Luxury and Location at the Hotel Corona d’Oro in Bologna

Set in the heart of Bologna, the Hotel Corona d’Oro is a 40 room hotel that makes a near-perfect base for exploring the capital of northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. With parts of the hotel dating back to the 8th century (and since renovated several times) it’s a historic hotel that doesn’t skimp on luxury. From the moment the automatic doors silently open as you approach the marble entrance, it seems like every need is anticipated and attended to with care. Upon arrival, I was given a short tour of the building and a map and detailed sightseeing advice as my bags were taken to my room.

Rooms come in Suite, Double Deluxe, Classic Double, and Single options. Though a bit small, my Classic Double Room was elegantly furnished in dark yellows and oranges, with beautiful polished wood floors, a King bed, and a small sitting area with one chair. There was a closet with limited storage space, a minibar, and a flatscreen TV, and a leather ottoman for luggage. Off a short hallway, the marble bathroom was also not overly large, but perfectly adequate for one person to use at a time. Though we didn’t spend too much time in the room, my husband and I felt like we had enough space to maneuver, though had we stayed more than nights, the quarters might have started to feel cramped.

There was no such issue, however, in the rest of the hotel. With soaring ceilings, grand columns and staircases, and plenty of natural light, the lobby and dining areas were spacious and inviting, encouraging us to linger.

In the lobby, we paused to enjoy the daily aperitivo, a large spread of complimentary snacks available with the purchase of an alcoholic drink each evening. Downstairs, the breakfast spread (which runs from 7am to 11am, covering both early birds and late risers) was equally impressive, with a sprawling collection of platters bearing pastries, breads, jams, yogurt, cereal, eggs, bacon, pancakes, and even wow-inducing extras like an entire honeycomb and several bottles of prosecco.

The hotel offers free wifi, parking for 30 euros per day, and free bike rentals. Other amenities include all the standards: newspapers, in-room AC, safes, laundry service (for a fee), hair dryers, ironing boards, and room service.

Aside from the spectacular service, my favorite aspect of the hotel was its historic feel. With its polished marble floors, dramatic and plush furnishings, and typical color scheme of deep reds and oranges with pale yellow and burnished gold, it evoked what I imagine a luxurious Italian villa might have looked like at the turn of the century. Despite this nostalgic atmosphere, the hotel had everything I needed and wanted: great food (and so much of it), excellent service, and the perfect location in the heart of beautiful Bologna.

If you go: Room rates start at around $200 per night, including breakfast. Go to the hotel website to check on current rates. You can compare prices at an OTA like Hotelopia or others.