Zanhotel Europa - Bologna, Italy 

Just returned from visiting Bologna on a last minute trip and it was terrific. The hotel is upmarket and situated in the business quarter within a few blocks of city centre. There are many ways to quickly access the shopping centres, parks and restaurants from here. The breakfast is buffet style and there is a broad variety on offer including pastries, fresh fruits, yoghurts, cold meats, cheese and even some scrambled egg and bacon. Every kind of tea and of course impeccable italian coffee. There is no restaurant or bistro in the hotel but then you are surrounded by them. Rooms are definately superior although no tea tray in rooms or ironing facilities yet there are slippers, dressing gowns and every kind of bathroom toiletry! Public rooms are also well appointed.

This is a four-star hotel located near the train station and a too-long and not interesting or appealing walk to the historic core. Our room #223 was nicely decorated and housekeeping was good. Breakfast was exceptionally good, including abundant fresh fruit such as strawberries, which were in season during our visit. The room rate was a great value. Elsewhere, we paid twice as much for rooms that weren’t half as nice. However, the location is better for business than for enjoying the cultural attractions of Bologna. There are no good restaurants near the hotel.