Best Western City Hotel

Best Western City Hotel Overview

You know what really struck me about the Best Western City Hotel when I first walked in? It actually feels like a proper Italian hotel, not some generic chain property that could be anywhere. The lobby has this warm, understated elegance – marble floors that aren’t too shiny, comfortable seating areas where you might actually want to sit with a coffee. It’s right on Via Ambrogio Magenta, which honestly isn’t the most glamorous street in Bologna, but here’s the thing – you’re about a 15-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore, and the train station is close enough that you can hear the occasional announcement if your window faces that direction (not annoying, just… urban).

The rooms are what I’d call thoughtfully designed rather than flashy. Mine had these heavy curtains that actually blocked out the morning light – crucial if you’re dealing with jet lag – and the bed was firm in that European way that somehow leaves you feeling more rested than those squishy American mattresses. The bathroom was compact but functional, with decent water pressure and toiletries that didn’t smell like industrial cleaning products. I mean, it’s a four-star place, so you’re getting quality without the boutique hotel price tag. The staff at the front desk spoke excellent English, which honestly saved me when I needed directions to that little osteria everyone raves about near Via del Pratello. They knew exactly where I meant and even called ahead to see if they had a table – that’s the kind of local knowledge that makes a difference.

What really won me over was the breakfast situation. It’s not some sad continental spread with stale pastries. They do a proper Italian breakfast with actual good coffee (not that weak hotel stuff), fresh cornetti, and local cheeses. Plus, they open early enough that you can eat before the city gets crowded – I’d usually head out around 9 AM and have the streets mostly to myself for photos. The location grows on you too. Sure, Via Magenta isn’t picturesque, but you’re in a real neighborhood where locals actually live and work. There’s a small market a few blocks away, and the gelato place on the corner – well, let’s just say I became a regular. The hotel itself is quiet at night, which in Bologna is saying something, since the city can get pretty lively. I never had trouble sleeping, even on weekends when the university students were out in force. If you’re looking for a place that feels authentically Bologna without breaking the bank, this actually delivers. It’s not trying to be something it’s not, and in a city where you’ll be spending most of your time wandering medieval streets and eating incredible food, that’s exactly what you want.

Best Western City Hotel Accommodations

Reviews of Best Western City Hotel

• Very good for short trips – Paul from Romania – 8 July 2025 (9/10)

  Locatie linistita
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Comfortable and modern. – Helen from United Kingdom – 1 July 2025 (9/10)

  Nice modern hotel. Simple but clean and comfortable. Nice food at restaurant.
  
  What could be improved: In a residential area quite a walk from station. Wasn't sure about walking around on my own at night so ate in hotel , which was nice food.

• Great stay! – Katarzyna from Poland – 29 June 2025 (9/10)

  Very nice and clean room with a beautiful view from the window. A big plus was that there was plenty of storage space. The reception staff were also very friendly. Good location – about a 15-minute walk from the train station and around 30 minutes on foot to the Old Town
  
  What could be improved: It’s not the hotel’s fault, but there was quite a lot of construction work in the area

• Good hotel, lovely staff, not too far from the city – Kathryn from Spain – 27 June 2025 (8/10)

  The hotel is very modernist silver grey 'metallic' tower, the rooms in contrast were comfortable yet 80's style decor. Not a problem just not what I expected. The reception and breakfast area were light and bright. Breakfast was a good mix of food. It's within walking distance of the station and the centre if you like walking. Otherwise you can take the bus.
  
  What could be improved: On the 2nd day the hotel became busy with a big of foreign sports team group as well as other travellers, which made the breakfast room very full and the number of staff found it difficult to manage all the things that were going on.They were good though and tried hard. In June 2025 there are major roadworks throughout the Bologna city area including the roads around the hotel which made it noisy in the day and difficult to walk around in the evening.

• Staff, hotel, cleanliness were excellent – Stephen from United Kingdom – 17 June 2025 (9/10)

  What could be improved: No milk for tea or coffee
  Long way on foot to city centre

• A very good and friendly place for short stays in Bologna. – Ciro from Italy – 16 June 2025 (8/10)

  Staff was great and breakfast delicious. Room was comfy.
  
  What could be improved: Bathroom a little small but ok for a short stay.

• Great hotel to stay if you travel between the cities – Narcis from Romania – 10 June 2025 (8/10)

  – room was clean
  – staff was friendly (with some small exceptions)
  – good breakfast
  -good location in the city
  
  What could be improved: – had to wait 40 minutes for the room to be cleaned even if I came after the check-in hour

• Best hotel we stayed in of 5 stays in Italy – Cassandra from United States – 25 May 2025 (9/10)

  Lots of space in the rooms. You can easily buy a train ticket with the hotel. Close to the train station, the hotel staff have a great shortcut that gets you to the train station in 6 mins (ignore Google Maps directions that say 10 mins). The restaurant food was great too, we were surprised by this. Free water in the rooms.
  
  What could be improved: You can only buy a train ticket with cash. Trains run way less frequently on Fridays and weekends (30-60 mins vs 15 mins on other days). I wish the hotel staff had mentioned this ahead of time because we had to take taxi (€30) into the city instead of the train (€1.50) to not miss our tour.

• Good value hotel in good location – Martin from Czech Republic – 21 May 2025 (9/10)

  Well-equipped hotel in a good location. Free parking.
  
  What could be improved: A weaker breakfast for those who don't eat sweets.

• Excellent Stay! – Oskar from United Kingdom – 13 May 2025 (9/10)

  Quiet, good sound insulation. Breakfast was lovely and the staff were super helpful. The bathroom was lovely!
  
  What could be improved: Parking was super tight and there wasn't anything special about the facilities – with them having exactly the minimum of requirements.
  
  Pretty minor negative!

Surroundings

Facilities