Tilia

Tilia Overview

So I stumbled across Tilia during my third trip to Bologna, and honestly, I wish I’d found it sooner. It’s tucked away on Via del Cestello, which is one of those narrow streets that feels almost secret – you know how Bologna can be with its maze of medieval lanes. The thing is, you’re literally a five-minute walk from Piazza del Nettuno, but it feels like you’ve escaped into this quieter pocket of the city where actual Bolognesi live and work.

The hotel itself has this understated elegance that I really appreciate. Nothing flashy or trying too hard, just clean lines and thoughtful touches that make sense. The rooms are what you’d expect from a solid 4-star – well-appointed without being fussy, and the beds are actually comfortable (I’m picky about this after too many nights on rock-hard European mattresses). What struck me most was how quiet it stays, even though you’re right in the centro storico. I mean, you’ll hear the occasional Vespa puttering by in the morning, but that’s just Bologna being Bologna. The staff genuinely knows their stuff about the city – not just the obvious tourist spots, but they pointed me toward this incredible little osteria on Via San Vitale that I never would have found otherwise.

Here’s what really sold me on the place: the location puts you in the perfect spot to experience Bologna like you’re living there temporarily, not just passing through. You can walk to the university area in ten minutes, the main market is practically around the corner, and – this is key – you’re close enough to the train station that you won’t be stressed about catching morning departures, but far enough that you don’t hear the announcements. Plus, if you’re planning to explore the hills outside the city (and you should, especially in spring), having easy access to the ring road makes a difference. The breakfast is solid too, though I’ll be honest, after a few days I found myself grabbing cappuccino and cornetti at the bar across the street because, well, that’s what you do in Italy. The 8.8 rating makes total sense to me – it’s the kind of place that does everything right without making a big show of it, and sometimes that’s exactly what you want when you’re trying to soak up a city as rich and complex as Bologna.

Tilia Accommodations

Reviews of Tilia

• Perfect stay in Bologna – Ellie from United Kingdom – 23 June 2025 (10/10)

  This is the perfect place to stay in Bologna and if I ever come back, i would definitely stay here again.
  
  The apartment was lovely – clean, comfortable, nice decor and it had everything we needed for a 2 night stay. We stayed in the family apartment which had its own entrance and we felt very safe and secure.
  
  The location was great, it was a 10 minute walk to the main square and a few minutes walk to a few bus stops.
  
  We were also able to leave our luggage on our last day which was very appreciated.

• a quiet room in bologna – Catalina from Romania – 31 May 2025 (10/10)

  clean and quiet, clear instructions to get in

• Superb location and Eleonora was super helpful – Sally from United Kingdom – 28 May 2025 (8/10)

  Tilia is in a great location, instructions from Eleanora to gain access to the property were brilliant and the information prior to arrival with regards to parking were so appreciated
  
  What could be improved: I would’ve liked there to have a blind at the bathroom window

• Loved the room, I’d definitely book again! – Zehra from United Kingdom – 4 April 2025 (10/10)

  It was really spacious and quiet. Host was very responsive and friendly too.

• The location of the apartment is very good, two large rooms, there is a tea and coffee machine. I was a little shocked t – Olga from Ukraine – 25 March 2025 (9/10)

  The location of the apartment is very good, two large rooms, there is a tea and coffee machine.
  
  What could be improved: I was a little shocked that there was no curtain on the window in the bathroom and the neighbors could see you. I also had to leave a tax of 8 euros, I was outraged, since Booking took money for the city tax when booking

• Exceptional – Shizuka from United Kingdom – 25 March 2025 (10/10)

  Location

• A lovely weekend in Bologna made even better by the accommodation – Shirlee from United Kingdom – 24 February 2025 (10/10)

  Eleonora did a great job providing all the information we needed to make our arrival and access to the property run smoothly. The property was lovely, nicely set up and in a great location.

• Nice host with a clean apartment. – Yigit from Turkey – 10 February 2025 (10/10)

  Eleonora was a wonderful host, we were able to leave our luggage at their office in the same building for several hours after we checked out. Apartment was very clean, very comfy. Temperature was warm. Instrcutions were very clear, host was very responsive.
  
  What could be improved: NOTHING!!!

• Superb – Roisin from United Kingdom – 4 February 2025 (9/10)

  The room was spacious and comfortable with everything that one would need for a great stay.
  Eleanora gave very clear instructions and excellent tips on nearby eateries.
  I would recommend this accommodation
  
  What could be improved: Nothing. Everything was great 😊

• Overall this place is great ( not a lot of stairs). The location provides great access to restaurants and main attractio – Melanie from Canada – 17 October 2024 (8/10)

  The location was great as were the breakfast items that were delivered everyday. Beds were comfortable and the unit was very clean. The host was very good with communications and full of local information.
  
  What could be improved: The only thing that wasn’t great is there is no private outdoor sitting area and no place to relax but that was probably stated in the description of the accommodations

Surroundings

Facilities