**Starhotels Excelsior Bologna: Your Dream Italian Escape Awaits!**
Starhotels Excelsior Bologna: My Bologna Bonanza – A Messy, Honest Review (Let's Do This!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I'm about to dive headfirst into the Starhotels Excelsior Bologna experience. Forget the polished brochure, this is the real deal. And honestly? After my stay, I'm still trying to decide if I fell in love or needed therapy. Let's untangle this Italian yarnball, shall we?
Accessibility: (The Good, the Bad, and the Elevator)
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. This is a big deal for me, and the Excelsior mostly delivers. They say they have facilities for disabled guests, and from what I saw, they tried. But, and there's always a "but," right? Getting around the common areas seemed… fine. Elevators? Check. Ramps? Probably. The real test, of course, is the rooms. I didn't personally require a fully accessible room, but I did peep at a few and got the impression they are trying to be compliant. I'd HIGHLY recommend calling ahead and spelling out your exact needs. Don't assume anything, ever. Especially in Italy.
Rooms: (My Personal Oasis…of Slightly Weird Charm)
My room? Oh, the room. It had everything! Air conditioning (thank the heavens!), a coffee maker (essential!), and a bathtub phone! Yes, you read that right. A phone IN the bathroom. I spent a solid hour just staring at it, wondering who I’d call from the tub? My therapist? The ghost of Fellini? The room was undeniably clean, with all the trimmings, it really was clean. Carpeting, blackout curtains, a minibar… basically, it had all the amenities required for a good time. Important note: The Wi-Fi was great. Free and fast! Which is a godsend when you're trying to post Instagram stories of your epic Bologna adventures (more on those later!).
Cleanliness & Safety: (Feeling Secure…Maybe a Little Too Secure?)
Listen, in a post-pandemic world, cleanliness is paramount, and the Excelsior takes it seriously. They're all about the anti-viral cleaning products, the daily disinfection, the individually wrapped food options. Safe dining set up. They are taking it very seriously, which I appreciate. There was hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE.
It felt like they were determined to keep me safe, which, you know, is a good thing. But the sheer intensity of the hygiene protocols almost started to freak me out! I'm a clean freak myself, but I’m also an Italianophile who craves genuine travel experiences. The rooms sanitized between stays, well, that's comforting… but I also missed the spontaneous messy-ness of an Italian hotel a little.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (Pasta, Prosecco, and Perfectly Prepared Pain)
Okay, let's talk food. This is where things get interesting, and honestly, a bit of a blur. The Excelsior has a restaurant, and a bar, a coffee shop, and even a snack bar. The buffet? It was there - the breakfast buffet was standard, Western, and Asian (if you're into that). The food was good, don't get me wrong. But it was also… predictable. The à la carte menu in the restaurant was a bit more exciting, with options for international cuisine. The quality of the coffee? Excellent. My daily dose of caffeinated joy, which is vital for maneuvering the cobblestone streets of Bologna. The happy hour provided a much-needed energy boost at the end of a long day.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax): (Spa Day! Or My Attempt at One)
Okay, here's where the Excelsior really shines. They have a spa! And not just any spa, a spa with a pool with a view! Okay, technically it was a view of the city, but still! Poolside bar. Sauna, steam room… the works. I booked a massage, dreaming of blissful relaxation.
Here's where it gets real: I envisioned myself, sprawled out, pampered, and effortlessly graceful. Nope. I arrived smelling like a week-old suitcase, stressed, and slightly grumpy from a train delay. The massage itself was… good. Very good. But I was so wound up, I barely noticed. I spent the entire time calculating how behind schedule I was on my Bologna itinerary. It was my first truly relaxing experience, and I didn't quite manage to relax.
Services and Conveniences: (The Perks That Make Life Easier)
From the concierge who guided me to delicious food to the laundry service that helped me forget my suitcase. Luggage storage was helpful. They had just about everything you could need. They offer an airport transfer but I suggest looking up a private taxi cause. Getting around Bologna is easy and I enjoyed it! The staff were generally fantastic – helpful, friendly, and patient with my terrible Italian.
For the Kids: (Family-Friendly Fun?)
I don't have kids (thank the heavens, according to my stressed-out self in the spa). But the Excelsior is family-friendly. Babysitting service? Check. Kids' meals? Check. They also have a lovely outdoor venue, which seems nice.
Getting Around: (Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy)
Airport transfer? They've got it. And, the hotel is close to everything.
In-Room Essentials: (The Stuff You NEED)
My favorite thing – besides the free Wi-Fi – was the free bottled water. Because staying hydrated is key when you're running around Bologna like a madwoman, which, let's be honest, I was.
