Starhotels Excelsior

Starhotels Excelsior Overview

You know what struck me first about the Starhotels Excelsior? It’s got this old-school Italian elegance thing going on, but without feeling stuffy or like you need to whisper in the lobby. The building itself sits right on Viale Pietramellara, which honestly is perfect if you’re coming in by train – I mean, you’re literally a three-minute walk from Bologna Centrale. But here’s the thing most people don’t realize: this isn’t some generic chain hotel trying to be fancy. The Excelsior has been around long enough to actually understand what travelers want, and it shows in the little details.

The rooms are what I’d call “properly Italian” – not huge by American standards, but thoughtfully designed with decent soundproofing (which matters more than you’d think, given how lively Bologna gets). The beds are actually comfortable, and the bathrooms have that satisfying European shower pressure that makes you wonder why hotels elsewhere can’t figure it out. What really impressed me was how they’ve managed to keep the classic feel while updating the practical stuff – the WiFi works everywhere, the air conditioning doesn’t sound like a jet engine, and the elevator is mercifully quick. The staff genuinely seems to know Bologna well, too. I asked the concierge about finding good tortellini that wasn’t touristy, and instead of just pointing me toward the usual spots, she gave me specific directions to this little place near Via del Pratello where locals actually eat.

Location-wise, you’re in that sweet spot where you can walk to the historic center in about fifteen minutes, but you’re not dealing with the chaos of staying right in Piazza Maggiore. The area around the hotel has that authentic neighborhood feel – there’s a fantastic morning market just a few blocks away on Via Ugo Bassi, and you’ll find yourself naturally wandering toward the university quarter, which has some of the best evening energy in the city. Honestly, the 8.7 rating makes sense when you factor in everything together. It’s not trying to be the flashiest place in town, but it does the fundamentals really well, and the price point feels fair for what you get. The breakfast spread is solid (proper coffee, obviously), and they’ve got this comfortable lounge area where you can actually work or just decompress after walking around Bologna all day. If you’re looking for a place that feels established and reliable without being boring, this is it.

Starhotels Excelsior Accommodations

Reviews of Starhotels Excelsior

• Good location, nice family room for short stay. – Meryem from Morocco – 17 July 2025 (9/10)

  Large rooms, very clean, nice view.
  In front of the train station, so very practical..but its not the best side of Bologna. The hotel is 15_20 minutes walking distance from historical center, ans its restaurants.
  
  What could be improved: "Forcing" for extra tips at check-out.

• Very pleasant, good staff, good rooms and good food – Anthony from United Kingdom – 16 July 2025 (9/10)

  Well appointed hotel
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Aleksandar from Serbia – 16 July 2025 (10/10)

  Exceptional hotel! Everything is perfect!

• Superb – Astrid from Indonesia – 14 July 2025 (9/10)

  Just in front of Bologna Centrale Train Station and close to great food court
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Highly recommended for staying, very good and clean rooms, great breakfasts – Oksana from Ukraine – 14 July 2025 (10/10)

  Very clean, good and renovated rooms
  Good location
  
  What could be improved: –

• Exceptional – Yevgeniya from Italy – 13 July 2025 (10/10)

  Very polite personnel. Great breakfast. Excellent location. Clean. Friendly to children. Very reasonable price.

• Lovely stay, quiet rooms, great value for money. – Lana from South Africa – 13 July 2025 (10/10)

  Location in city is fantastic. Right opposite the Central station and walking distance to main shopping and City Square. Staff very helpful and friendly.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Perfect for a one night stay when travelling by train. – Madeleine from Hong Kong – 11 July 2025 (9/10)

  Location near station and easy walk to piazza, rooms, lobby.

• Superb – A from Netherlands – 11 July 2025 (9/10)

  Very friendly staff.
  Very comfortable room.

• Exceptional – Ivan from United States – 10 July 2025 (10/10)

  All
  
  What could be improved: None

Surroundings

Facilities