Metropolitan Hotel

Tucked away down a narrow side street, the hotel can be hard to find at first, but a small row of neatly-kept trees along the front of the hotel leads guests to the glass entrance doors. The small lobby is a quiet, oasis of calm with plain white walls and floors, rustic wooden tables, and wicker sofas. Candles and Asian-inspired stone statues add to the tranquil feel. The minimalist look continues throughout the hotel with the bar and breakfast room's stylish dark wooden floors, and white walls and furniture. The majority of the guests here are older couples on holiday, but it's popular with business travelers as well. 

The Metropolitan Hotel is ideally situated for seeing the sights of Bologna. It’s right in the heart of the historic old town, just off the city’s main street, Via Independenza, where the majority of shops, bars, and restaurants can be found. It’s just a 10-minute walk to the main square -- Piazza Maggiore -- to see the Basilica of San Petronico, the Fountain of Neptune, and to pick up the sightseeing buses which takes passengers all over the city. Traveling further afield is easy too, as the train station is a 15-minute walk away. Parking is available 10 meters from the hotel's entrance. 

All the rooms in the Metropolitan continue the minimalist theme, with plain white walls and bed linen and the occasional touch of contrasting black, such as a bed throw or rug. The rooms have all the basics one would expect from a modern hotel, including air-conditioning, a safe, hairdryer, tea- and coffee-making facilities, well-stocked minibar, free Wi-Fi, and a wall-mounted flat-screen TV with Sky satellite services. Room sizes vary though, so request a large room if you like to have more space. It’s worth asking for a quiet room too as some that overlook the street can get noise from nearby restaurants. Some rooms have a great view over the city's red-tiled rooftops, while cheaper rooms overlook an air-shaft. The Junior Suites are extra spacious and luxurious. These have four-poster beds and direct access to a gorgeous outdoor courtyard -- some have claw-foot tubs. 

The Metropolitan offers a buffet breakfast every morning. It’s a beautifully presented variety of fruits, cereals, cheese, meat, and pastries, and the freshly made cappuccino is excellent. Breakfast can also be served in guest's room on request. Cocktails are served in the Lounge Bar throughout the day. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and there's a desktop computer for guests to use. There's no gym or swimming pool here, but guests of the Metropolitan can use the facilities at a nearby spa for a reduced rate. For business travelers, there’s also a meeting room suitable for up to 10 people. The hotel staff are happy to organize tours for guests, too.