My Overall Verdict:
The Starhotels Excelsior Bologna is a solid choice. It’s clean, comfortable, and equipped with all the things you need for a pleasant stay. The spa is a definite highlight, even if I failed to fully surrender. The staff are wonderful. You can walk, you can taxi, you can be safe. Is it a deeply soulful experience? Maybe not. But it's a reliable basecamp for exploring the wonders of Bologna.
My Emotional Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars.
Here's the Perfect Offer (To Persuade YOU!):
Tired of the Same Old "Hotel Experience"? Craving Authentic Italian Adventures?
Then, book your stay at the Starhotels Excelsior Bologna!
Here's what awaits you:
- Central Location: Explore Bologna's UNESCO-listed porticoes, culinary treasures, and historical wonders.
- Serene Comfort: Unwind in our spotless, well-appointed rooms with FREE Wi-Fi and all the amenities you need.
- Spa Bliss: Melt away your stress in our luxurious spa with its breathtaking city views.
- Culinary Delights: Savor authentic Italian cuisine.
- Unforgettable Experiences: From the moment you walk through our doors, you're in for a treat.
But wait, there's more!
Book now and receive a complimentary bottle of Prosecco upon arrival!
Don't miss out on this incredible offer! Book your stay at the Starhotels Excelsior Bologna today and experience the magic of Italy!
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P.S. Don't forget to pack your comfortable shoes! You'll be doing a lot of walking! (And maybe bring a good book for the bathtub phone, just in case).
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned Starhotels Excelsior Bologna itinerary. This is my Bologna adventure, warts and all, and trust me, there will be warts. Grab a coffee. I need one just thinking about it.
Day 1: Arrival and… Well, Let's See Where We Land (and Pray It's Not the Lobby Again)
- Morning (Slightly Hungover, Let's Be Honest): Flight lands. Bologna Airport. Ugh. Airports. Always chaos. I swear, I saw a toddler wrestling a trolley full of duty-free perfume. Anyway, the train to Bologna Centrale station. Smooth-ish. Except for the guy blasting terrible opera from his phone. Seriously, dude? Read the room!
- Afternoon: The Hotel, the Elevator, and the Existential Dread: Check-in at the Starhotels Excelsior. Lovely façade. Hope the inside lives up. Fingers crossed for a decent room. Last time I stayed in a fancy hotel, I ended up with a view of the… air conditioning unit. Pray to the travel gods for a balcony! 🤞
- Anecdote Time: Finding my room was actually an Olympic sport. Seriously. The hallways in this place are like a labyrinth designed by M.C. Escher. I swear, I walked past the same potted plant three times. Finally, I found the room. Breathlessly. (Was it the lack of oxygen or the sheer relief of finding the damn room? Who knows.)
- First Impressions: Okay, room's decent. Balcony! Score! It overlooks… a charming little courtyard, I guess. Could be worse. The minibar, though… does anyone actually pay for those overpriced snacks? I'm tempted.
- Quirky Observation: The shower pressure is… intense. Like a tiny, Italian-engineered pressure washer. I probably looked like a stunned fish for a solid minute.
- Evening: The Quest for Food (and Avoiding Tourist Traps): Alright, food. Needs food. After a quick freshen up, the mission is on. The hotel concierge suggested a restaurant near the Piazza Maggiore but I'm skeptical. Tourist trap alert? I'm a foodie, okay? Okay. I need the real stuff. Wander around the streets, get wonderfully lost, and then find a local trattoria. Preferably one with a grumpy nonna who still makes pasta from scratch. Emotional reaction? Excited. Hungry. Slightly terrified of the grumpy nonna.
- Rambling Aside: Speaking of food… I've been dreaming of tortellini in brodo for weeks. Weeks! And the mortadella… the Parmesan… okay, I need to stop thinking about it. My stomach is rumbling louder than that opera guy's phone.
- Opinionated Language: Tourist traps are the devil! I swear, Italian food is so good and so perfect, there's no point in settling for something less than amazing.
- Evening: The food experience. I did it. I gave it a go. It was supposed to be a tiny local trattoria. Well, I'm not going to lie. The nonna was grumpy. But in the best way.
- The Tortellini: Oh, my god. Tears in my eyes! The broth, the pasta, the pure, unadulterated perfection. I ate every single, last bite.
- The Mortadella: Sliced thin, and it melted in my mouth. Like heaven, but with more flavor.
- The Parmesan: The best I have ever had, and it came in enormous chunks.
- The Emotional Reactions: I was overwhelmed. It was a symphony of flavors. It was a religious experience. I wanted to hug the grumpy nonna. I nearly made a scene.
- The Quirky Observation: The espresso, at the end of the meal, came with a tiny biscuit. The perfect closer. I kept it as a souvenir. Almost ate it with the rest of the meal.
