BOLOGNA: ACCOMMODATION

We usually travel just as a couple and stay in chic, smaller boutique hotels that offer a unique charm and personalized service. These accommodations often provide a more intimate experience, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the local culture and enjoy the finer details of our surroundings. However, for this particular trip, we were excited to be traveling with friends, which opened up a new realm of possibilities for our accommodation choices. This time, we decided to explore the world of Airbnb and its myriad options, which promised a different kind of adventure.

The sheer number of choices available on platforms like Airbnb can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. With countless listings ranging from cozy apartments to lavish villas, the challenge became how to pick the perfect place that would cater to the needs and preferences of our group. While the ratings provided by previous guests certainly serve as a useful guideline in identifying properties with better scores, I quickly discovered that it is equally important to delve deeper and read through the reviews. These reviews often contain invaluable insights that can reveal the true nature of a property, including aspects that might not be highlighted in the listing itself, such as the responsiveness of the host, the cleanliness of the space, and the accuracy of the descriptions.

Moreover, considering the neighborhoods where these rentals are located became a crucial part of our decision-making process. Each neighborhood has its own unique character, atmosphere, and accessibility to local attractions. We wanted to ensure that we were not just finding a place to stay, but also a location that would enhance our overall experience. It was important to us to be close to local restaurants, shops, and cultural sites, so we could easily explore the area on foot or with minimal transportation.

It’s essential to keep in mind that when you choose a rental by owner, whether it is through Airbnb, VRBO, or any other similar platform, you are not dealing with a traditional hotel concierge. While these platforms often provide helpful information about local restaurants, bars, and attractions, they do not offer the same level of personalized service or assistance that a hotel might provide. Therefore, it became clear that we needed to take some extra time to sort out what we wanted to do during our stay, where we wanted to eat, and how we would navigate the city.

For those of us who enjoy using public transportation, especially in large urban areas, it’s worth noting that mass transit can often get you to your destination more quickly than a taxi. Not only does this allow us to save on transportation costs, but it also gives us the opportunity to see and interact with local people, which adds a rich layer to our travel experience. Riding the subway or train can provide a glimpse into the daily lives of residents, and we often find ourselves discovering hidden gems along the way that we might have otherwise overlooked.

In summary, while our usual preference for chic boutique hotels offers a certain allure, branching out into the world of Airbnb for this trip with friends introduced us to new challenges and opportunities. By carefully considering ratings, reading reviews, evaluating neighborhoods, and planning our transportation options, we aimed to curate an unforgettable travel experience that would be enjoyable for everyone involved.

In Bologna, we stayed in a residence run by a group called Design Club in Bologna. The building had 33 residences, two people in a front office to field questions and help out as needed. The place was essentially a hotel without the title and the "home" we selected was perfect for two couples. We had two nice bedrooms, small kitchenette which was all we needed for our morning coffee and pre-dinner aperetivos and Aperol spritz enjoyed in the living/dining room and very funcitional bathrooms. Decor was modern and clean. There were also a couple of small balconies to sit on and take in the roof top views of Bologna. We would definitely stay here again if the opportunity to return to Bologna arises.