Albergo delle Drapperie
This charming 3-star, set in the characterful Quadrilatero district, only a few blocks from the central piazzas, overlooks a busy food market. There's a sense of history and atmosphere in its 21 rooms, with wood beams and frescoed ceilings.

Via del Drapperie 5
Tel: 0512 23955.
Website: www.albergodrapperie.com
Price: $

Art Hotel Orologio
A smart 3-star in the centre of Bologna, this has sleek rooms decorated in rich golds, blues, ochres and reds. Some rooms have fabulous views over the medieval buildings of the centre. 

Via IV Novembre 10
Tel: 05174 57411.
Website: www.bolognarthotels.com
Price: $$$

Grand Baglioni Hotel
Opulent and palatial, brimming with glorious gold and marble, with chandeliers, antiques, gilt-edged mirrors, and sweeping staircases, this is a hotel that really earns the 'grand' in its name. It's a member of the Leading Hotels of the World group, and the place for old-style and top-drawer luxury.

Via Indipendenza 8
Tel: 0512 25445.
Website: www.baglionihotels.it
Price: $$$$

Hotel Porta San Mamolo
Excellent value, this comfortable, quiet, yet central hotel is close to Piazza Maggiore. Rooms are light and prettily decorated with lots of white, verging-on-twee, with elegant, white furnishings, floral oil paintings and candy-stripe wallpaper. The bright breakfast room is set between two courtyards. Both the place and the staff have tons of Italian charm.

Vicolo del Falcone 6/8
Tel: 0515 83056.
Website: www.hotel-portasanmamolo.it
Price: $$

Il Convento dei Fiori di Seta
In a 14th-century convent, this chic boutique place combines the building's original features and traditional style (exposed brickwork, beams, oriental rugs and religious frescoes) with elements of contemporary design like Perspex and chrome chairs and blown-up modernist floral photographs. 

Via Orfeo 32-34B
Tel: 0512 72039.
Website: www.silkflowersnunnery.com
Price: $$$