Smart House S.Orsola – Garage & Garden

Smart House S.Orsola – Garage & Garden Overview

Honestly, I walked past Smart House S.Orsola three times before realizing this unassuming entrance on Via Zaccherini Alvisi was actually where I’d be staying. But you know what? That’s kind of perfect for Bologna – the best stuff here doesn’t need to shout about itself. Once you’re inside, it’s like discovering someone’s incredibly well-designed private residence that just happens to welcome guests.

The whole setup is pretty brilliant, actually. You’ve got this beautiful garden space that feels like your own little sanctuary – and I mean, in a city where green space is precious, having somewhere to sit with your morning espresso while planning your day is gold. The garage situation is a game-changer too, especially if you’re driving in Bologna (which, let’s be honest, takes some getting used to with all those medieval streets). Most places in the centro storico area make you figure out parking on your own, but here it’s sorted. The apartment itself has this smart home setup that actually works – not the clunky tech you sometimes get that makes you miss regular light switches, but the kind that makes you think “why doesn’t everywhere have this?”

What really got me was how the owner clearly knows Bologna inside and out. They’ve thought about the details that matter when you’re actually staying somewhere, not just passing through. The kitchen has proper coffee-making equipment (crucial in Italy, obviously), and there’s enough space to spread out your maps and guidebooks without feeling cramped. The location puts you within walking distance of the university quarter – you’ll hear students chatting as they head to lectures, which gives the whole area this lovely lived-in energy. It’s about fifteen minutes on foot to Piazza Maggiore if you’re feeling ambitious, or you can just wander the quieter streets around San Donato and stumble onto those little trattorias that don’t have English menus but serve the kind of pasta that makes you understand why people move to Italy. The 9.9 rating makes sense once you’ve stayed here – it’s not trying to be a fancy hotel, it’s just doing everything really, really well. Perfect for people who want to actually live in Bologna for a few days rather than just tourist their way through it.

Smart House S.Orsola – Garage & Garden Accommodations

Reviews of Smart House S.Orsola – Garage & Garden

• Exceptional – Massimiliano from Italy – 24 April 2025 (10/10)

  La pulizia è la cura dell’arredamento
  
  What could be improved: Niente

• Ottima struttura ! – Stefania from Italy – 3 November 2024 (10/10)

  Posizione ottima! tranquilla e silenziosa. Vicino ai servizi e con posto auto … la consiglio assolutamente
  
  What could be improved: Nulla

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

  Very clean and comfortable. Great location and the parking space was a huge plus

• Hidden Gem – Margarita from United Kingdom – 2 October 2024 (10/10)

  Loved absolutely everything about this apartment, the decor first class, spotlessly clean, everything like new. Bed so comfortable, sheets and towels were super. Laundry room. TVs with all channels. All the little extras from tea/coffee/milk/water/washing up liquid/dishwasher tablets/soap powder – first class. 15 minutes walk to PIAZZA MAGGIORE, but didn’t seem like that once we got to know our bearings. Lovely restaurant not far from the apartment. 🥇
  
  What could be improved: Only one thing I would ask, it would be good to have a coffee table in the lounge

• Superb – Jóžig from Slovakia – 10 September 2024 (9/10)

  Pekne vybavený apartmán s malým záhradným posedením. Do centra je to 20 min peši. Autobusová zastávka je 2 minúty od ubytovania. Hneď vedľa na rohu ulice je kaviareň s čerstvým pečivom k raňajkám a potraviny tiež nie sú ďaleko. Podzemné parkovisko je trocha úzke, takže zaparkovanie s väčším autom bola celkom výzva.

• Exceptional – Michal from Israel – 3 May 2024 (10/10)

  Very spacious and clean apartment, beautifully designed. Easy check-in and check out, the host was extremely kind, and communication was excellent 👌 . The location is just outside the center of the old town, a short walk to the main attractions, shopping, and restaurant area. The beds and pillows were very comfortable, and the kitchen was fully equipped with the basics.The attached parking space was a great bonus!
  We had a wonderful stay and would recommend this lovely apartment if you are visiting Bologna and the surrounding area.
  
  What could be improved: The available pans in the kitchen were not in the best condition, but we managed.

• Exceptional – Marpias from Greece – 17 April 2023 (10/10)

  New, very clean and fully equipped flat just 10 min walk to city centre. We also had a private parking. Licia was so nice and helpful, gave us nice suggestions!

• Exceptional – Andrej from Slovakia – 8 April 2023 (10/10)

  Velmi príjemný moderný apartmán s dobrou polohou, velmi dobre vybavený.

• A great find – don't hesitate to book. One of our best accommodation stays! – Evelyn from United Kingdom – 28 September 2022 (10/10)

  Smart House was ideal for us. It was located within walking distance of the city centre. We loved walking the porticos to and from the apartment. We were surrounded by shops, bars, supermarket and easy access to bus stops and recycling.
  Licia and Armando were the perfect hosts. Licia gave us lots of great recommendations for eating and drinking.
  The apartment was well furnished and we appreciated access to a dishwasher and washing machine.
  
  What could be improved: No complaints or issues.

• Superb – Tram from Netherlands – 24 July 2022 (9/10)

  Our host – Licia is the best, very helpful, kind and hospitable. The apartment is clean
  
  What could be improved: The weather was super hot

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