Casa Isolani - Santo Stefano

We stayed at Casa Isolani for 9 nights as we explored various parts of Italy as part of our holiday, concluding with the recent Formula One race at Imola. Bologna was a lovely city with a wide range of shops, restaurants and tourist attractions. Most of the shops were in undercover archways as well; something that is useful when the weather turns. There's also lovely restaurants and ice cream shops in close proximity to the hotel. We recommend 'Fra Diavolo' for a good pizza! Bare in mind that if you are doing a lot of travelling, the B&B is 30 mins from the train station. Not the best for tired legs/feet! For breakfast, you are provided with tokens that you can exchange at a local patisserie (1 min walk from the hotel). Breakfast consists of a hot drink, fruit juice and a croissant per person. We found breakfast lovely. We stayed in Di Mezzo (Loft) so we had no view but found the room met our needs. There was great wifi, satisfactory wardrobe space, a powerful shower and working aircon. The main drawback we experienced was the night of Bologna Wine Festival, which was held in the courtyard of the accommodation. We were not told that this event was going to be on and did not appreciate the very loud music until the middle of the night. Overall, we enjoyed our stay at Casa Isolani and believe the price of the accommodation was very reasonable.

Casa Isolani is a bed and breakfast establishment right in the centre of Bologna. Getting there: From the airport take a taxi to Piazza Maggiore for around 20 Euros, couldn’t be simpler. About: This is a set of serviced apartments. They are located behind a large wooden door just off the Piazza Maggiore. You are given your own keys. Worth a view on Google Maps before you arrive so you know where you are heading. Checking in: There is no reception and rarely anyone on site so you have to contact the manager about 30 mins before you arrive to arrange to meet them at the apartment. This is the part of the process that needs improvement. You can not get into your room until 2pm, but you can drop off your bags by prior arrangement. So if you have an early flight in you will be walking around Bologna until 2. Also we ended up waiting outside for 30 minutes waiting for someone to let us in after a few ‘we are here’ phone calls went unanswered. Worth bearing in mind. Location: you are right in the heart of Bologna, walking distance to most attractions, tourist office, tourist drop off points and transport links. Loads of restaurants, bars and shops right on your doorstep. The location is ideal for your Bologna stay. The apartment: We stayed at the Neptune apartment. It had a safe, fridge, air con, a comfy bed, TV (Italian TV only), shower, lots of soaps etc and was very clean and serviced daily. If you have the window open at night because you are so central you will get street noise, but closing the window shuts it out completely. Breakfast: You are given tokens to use at a cafe on the Piazza. You get a coffee, pastry and juice. Leaving: There is a taxi rank on the Piazza. If you are leaving early you may like to pre book as at 6am there were no taxies there. A shout out here to Luca who runs the newsagent stand near the taxi rank. He helped us book a taxi that morning. Again a downside of no reception. Overall: A perfectly located, clean place from which to explore. The only irritant is the arrival process. But once in you will have a great stay.

We love Casa Isolani. This is our second stay. The neighborhood and the vistas are beautiful and everything is very close. Olivia was great and helped us out with what we needed. The next time we return to Bologna, it will be again our choice to stay.

Just back from an excellent three days in Bologna. Accommodation location is top drawer, right on the heart of Bologna, everything within east walking reach. Really private location and perfect for couples. Owners very helpful and friendly and 100% professional. Will recommend to family and friends without hesitation. Thank you.

Wonderful location, spacious and a rooftop view of the old city. About 35 steps to navigate after the lift but not a problem. A classic renaissance building, a k look rage communal yet private area. Great large bed.

Great location. Lots of stairs so not recommended if you are elderly. Spacious room, large bathroom.

Great location in a historic building. Olivia was great!

Excellent hotel, clean, quiet, and great location! Great staff help at check in!

Really beautiful stay. Spotless room. Huge, comfortable bed with nice pillows. Wonderful host. A great view of the city. Even a skylight for the lovely light. One of my favorite stays in Italy. I cant reccomend it enough!