Step off one of Bologna's narrow medieval lanes, push open a discreet wooden door, and you'll find yourself standing beneath a soaring glass cupola. The palazzo of Hotel Corona D'oro has been woven into the city's fabric since the 13th century when it belonged to the noble Azzoguidi family, and has been welcoming guests since 1890. With only 40 rooms, flagstoned cloisters and a pretty, vaulted breakfast room it's a more intimate version of the city's grander options. The location is hard to fault too, with the Two Towers are literally round the corner and Piazza Maggiore five minutes on foot.
The heart of the place is a Regency-style atrium lounge, a soaring, glass-topped courtyard with stucco columns, slouchy sofas and soft lighting. Wander the corridors and you'll find medieval cloisters with tobacco-dark wooden ceilings, and a breakfast room washed in deep ochre. Casa Azzoguidi, the in-house restaurant, is set in an elegant Art Nouveau dining room and the cocktail bar regularly pulls in Bolognese locals. The breakfast spread is justifiably famous, too – warm focaccia, local cheeses and prosecco on tap.
The 40 rooms are traditional in spirit but exceptionally elegant with parquet floors, distinctive wall coverings and marble-clad bathrooms. Classic rooms are on the cosy side (as you might expect in a 13th-century building), but the Deluxe rooms are more spacious, and a lucky few come with little balconies that peer over the medieval rooftops. Suites have separate living areas, and several preserve original architectural quirks like frescoed coats of arms or coffered wooden ceilings. Thoughtful touches and comfortable beds outweigh gadgetry here.
Bologna rewards walkers, and almost everything worth seeing is within strolling distance (although the hotel offers complimentary use of their bikes, so exploring on two wheels is easy enough): the Basilica di Santo Stefano with its seven medieval chapels, the Neptune Fountain, and Via Drapperie's food stalls. Climb the 498 steps of the Asinelli Tower for one of Italy's best city panoramas, or lose an afternoon in the university quarter (founded in 1088, it's the oldest in Europe). The concierge can also arrange day trips into the Apennines, truffle hunts in the surrounding hills, or Parmigiano and balsamic tastings over in Modena. .
The aperitivo hour beneath the glass cupola. Crisp prosecco, good cured meats and an atmosphere to soak up.
Ask reception about the wooden portico outside. The Azzoguidi family coats of arms were hidden under plaster for centuries before being rediscovered during the 1905 restoration.
There's no spa, pool or gym on-site.
Discover la dotta, la rossa and la grossa of Italy’s most underrated city.
/11.345569242327596,44.49566183793346,6/600x400?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoidGltYnVrdHV0cmF2ZWwiLCJhIjoiY2poMGw1eHpkMmRkbDJ6bW8xYWZ5OGpjYyJ9.PYvAO7lUJ40SOpGvwmQLqw&attribution=false&logo=false)
