Right on the main boulevard, in an enviable position opposite the cathedral, the Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni occupies an 18th-century palazzo commissioned by a cardinal who'd later become Pope. Beneath the lobby, a stretch of Roman road from 187 BC is still visible, proof that this city has layers, quite literally! It opened as a hotel in 1912 and has been the undisputed address in town ever since, with its exquisite Renaissance frescoes, Murano chandeliers and sumptuous suites. Even the restaurant has stunning Carracci school frescoes adorning the walls - and it's recently become a foodie destination in its own right, no mean feat in a city known for its memorable cuisine.
Each of the 106 rooms is individually furnished in opulent Venetian style. Think four-poster beds, silk wall coverings and Carrara marble bathrooms stocked with ETRO products. Classic rooms are a decent size for a European city hotel, but the Deluxe level and above are really fabulous, with original antiques, stuccoes and museum-quality oil paintings. The showstopper is the Art Déco Terrace Suite; accessed by private lift, it comes with a hot tub, fireplace and an enormous rooftop terrace overlooking the neighbouring cathedral.
Dinner at I Carracci, beneath a 16th-century painted ceiling depicting the fall of Phaethon. The tortellini in capon broth alone is worth the trip to Bologna.
Head downstairs to the candlelit Enoteca Morandi for a sommelier-led tasting from over 300 labels. Pair it with handmade tagliatelle and you've got one of Bologna's best evenings sorted.
The décor is unashamedly traditional, full of gilded mirrors, rich, brocade fabrics and Venetian antiques. If minimalism is your thing, this probably isn't the place for you.
Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Italy trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Italy trips featuring Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni or get advice and suggestions from one of our Italy specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni start from around $320, or US$320, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
Discover la dotta, la rossa and la grossa of Italy’s most underrated city.
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