- The Imperfection: The waiter was clearly struggling with his English. He kept saying "very good" but I think he was mostly focused on the other customers.
- The Messy Structure: Did I mention how good the tortellini was? I keep thinking about it. I might go back tomorrow.
- Doubling down: I can't stress enough how perfect the tortellini was. Every single bite was like a tiny explosion of flavor. My mind keeps wandering back to that broth. Maybe too much detail. I'm sorry. I'm just really obsessed with tortellini now.
- Opinionated language: If you go to Bologna and don't try the tortellini, you haven't truly lived.
- The end of day 1: Exhausted, happy, full of pasta. Going to bed. No way I'll be able to sleep after that meal!
Day 2: Exploring Bologna (and Maybe Burning Off That Pasta):
- Morning: Breakfast (and Regrets): Hotel breakfast. Free pastries? Yes, please! Coffee, of course. Regret: overindulgence. This city is so good and I need to stop eating so much.
- Late Morning: Climbing Towers & Stumbling Around: Piazza Maggiore. The Two Towers, Asinelli and Garisenda. One of them leans! Isn't that the very essence of chaos? I'm going to climb Asinelli. Wish me luck. (I have a fear of heights.)
- Anecdote Time: The climb up the Asinelli Tower was brutal. Absolutely brutal. I felt like I was going to throw up. The stairs are steep, narrow, and seemingly never-ending. But the view… the view was worth it. Barely.
- Quirky Observation: The steps are worn down from centuries of foot traffic. Like the city's history is embedded under your feet.
- Emotional Reaction: Terrified and elated. I conquerred the stairs!
- Opinionated Language: The view of Bologna from the top of Asinelli is breathtaking and you absolutely have to climb it.
- Minor category: I'm very tired after that trek. I may be a little bit less able to function for a while.
- Afternoon: The Porticos, The Markets, and The Unexpected: Wandering under the porticos. The main structure of the city. Such a unique experience.
- Rambling Aside: I remember something about the markets in Bologna. The history, the energy, the chaos.
- Emotional Reaction: Amazing! The architecture is so gorgeous, I didn't know I could be impressed.
- Quirky Observation: So many shops. So many people. Such a confusing experience.
- Imperfection: I got lost. Again.
- Messy structure: The markets are something. And the food is something else. The people, the energy, it's something that you have to experience.
- Doubling Down: The stalls! I can't stop thinking about what I saw there. The colors, the smells. The energy! Everything!
- Opinionated language: Everyone should get lost in the markets in Bologna.
- Evening: Finding the Osteria (and Failing Miserably): It's time to find dinner. Tonight I want… an osteria, or a small Italian style restaurant. Less touristy. I want more tortellini.
- Anecdote Time: I asked the hotel staff for a recommendation. Of course, they suggested something trendy and overpriced.
- Quirky Observation: I keep on seeing pictures of the same places, and I don't know why.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm a little bit stressed. I'm hungry. I'm tired.
- Imperfection: I still haven't found it. Walking around, still looking.
- Messy structure: I want to go to an osteria. But I can't. But I am!
- Doubling down: I'm going to get more pasta.
- Opinionated language: I am not going to stop until I have found some good food.
- The end of day 2: Success! Another good meal. The energy of Italy never fails. Time for bed.
Day 3: Departure (and a Final Pasta Dream):
- Morning: More pastries. Last chance for a cappuccino. I'm gonna miss this place.
- Afternoon: Sadly, it's time to depart. Check out. Train to the airport. More airport chaos, probably.
- Evening: Flight home. Daydreaming about tortellini. Already planning my return.
And that, my friends, is my imperfect, delicious, and utterly human adventure in Bologna. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find a tortellini recipe. Ciao!
Caldas Novas Emergency: Your Reservation's GONE! (Urgent!)
Starhotels Excelsior Bologna: The Rollercoaster of a Stay – FAQ, But Make it Honest! (And Maybe a Little Unhinged)
Okay, let's be real: Is this place actually *excelsior*? Sounds kinda… grandiosely optimistic.
Well, "Excelsior" *is* a bold claim, right? Like, setting yourself up for disappointment. I'll be brutally honest: it's not *perfect*. But 'excelsior' comes and goes. Some days, yeah, the service, the location, the breakfast – it's *chef's kiss*. Other days… well, let's just say the elevator seemed to be making a bid for a starring role in a horror movie. I mean, the room key reader? A personal feud, I swear. But then, you step out onto the balcony, see Bologna spread out before you, and you're suddenly all, 'Okay, maybe… maybe they earned the name *some* days.' It’s more of a “mostly excelsior” than an “always excelsior”.
