Residenza Riva Reno – BOLOGNA

Residenza Riva Reno – BOLOGNA Overview

I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to Residenza Riva Reno, I wasn’t expecting much from the unassuming entrance on Via Riva di Reno. But you know what? Sometimes the best places in Bologna hide behind modest facades, and this little gem absolutely proves that point. The location is actually perfect if you know the city at all – you’re literally a five-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore, but tucked away on this quieter street that runs parallel to the canal. I mean, you get all the benefits of being in the heart of things without the tourist crowds stumbling past your window at 2 AM.

What really got me was how the staff seemed to actually care about the details. Check-in was smooth (they speak solid English, which helps), but more importantly, they knew their neighborhood. The guy at the desk told me about this little osteria around the corner that I never would’ve found otherwise – turns out it’s where half the locals eat lunch. The rooms themselves are well, they’re what you’d expect from a solid 4-star place, but with some thoughtful touches. The air conditioning actually works (crucial in Bologna summers), and the beds are properly comfortable, not those rock-hard European mattresses you sometimes get stuck with. The bathrooms are modern without being sterile, and honestly, the water pressure is better than what I have at home.

Here’s the thing about staying on Via Riva di Reno – you’re positioned perfectly for exploring both the university quarter and the main historic center. In the morning, you can walk to that incredible market at Quadrilatero in about eight minutes, grab proper coffee and maybe some mortadella, then wander over to see the towers without feeling like you’re on a forced march. The street itself is pretty quiet at night, though you’ll hear the occasional Vespa (this is Italy, after all). Parking is typical Bologna chaos, but they’ll help you figure out the ZTL zones if you’re driving – or better yet, just take the train in from the airport and walk everywhere. The 8.9 rating makes sense when you stay here; it’s not trying to be flashy or revolutionary, just doing everything right without any obvious weak spots. I’d definitely come back, especially since I spotted at least three more restaurants within stumbling distance that I didn’t get to try.

Residenza Riva Reno – BOLOGNA Accommodations

Reviews of Residenza Riva Reno – BOLOGNA

• Amazing stay in Bologna, fabulous host, definitely one to come back to! – Marie from United States – 3 July 2025 (10/10)

  This was an amazing property, it had everything you could need, great location, and the host was wonderful! There was more than enough of what we needed to be comfortable here, the host provided fantastic directions, suggestions and instructions. My family loved this place and was sad when we left.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, it was perfect!

• Lovely and Comfortable Apartment – Barbara from United States – 28 June 2025 (10/10)

  This apartment was very nicely appointed and was very comfortable and clean. The hosts were very helpful and attentive. The beds were very comfortable and spacious and the kitchen had everything we needed. There was a Coop market one block away right on the same street and was very convenient. There were also several restaurants that looked yummy. We were thankful for the washing machine and the rack for drying. The apartment is at a busy street corner and Bologna is a busy city, so you can expect some city noise but it was not a deterrent or problem for us sleeping or while we were awake.
  
  What could be improved: The only negative we had about this apartment was its location. To get to it from the train station was about a 10E taxi ride, and to get to the historic foodie area was another 10-12E one way. Somehow, while booking, I did not fathom the distances well and in my opinion, now that I was there, walking it would have been a challenge- but we're in our 70s – perhaps someone younger wouldn't have a problem with that much walking. We had flown into Florence then taken two different trains to Bologna and then walking more on top of all that seemed like a lot for that day. The apartment is lovely and perfect, it's just the distance from the foodie area that I hadn't figured well. The taxi drivers were pleasant and helpful. There is a number right on the inside door of the apartment to help you secure a taxi. On a whole we felt Bologna was a busy, crowded and perhaps a bit overrated city. We were disappointed in the city, but thoroughly enjoyed our apartment while there.

• My recommendation for such warm apartment in the heart of Bologna☺️ – Elena from North Macedonia – 2 May 2025 (9/10)

  Beautiful apartment in good location, kind owner, especially enjoyed in the library. 🙂
  
  What could be improved: I was at the begging of April the heating season was over but there was no option to heat. I guess that temperatures were not expected but it should be provided as option.
  And the tourist tax was not displayed in the booking taxes and fees.

• Overall it was a great residence with an amazing host. – Khaveh from Luxembourg – 16 January 2025 (9/10)

  The host is so nice and kind. We had everything we needed in the apartment. Everything was so clean. The location was amazing with max 15 minutes walk from the city center.
  
  What could be improved: All was good 🙂

• We had a lovely stay! – Bryan from United States – 12 October 2024 (10/10)

  We had a great stay at the apartment. Spacious, clean with all of the amenities and a great location right near the center of town. Linda did everything to make us feel very welcome!

• Spacious apartment close to old city center. – Frankandpat from Canada – 5 September 2024 (9/10)

  Very spacious apartment with everything you need. Great location. Responsive host.

• Superb – Kristin from United States – 5 August 2024 (9/10)

  The apartment was quite large with one room on either side of the kitchen. We took a cab to the location from the train station, but when we returned to the train station, we walked. We had four people who were each capable of pulling their own suitcase. With younger kids, this probably wouldn't work.
  
  What could be improved: I couldn't run the air conditioning while the washing machine was running. This would've been a big problem if the weather had been too hot while we were there. We ran the washer while we were out, so the air was off.

• A wonderful 4 nights in Bologna, wished we could have stayed longer. – Eileen from United Kingdom – 7 April 2024 (10/10)

  The location was superb, a few minutes walk to Piazza Maggiore. Very spacious and well equipped. Great shower. Beds very comfortable.
  Hosts very helpful and supplied names of good restaurants and attractions not to miss.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Eld33n from Romania – 29 March 2024 (10/10)

  The place is located near the city center and the owner is the nicest one I ever met. Such a kind person. We even forgot to leave the green card for the trash and then we lost it so we couldn't send it back and Linda was so understanding. I really recommend the flat for a holiday in Bologna.

• Excellent – Lee from Ireland – 20 October 2023 (10/10)

  The apartment was excellent, the location was perfect for train station and close to centre of Bologna.
  A big supermarket is near the apartment. A good choice and very nice host.
  
  What could be improved: I liked everything

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