Hotel Corona d'Oro

Corona d'Oro is a 4 star, comfortable, friendly and extremely clean hotel in the heart of Bologna, 5 minutes from the Piazza Maggiore. My friend and I were warmly welcomed by the courteous staff who spoke both English and Italian. Our single rooms were on the first floor at the front of the hotel. A pleasant location and - with the balcony doors open - rather lively. I loved lying in my bed, listening to the sounds of the city slowly waking up. If you prefer a somewhat quieter experience, simply close the doors, and all the noise disappears. The rooms are well maintained, very clean and equipped with all modern cons. Most important: the beds are very comfortable. My marble bathroom came with a good shower. The beating heart of the hotel is formed by a light and airy lounge with a glass roof. Its cosy chairs and sofas are a nice place to drink coffee or tea and rest after a day in beautiful Bologna. The hotel's restaurant Casa Azzoguidi has recently undergone an extensive renovation and is exceptionally beautiful and elegantly decorated. Modern chic, very Italian and quite cosy at the same time. Unfortunately the restaurant was fully booked during our stay. The menu looks promising though. The restaurant also serves as a breakfast room where a well-cared-for breakfast is served in the morning. The choice is relatively limited, but the quality of what is on offer is very good. A fine hotel to which I certainly hope to return.

The Hotel Corona D'Oro is a former palazzo located down a side street backing onto the old Ghetto, about 3 minutes' walk from the main square and the fountain of Neptune - it could not be better located. Rooms are double-glazed and noise is really not a problem. The layout is a rabbit warren but well signposted, so there's no need to get lost. Our room, while small and slightly old-fashioned in feel, was extremely well equipped, with no shortage of storage and a generous bathroom with extensive counter space for emptying washbags onto. An intelligent nightlight in the bathroom stopped midnight stumbling. The establishment was happy to supply fresh milk for our morning tea. The associated restaurant has an adjacent cocktail bar with a barman who clearly loves his job: it's hard not to be knocked out (in every sense) by his specials. The menu is ambitious: we had a very decent meal there on our first night (though eating well in Bologna is not a challenge and there are many good places within walking distance). An excellent breakfast is served in the restaurant: as well as an extensive offering of hot and cold foods, eggs are cooked to order. We were there in blood orange season and the freshly squeezed juice was a joy. The front desk team is clearly high morale: friendly, welcoming and as helpful as one could wish. We will certainly return here when we come back to Bologna.

We arrived early evening and we had two members of staff great us outside as our taxi drew up. They greeted us by name and had kindly upgraded one of our rooms. Check in was quick. We had a welcome gift and our room was perfect. The location is right in the middle of Bologna. We asked for a resturant recommendation and the reception booked it for us and gave us a nap with clear instructions. After dinner we returned to the hotel and enjoyed drinks the back terrace. Breakfast was very nice - all the staff were wonderful and we will return.

The location was exceptionel. The staff was very friendly, and provided an exceptional service. The hotel is beautiful with an historic decor.