We have just returned from 5 days in Bologna and booked a suite at the Orologio on the basis of the good reviews here. We asked for a quiet room and we were given an "apartment" which iwas just round the corner from the main hotel (backs onto it internally) on the first floor. This was very nice, being basically one room but with a kitchenette, modern Italian furnishing, a dining area and two tvs. Nice bathroom too,with quality fittings and nice toileteries. We could hear a little noise from surrounding properties but nothing to worry about and the window was well double glazed. We got a good rate (booked direct with the hotel) and we were very happy with the location. Some of the front desk staff are extremely helpful, only one young woman being a bit stand offish and not too willing to help with booking a restaurant, but that was no problem as they give you a booklet with recommended nearby restaurants. We ate out every night and thought the Battibecco two steps from the hotel was slightly disappointing but Il Carrici (at the Grand Hotel Baglioni) was outstandingly good and no dearer. The Osteria Traviata was also very good. Breakfast at the hotel (included in the rate) is excellent with lots of fresh fruits, hams, cheeses and choices of coffee, etc. Overall we were extremely happy with our choice and plan to stay there again when we return to Bologna.

My husband and I stayed at the Hotel Orologio from May 16-May 25, 2006. I am of two minds about giving the hotel a stellar review - more people will want to stay there! From the moment the two weary travellers from America checked in to our last moments leaving, we were treated beautifully. The front desk staff is very helpful. Our favorite members of the staff were the two lovely ladies of the breakfast room. If you are very lucky, Fabiola will use her artistic skills and draw flowers or a greeting in your "cappucho". The hotel itself is lovely, with charming time pieces placed on the walls on each floor or the stairway. Our room was quiet and beautifully appointed. Centrally located, just outside Piazza Maggiore, it's the perfect place from which to start your daily investigation of Bologna. And let me say, the food in Bologna is spectacular! We've been to many other Italian cities and towns and have never eaten better. From the breakfast at the hotel to the many charming restaurants located just steps away, you haven't tasted food as good as this. Many kudos to the hotel and its wonderful staff. If you go, you'll be very happy you did!

My partner and I just returned from our first trip to Italy where we ended with three nights in Bologna. Hotel Orologio is located right off of the main piazza (Maggiore)so the location is superb; our room was very comfortable (the bed was GREAT!); the staff was helpful and courteous. Breakfast was included with our room and was a huge spread. We enjoyed Bologna and hope to visit again; there's no question where we'll stay! We highly recommend it for anyone looking for a nice place to stay.

Wonderfully positioned, very comfortable, helpful staff. We stayed four nights and booked a "Double DeLuxe" room -- but we can't report what such a room is like as we were upgraded to a Suite for the same price. And the same happened to our daughter and her husband who had arranged to stay at the same time. So perhaps that is the hotel's policy for longer bookings at quiet times when the suites aren't taken. (Having a suite was very convenient and comfortable for a mid-winter stay, since we wanted to return to our rooms at intervals to warm up and relax before venturing out into cold again.)

Given the quite terrific position -- and yes, you do want to be so central -- and the off-season prices, this seemed to be pretty good value, and we'd certainly return.

(Eat nearby at Da Cesari, especially at lunch. We also enjoyed Franco Rossi's, but avoid La Capriata.)