Palazzo dei Notai

Palazzo dei Notai Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to Palazzo dei Notai on Via d’Azeglio, you immediately sense you’ve found something special. This four-star boutique hotel occupies a beautifully restored historic palazzo, and honestly, the entrance alone makes you feel like you’re stepping into old-world Bologna. The facade has that perfect weathered elegance that only comes with centuries of history — you know, the kind of building that makes you slow down and actually look up from your phone. Every corner reveals original frescoes and architectural details that transport you back through time.

Location Perfection

I mean, you really can’t get more central than this. You’re literally in the heart of Bologna’s historic center, which means Piazza Maggiore is just a two-minute stroll away. The famous Due Torri? Even closer. What I love about this spot is that you can walk to basically everything — the university district, the best trattorias, those incredible covered markets — but Via d’Azeglio itself stays surprisingly quiet. It’s one of those elegant side streets where locals actually live and work, so you get that authentic neighborhood feel without sacrificing convenience. The location truly captures the essence of authentic urban exploration.

The Rooms

The room I stayed in perfectly balanced historic character with modern comfort. High ceilings, original architectural details, and these gorgeous hardwood floors that creak just enough to remind you of the building’s age. The furnishings feel carefully chosen rather than mass-produced — think rich fabrics and antique pieces mixed with contemporary touches. The bathroom was completely updated (thank goodness), with excellent water pressure and heated floors that you’ll actually appreciate during Bologna’s damp winter months. Each room is individually decorated, ensuring a unique experience.

Dining and Atmosphere

While there isn’t a full restaurant on-site, the breakfast setup is thoughtfully done in a beautiful ground-floor space with vaulted ceilings. They focus on quality local products — proper Parmigiano-Reggiano, fresh pastries from a nearby bakery, and coffee that doesn’t make you wince. What’s nice is that the staff genuinely knows the neighborhood and will point you toward the kind of places locals actually eat, not just the tourist traps around the main piazza. The dining experience reflects the hotel’s commitment to authentic local culture and culinary excellence.

Why Guests Love It

Look, Bologna isn’t Florence or Rome — it doesn’t get the same crowds, which is exactly why it’s so wonderful. Staying at Palazzo dei Notai puts you right in the middle of what many consider Italy’s most livable city, where you can wander medieval streets in the morning and sample the country’s best food by evening. The hotel’s 9.6 rating speaks for itself, but what really matters is how it connects you to the city. You’re not just visiting Bologna; you’re actually experiencing it from one of its most charming corners. This is where memories of authentic Italy truly come alive.

Early hotels booking in Bologna secures opera premieres, truffle fairs, and vintage Vespa tours rolling through the hills.

Palazzo dei Notai Accommodations

Reviews of Palazzo dei Notai

• Wonderful apartment in a fantastic location – Nicole from Australia – 12 July 2025 (10/10)

  Fantastic location! The apartment was well equipped with everything we needed and more. Great communication with our host and simple check in procedure. We are so happy we chose this little gem in Bologna.
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Beautiful apartment run by an extremely considerate family. – Marcus from United States – 12 July 2025 (10/10)

  The host Aldo and his family are the nicest and most helpful people. They communicate with you so well. Making sure they meet you at your arrival to answering any questions during your stay. They even went out of their way to do everything they could to have some new credit cards sent to Aldo’s office.
  And you can’t get a better location for the price. The lift/elevator was helpful with luggage or with people who can’t navigate stairs. The bed was very comfortable. Fully stocked small kitchen. Washing machine worked very well. You won’t go wrong staying with this lovely family.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional apartment. – Beatriz from United States – 7 May 2025 (10/10)

  It was exceptional. The apartment is literally around the corner from the Piazza Maggiore. Immaculately kept with many details to make one feel at home. I highly recommend this sweet place. The owner/manager was quite receptive to texts and very helpful. I had a great experience.
  
  What could be improved: Some unavoidable noise outdoors from younger folks celebrating.

• VERY KIND, EXCELLENT HOST FAMILY – Diane from United States – 8 April 2025 (10/10)

  The location can’t be beat!
  Excellent location
  The Host Family, Ina, Roberta, and Aldo are some of the kindest people I have ever met. They are very helpful and accommodating! Thank you Ina, Roberta, and Aldo you made our stay an enjoyable one.

• Thank you this apartment was perfect for us. – Belinda from New Zealand – 14 November 2024 (9/10)

  Great location, spacious apartment which had everything we needed.

• Exceptional – Elizabeth from United States – 25 October 2024 (10/10)

  Fantastic stay. So thoughtfully put together with everything we could have wanted or needed, from basic cooking staples to a few laundry pods to a first aid kit. Comfortable and clean. They were very communicative and the location was perfect for walking around the city. Thank you, Ina!

• Excellent location, super clean, great apartment – Adrian from Australia – 15 October 2024 (10/10)

  Location was fantastic, apartment was spacious, very clean, bed comfortable, everything you would want in an apartment and literally so close to the square, we were able to access everything we could want and only 20 minute walk with all our luggage from the train station, really helpful owner who was easily contactable and touched base during our 7 day stay to make sure everything was okay
  
  What could be improved: Our bed was 2 king so hiss out together, very comfortable but it kept coming apart.

• Exceptional – Mike from United States – 7 July 2024 (10/10)

  Great location if you want to be near Piazza Maggiore. It is a twenty minute walk from Bologna Centrale. There are many restaurants and plenty of shopping opportunities within 10-15 minutes of the apartment. The apartment is nicely decorated and also has cooking, cleaning, and clothes washing equipment.
  
  What could be improved: There is not a stove, although we did not need one. The bathroom is narrow which was okay for us but may be a bit tight for others.

• Superb location – Sinead from United Kingdom – 11 June 2024 (10/10)

  Fantastic location. Spotlessly clean with everything you could need for a stay in Bologna.
  Late check out was agreed with no hassle.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing 🙂

• Perfect location in the amazing city of Bologna, and you will enjoy your stay here. – Stephen from United States – 14 April 2024 (10/10)

  Great place, perfect location, and all needs are anticipated with the accoutrements provided in the apartment. It is also a beautiful building.
  
  What could be improved: I loved it all.

Surroundings

Facilities