Zamboni Suite

Zamboni Suite Overview

So I’ve stayed at the Zamboni Suite a few times now, and honestly? It’s one of those places that just gets Bologna right. You’re literally on Via Zamboni – I mean, you can’t get more central in the university district than this. The building itself has that classic Bolognese charm with the porticoes right outside your door, which is perfect when it’s raining (and trust me, it will rain at some point).

What I love about this place is how it feels like you’re staying in someone’s thoughtfully renovated apartment rather than a sterile hotel room. The 4-star rating is spot on – it’s polished without being stuffy. The beds are actually comfortable (not always a given in Italy, let’s be real), and the bathrooms have proper water pressure. You know what really impressed me though? The soundproofing. Via Zamboni can get pretty lively, especially during the academic year when students are out and about, but once you’re inside, it’s surprisingly quiet. I was worried about noise since it’s such a busy street, but they’ve clearly invested in good windows.

The location is honestly unbeatable if you want to experience Bologna like a local. You’re a two-minute walk from Piazza Verdi where everyone hangs out, and the Quadrilatero food market is maybe five minutes away – perfect for grabbing fresh tortellini or that incredible mortadella from Tamburini. The university towers are right there too, so you’ll definitely feel the energy of student life without it being overwhelming. Parking is… well, it’s Bologna, so forget about driving here. But the train station is walkable, and honestly, you won’t need a car anyway since everything worth seeing is within the historic center.

The staff actually knows the neighborhood – they gave me recommendations for aperitivo spots that weren’t just the obvious tourist places. There’s this little enoteca called Al Sangiovese about three blocks away that I never would have found otherwise. The check-in was smooth, and they were flexible when my train got delayed (happens more often than you’d think on the Bologna-Florence line). The 8.6 rating makes sense to me – it’s not perfect, but the imperfections are charming rather than frustrating. Like, the elevator is tiny and a bit slow, but you’re in a historic building, so what do you expect?

If you’re coming during university season – basically October through May – book early because students’ families snatch up places like this. Summer is quieter but honestly just as lovely, maybe even better since you can enjoy those long evening walks under the porticoes without dodging backpacks. I’d definitely stay here again, especially if I wanted to feel connected to the real rhythm of the city rather than just passing through.

Zamboni Suite Accommodations

Reviews of Zamboni Suite

• Great location – William from Australia – 11 July 2025 (9/10)

  Great location and good kitchen.

• Excellent – Suzanne from United Kingdom – 5 June 2025 (9/10)

  lovely location just a short walk into the centre. Lovely wine bar next door and lovely cheap cafe across the road. Very spacious rooms. Helpful host booked our 3.30am taxi and good communication on arrival.
  
  What could be improved: could have extra pillows

• Great place close to city centre – Christine from United Kingdom – 12 April 2025 (10/10)

  Really good location, very easy to walk to centre .
  Lovely apartment in very old building.
  Two bathrooms
  
  What could be improved: Everything was good

• Great spacious apt really suitable for 2 couples or family. Station 20 mins on foot, Due Tore 10. – Garrett from Ireland – 28 March 2025 (10/10)

  Our host facilitated us by giving us a later check-in due to the evening arrival slot of Ryanair. I am sure it was inconvenient for him but it sure suited us. Bottle of wine in the fridge too.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, 2nd time staying in Zamboni, big bedrooms – 1 en-suite and a separate huge bathroom, really comfy beds, and oh so quiet backing onto a large garden. Wine bar next door, family coffee shop corner 60 metres.

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

  Good location, spacious, comfortable and quiet apartment.
  
  What could be improved: Parking nearby not so easy.

• Beautiful, clean and spacious apartment within minutes walk of the city centre. Great value, would definitely book again – Debbie from Australia – 24 November 2024 (9/10)

  The apt is spacious and clean with plenty of room for 4 people. The kitchen is well stocked with essentials and the wifi was good. Perfect location for walking to all of the city’s attractions, bars, restaurants and shopping.
  
  What could be improved: N/A.

• Enjoyable few days in Bologna in a well presented apartment – Non from United Kingdom – 3 November 2024 (8/10)

  Comfortable beds. Plenty of space for the 3 of us. Nice bathroom and an en suite to one of the double bedrooms. Good communication by owner. Met us at the apartment.
  Great location. Lots of restaurants, trattorias within walking distance. Easy to walk to the centre of Bologna. We walked to the railway station a couple of times. 20/25 minute walk.
  
  What could be improved: Great dishwasher but no kitchen towels,tea towel or washing up liquid provided. Plenty of dishwasher tablets provided. We just ate breakfast at the apartment and ate out the rest of the time. But there seemed to be plenty of equipment in the drawers if you wanted to cook a meal.

• Exceptional – Kimmy from Australia – 2 July 2024 (10/10)

  Large apartment, great water pressure, and location
  
  What could be improved: NA

• Gorgeous and spacious apartment in a great location! The host was also very responsive and helpful – Eugenie from United Kingdom – 23 June 2024 (10/10)

  The host kept in touch via WhatsApp and made everything very easy!

• A lovely, conveniently situated apartment in a wonderful city marred only by our first nights experience with the apartm – Kerrie from Australia – 2 June 2024 (9/10)

  The apartment was very spacious and comfortable and the location was in the university district in convenient walking distance to the Piazza Garibaldi.
  
  What could be improved: The apartment door locks caused an issue and we found ourselves deadlocked out of the apartment at 9.30pm on our first night. We had difficulty contacting the owner for over 40 minutes and we were anxious as to what to do. We had to seek help from a neighbouring business as our phones were running out and it was dark. Eventually the issue was solved however we believed either the deadlocking system should be dismantled or well labeled in multiple languages so this does not happen to someone else.

Surroundings

Facilities