Location, Location, Location! How’s the Excelsior actually *situated* in Bologna? Is it a pain to get around?
Right, the holy grail. The location is... *chef's kiss* worthy. Seriously, it’s a winner. You're basically *in* the city center without feeling like you're drowning in a swarm of tourists (mostly). You're a hop, skip, and a slightly panicked sprint across the street from Bologna Centrale station. Which is both a blessing and a curse. Blessing: you get to the hotel easily. Curse: you quickly realize how many people are also going TO that same station. And, honestly? You can walk everywhere. Seriously. Piazza Maggiore? Ten minutes, tops. That leaning tower? Fifteen, if you're taking your time (and getting distracted by the gelato). It's *excellent* for exploring. Just be prepared for the cobblestones. My ankles are still recovering, and I swear, I saw a pigeon laugh at me. And the pizza place right next door? Dangerous. So. Good.
Let's talk rooms. Are they actually *nice*? Or just… clean? (Because I've seen some hotel rooms that are more "prison chic" than "luxury escape.")
Okay, the rooms are… decent. Don't expect to be living in a palace. They're comfortable, clean (mostly), and the beds.. oh, the beds. They're dangerously comfortable. Seriously, I nearly missed a tour because I was locked in a battle between sleep and ambition. A battle I lost. The decor is... a bit of a mixed bag. Some rooms feel updated; others? They have this… "timeless" quality. Which, let’s be honest, is code for "might have been trendy in the 80s." But the views! If you get a room with a view, and it’s facing the right direction, *oh my GOD*. Just… glorious. Ask for a high floor. Trust me. It’s worth it. And the bathrooms? Fine. Clean. Functional. Just don't expect a spa-like experience. And be prepared for potentially needing to run a comb and check for dust under the beds. You know, just in case.
Breakfast – the most important meal of the day (obviously!). Is it any good? Because hotel breakfasts can be an utter disaster.
The breakfast... it’s a saga. Honestly, it’s the cornerstone of my relationship with this hotel. Some days, it’s heaven. Other days… well, let’s just say the scrambled eggs looked a little *too* suspiciously like they'd been sitting under a heat lamp since the dawn of time. But the good days? Oh, the good days! Freshly baked pastries, a delightful selection of cheeses and hams, and *real* espresso. I might have gone back for three cappuccinos one morning. And the fresh fruit? Amazing. But, and this is a big BUT, it gets *crowded*. Prepare for a bit of a breakfast stampede. Get there early. Or late. Just avoid the peak hour. And be prepared to fight for a croissant. Worth it though. Definitely worth it! The memory is still sweet.
About the staff… are they friendly? Because a surly hotel staff can ruin a vacation.
The staff... It's a bit of a mixed bag, again. Some are *super* friendly, welcoming, and genuinely helpful. They'll go out of their way to make sure you have a great stay, offering tips, recommendations, and all-around good vibes. Others... well, they're efficient. And that's that. Don't expect them to be your new best friend, but they generally get the job done. I had one truly wonderful encounter requesting directions, and the woman behind the check-in even whipped out a map (actual paper map!) and highlighted the best gelato place I should check. That woman deserves sainthood. I'll never forget it. But there was one time where, I asked for extra towels, and the look I received... Let's say it wasn't a warm and fuzzy experience. The key is patience. And maybe a little charm goes a long way.
Is there anything *bad* about this hotel? Be brutally honest! (We can handle it.)
Okay. Be it known that I’ve already addressed the "slightly dated" decor. It’s not a deal-breaker. But the elevators… I mentioned them earlier. They’re a topic of conversation. They’re slow. They’re cramped. They have a mind of their own. I’d rather just climb stairs. And the Wi-Fi can get… spotty. Sometimes you get lightning-fast speeds. Other times? Dial-up. Prepare for a digital detox (which, honestly, might be good for you!). Also: the air conditioning. It can be a bit temperamental. I've had chilly nights and sauna-like experiences. And the prices? Not rock bottom. But you're paying for the location, and that… is a luxury in itself. But honestly? None of those things are major. And the good far outweighs the bad. And the biggest flaw? Leaving it.
Is there a fitness center? If so, is it worth it?
Yes, there IS a fitness center. I *think* it’s technically a fitness center. I peeked in once. It looked… functional. Not glamorous. Not exactly a motivation to work out after spending a day eating pasta. It seemed small, but had equipment. So… if you are a gym rat or in desperate need of cardio, or are consumed by the desire to burn off all the pizza you consumed, then it might be useful. Personally I opted for more gelato-fueled sightseeing. So... I can't say, but I did see another guest. It was, in all respects, an experience. I preferred exploring the city than the treadmill. That I can say.
Okay, so the big question:Backpacker Hotel Find
