Starhotels Excelsior

“I will be back!”

Great experience. Professional and very dedicated staff, especially Arnoldo from the hotel bar. An exceptional experience in a beautiful city with cheerful people.

“Perfect location in Bologna!”

This is a very nice hotel and I would have given it 5 stars except for 2 reasons. First, the good stuff. You can't beat this location if you are staying in Bologna or traveling on a series of day trips to Florence, Venice, Modena, etc. The train station is directly across the street. I thought … more

This is a very nice hotel and I would have given it 5 stars except for 2 reasons. First, the good stuff. You can't beat this location if you are staying in Bologna or traveling on a series of day trips to Florence, Venice, Modena, etc. The train station is directly across the street. I thought this may cause noise but the hotel was extremely quiet. You can also get the high speed trains from there. The rooms are a nice size, good closet space, nice toiletries in the room. Our room was cleaned every day which is a nice change from the USA. Every staff member we encountered was wonderful, helpful, spoke English, and treated us so well. They even arranged breakfast boxes for our early morning departure and called us a van to take us and our 4 suitcases for the airport. There was one man who works the desk (I didn't catch his name but he's very tall with a mustache!) and he was wonderful for the entire week. Now, the two things I would change: The temperature of the room was very hot. We tried to turn on the air in our room but it never worked. We opened the windows to help cool off the room. Second, the breakfast needs to change a bit each day. We had the same items over and over which wasn't great. However, what was served was very nice and plentiful. Great coffee machines and great staff. I would highly recommend this hotel if you are staying in Bologna and plan to utilize the train station often.

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“Take the Monorail from the airport!”

The hotel is directly opposite the train station and easy to get to from the airport. I took the local bus there - which cost 2.30 euro's. The bus stop is situated on the right as you exit the station bus stop "Q"- although it is not easy to see/ signposted. You can use contactless when you board t… more

The hotel is directly opposite the train station and easy to get to from the airport. I took the local bus there - which cost 2.30 euro's. The bus stop is situated on the right as you exit the station bus stop "Q"- although it is not easy to see/ signposted. You can use contactless when you board the bus- do not tap out at the end of your journey though. It takes around 30-40 minutes to its final stop which is the Oesdepal Maggiore. You need to take another local bus 23 toward the main train station. I walked - it took about30 minutes. The Hotel. My room was on the second floor facing the main road /towards the train station. It is noisy, so if you are a light sleeper- request a room with an even number- they face the rear of the hotel. The room was very well equipped: Free to use safe. Hairdryer. Ample storage. Hand wash. Shower gel. Shampoo. Tissues. Hairdryer. Bath robe. Slippers. Mini bar. Tea and coffee making facilities. The room was on the small size, but it was comfortable and well appointed. The bathroom was large with a walk in shower- although, the entry is quite small. Although I did not request room make ups- whenever I called reception for fresh towels they were brought to my room immediately. There were individual heart shaped chocolates on each bedside table for the turn down. There was a pillow menu! I didn't have breakfast or eat at the hotel- so I can't comment on the food. Nearby is the Piazza Maggiore, two towers. I walked to the Sanctury of the Madonna- San Luca-you can walk up (which is a long way and very steep at times!) There is a miniature train (From the Piazza Maggiore) you can take to the sanctuary. There is an Aldi about 15 minutes' walk from the hotel for any provisions. I found a lovely restaurant a five minute walk from the hotel (Turn right when you leave the hotel) it is called "The Bologna Food Gallery" I have reviewed this separately. There is a lovey café/bar to the left of the hotel called "Bar Stazione" This place is very welcoming and very reasonable prices for drinks - (Beer 4 euro for a large bottle of Moretti). There is a Chinese restaurant next door (left) of the hotel. The food is served piping hot, very tasty and reasonably priced. One thing I wish I had known before travelling from the airport to the hotel… There is a Monorail train that runs between the airport and the hotel- two stops only… It takes about 7-8 minutes!! The cost is 12.80 euro, just tap your card phone for entry- there is no tap out as it is not gated at the airport. I got the train to Ravenna for the day, using the same App I use in the Uk (Trainline) to purchase my ticket and saved it to my Apple pay. I visited the Ferrari Museum getting the train from Bologna to Modena. (I have revied it separately). All in all I really enjoyed my time in Bologna and I would not hesitate to stay in this hotel again. I only gave it 4 stars- only because of the noise of the road- everything and every member of staff were wonderful. Thank you Star Hotel Excelsior!

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