving the interiors an enchanting, old-world charm.
Each room is uniquely designed, blending classical elegance with modern amenities like free wifi and air-conditioned rooms, including plush bedding and luxurious marble bathrooms. Some even feature private terraces with stunning views of the basilica or Bologna’s famous rooftops, making your stay here feel uniquely personal.
A highlight of the Art Hotel Commercianti experience is the warm and attentive service, which makes guests feel right at home. Combined with its unbeatable location in the city’s historic core, this hotel is an exceptional choice for travelers seeking both character and convenience.
Ready to book one of the best hotels in Bologna Italy? Have any questions or comments about your trip? Let me know in the box below.
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