Il Convento Dei Fiori Di Seta - Bologna, Italy     

We spent 3 nights at this hotel having made the reservation several months ago. A recent Trip Advisor report posted after the reservation did make me wonder whether we had made the right decision. We need not have worried. Of course, different people have different ideas and experiences may also differ. Our own views/experiences are ... A small 10 room hotel opened around 5 years ago. Formerly a convent that has been tastefully converted and retaining many of the original features. We were fortunate to be upgraded to a junior suite. Not a big room but well proportioned, stylishly furnished and with many "extras". The hotel has a small bar but no lounge (not that we would have used one). Breakfast is on a small mezzanine area. Usual selection of cold meat, cheese, yoghurt, pastries, juices, coffee included in the price. The breakfast menu clearly states that some items such as freshly squeezed juice are extra. A comfortable, cosy, relaxed, quiet, friendly hotel run by a most helpful and knowledgeable lady called Carolina who was always happy to suggest restaurants, visits and make all arrangements. Excellent English. Location is in the historical part of the city. Just a less than 10 minute easy walk to the main square passing many other buildings of interest. Most of the walk is through colonnades which provide protection from the sun or rain. Certainly no worries about safety, day or night. There are many and varied restaurants and Carolina knows which to recommend. Her advice was extremely good. A comfortable base from which to explore historical Bologna and with good service and excellent, friendly, accurate advice and recommendations. If you want a big, luxurious hotel with lots of buzz then this is not for you.

We humoulessly renamed this hotel "Non conveniento fordi city centrum" It's a 1000m plus from the main square along narrow streets. OK in the day but not at night. When I see the description boutique hotel these days I reach for my gun and load for bear! Beneath the flimsy veneer of this not particulerly interesting establishment lurk some significant deficiencies. The small bed rooms lack sufficient storage space,either face a dreary internal parking area or a noisy street.The designer shower doors leak badly thus causing the trendily painted concrete floor to become lethally slippery. The bizarre lights do not permit easy reading. More worryingly there is an absence of clear fire instructions with a one staircase bedroom access. The breakfast areas are cramped, confused and have a limited buffet with strict instructions you may only partake of one free beverage. How tight can you get! In the public area there are wire seats, a rush bench and an unstable transparent table and chairs. Oh for a comfortable chair or two to sink into after that long walk back from the centre. The ever chic lady owner at reception, despite an superficial air of sugary helpfulness, cannot disguise her long term hotellier backgound gained in the customer is always wrong school of hotel management. You debate contencious issues with her at your peril. All her staff front of house are young willing but totally inexperienced local male students who she rules with a rod of iron. Finally local dining opportunities are few, a taxi being required for a visit to the upmarket restaurants. Be careful though as the previously highly rated restaurants in Bologna have lost their Michelin stars in this years Guide-2008. When asked why, our esteemed hotelier could only suggest they may have changed hands! I think not. As you have probably gathered I would not visit ths hotel again