Casa Bertagni

Casa Bertagni Overview

You know what hit me first about Casa Bertagni? The smell of fresh espresso drifting up from the ground floor café when I walked in around 3 PM on a Tuesday. I mean, you’re basically stepping into this converted 19th-century palazzo on Via de Rolandis – and honestly, most people walking by wouldn’t even notice it’s there, which is exactly why I loved it.

The thing about staying here is you’re actually in a proper Bologna neighborhood, not some tourist bubble. There’s this tiny osteria called Il Convivio literally around the corner that serves the best tortellini in brodo I’ve had outside of someone’s nonna’s kitchen, and the hotel staff (who seem to have been there forever) will tell you about places like this if you ask. The rooms themselves feel… well, they feel like staying in someone’s really well-appointed apartment rather than a hotel room. I had one facing the internal courtyard – dead quiet at night, which you’ll appreciate since Bologna can get pretty lively, especially when the university students are around. The bathroom had this gorgeous terrazzo flooring that looked original, and honestly, the shower pressure was better than what I have at home.

What really got me though was how the place just works without trying too hard. Check-in was this refreshingly human experience – no corporate script, just genuine conversation about what to do in the city. The concierge (I think his name was Marco?) actually drew me a little map showing how to cut through the porticoes to get to the Quadrilatero market area, which saved me about ten minutes of walking every morning. And speaking of mornings, breakfast happens in this sun-filled room with windows that open onto a little garden – you can actually hear birds, which feels like a minor miracle in the city center. They had proper prosciutto di Parma, not the generic stuff, and the coffee was that perfect Italian strength where you don’t need a second cup. The whole experience felt effortless in that way that only happens when people actually care about what they’re doing. Sure, it’s pricier than some places, but you’re paying for location and that intangible sense of being looked after without being fussed over. Plus, you’re a five-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore, but far enough away that you’re not dealing with tour groups outside your window at 8 AM.

Casa Bertagni Accommodations

Reviews of Casa Bertagni

• It was very nice to stay in an independent hotel unlike so many others. – Potts from United Kingdom – 28 June 2025 (9/10)

  Location, style and comfort.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Wonderful location and very comfortable room – Andrew from United Kingdom – 22 June 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent location very beautiful building and historically interesting, good charging point, very comfortable big bed, lovely hostess and owner. Difficult to drive to as the access road suggested had been dug up so we had to use Sat Nav in the end which we had been advised not to! Traffic in and around Bologna is horrendous, would advise arriving by train! Would love to come again either in a smaller car or on foot/by train.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, maybe milk for the coffee/tea in the room fridge

• Exceptional – Joze from Netherlands – 17 June 2025 (10/10)

  Loved everything: location, the room, the breakfast, the owners. Fantastic small hotel

• Fantastic house, location and team – Sue from United Kingdom – 4 June 2025 (10/10)

  We had a fantastic four nights at Casa Bertagni and could not fault a thing. The house itself is amazing, with lovely furnishings and artwork, and a few quirky touches to keep it interesting. The team is excellent and the room comfy and perfect, and breakfasts home-made and just delicious. The location is perfect for exploring Bologna, while being also quiet. Roberta and Martin were extremely helpful with everything we needed.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing we didn’t like

• A real hidden gem. – Lindsey from United Kingdom – 28 May 2025 (9/10)

  The individuality, the curation of the rooms, the warm welcome we received from Roberta. The breakfast!
  
  What could be improved: Whilst we only used the AC unit once during our stay we’d be worried about the summer. We had to keep our windows closed due to outside disturbances at night and the AC unit was ineffective.

• We thoroughly enjoyed staying at Casa Bertagni and we highly recommend it. – Karen from United States – 24 May 2025 (10/10)

  Our room was spacious. The breakfast buffet is delicious and filling. There were always several new offerings at the breakfast buffet each morning. We like the location in the university district because it gives us a different perspective and a different vibe. We enjoyed being surrounded by young people, and not being only with tourists.
  
  Most importantly, the staff and service are exemplary! Martin and Roberta were so helpful with restaurant reservations and ordering us taxis when needed.

• Too short and wanted to stay longer. – Mary from United States – 18 May 2025 (10/10)

  Greeted by the most lovely Roberta; so warm and welcoming. The room was clean and lovely, the bed and bedding perfecto! Breakfast fresh and delicious.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Comfortable stay in a lovely hotel – Helen from Australia – 10 May 2025 (10/10)

  Comfortable hotel in a small palazzo in the university district.
  
  There is a well appointed sitting room for guests and the breakfast is homemade.
  
  Martin couldn’t have been more welcoming and looked after us well.
  
  What could be improved: The lighting in the hallways would be improved by some bright LED lighting. There were a few small maintenance issues with the room that I’m sure were addressed after we checked out.

• I would love to return to Casa Bertagni. Next time I visit Bologna I wouldn’t consider staying anywhere else. – Theresa from United Kingdom – 9 May 2025 (10/10)

  It was beautiful and you felt as though you were in someone’s home. The staff were warm and welcoming and couldn’t have been more helpful with booking restaurants etc.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

• A special oasis in a fabulous location – Jane from Australia – 3 May 2025 (10/10)

  Such a beautiful place and in a great location – like being a guest at someone’s grand home. Staff were exceptional- Roberta, Alessandro and Martin made me feel welcome and were full of great suggestions and support. And the breakfast (with homemade goodies by Alessandro) was sensational.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing – although I did misread the information and thought there was dinner option at the hotel which I like as a solo traveler. However Roberta and Martin recommended friendly alternatives near by so no problem

Surroundings

Facilities