Hotel Il Guercino

This attractive, traditional Italian building is tucked away down a quiet side street. As soon as guests enter the property they're met with history and art at every turn. Almost every inch of wall space is adorned with some sort of artwork, mosaic, tapestry, or wallpaper. It’s an eclectic mix, but it works well and gives the hotel a warmth you don’t feel in the big chains. The decor in the breakfast room has a more rustic, farmhouse style with painted wooden dressers, checked tablecloths, and a charming collection of ornamental chickens. 

The il Guercino is set on a quiet side street in a residential area, with a trattoria just next door. It’s especially easy to get to for those arriving by train as it’s just a few minutes walk from the station. To get to the Piazza Maggiore and the other major sights in the city center it's a 15-minute walk, but there’s also a bus which stops 100 meters from the hotel that will take passengers there. The hotel is conveniently placed for the airport too, just a 20-minute bus ride away. 

Each of the hotel’s 41 rooms has been individually designed and furnished. Many have patterned wallpaper and rich, colorful furnishings. Each bathroom is different too, but all have been created in an elegant yet homey style. Some look older and smaller than others. Rooms are quite small but have been well designed so they make good use of the space. Some have balconies, and all rooms have air-conditioning, a minibar with a few cold items, hairdryer, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, coffee- and tea-making facilities, a safe, and room service during limited hours.

The hotel has a great spa -- Il Bagno di Diana -- where massage, aromatherapy, and other treatments are offered. It also has a sauna, hot tub, and Turkish bath. Free use of the limited fitness center is also available, as is the great feature of free bike hire for guests who want to explore on two wheels. There’s no restaurant here but there’s plenty of choice in the surrounding area. There's a small bar with a couple of sofas, soft mood lighting, and more eclectic artwork. An excellent breakfast is included in the price of the room, with delicious pastries as well as eggs, meat, breads, cereal, and sparkling wine. On-site parking is available for a small fee and guests are welcome to use the computer station and free Wi-Fi. The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day and there’s always tea and coffee available in the lobby. There’s also a small meeting room and conference space available to business travelers.