Hotel San Donato - Bologna centro

Hotels
8.1 (5721 reviews)
Via Zamboni 16 , Bologna , IT
+39 051 235395
[email protected]

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Paid

Facilities

Free WiFi
Parking
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Terrace
Family rooms
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
Bar
Non-smoking throughout
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Excellent central location
Friendly and helpful staff / reception
Clean rooms reported by many guests
On-site parking in inner courtyard
Large rooftop terrace with great views
Safe-feeling hotel; good for solo travellers
Cons:
Rooms and bathrooms can be small and outdated
Some guests report uncomfortable or worn beds
Hotel needs refurbishment; decor feels aged
Breakfast is inconsistent and some pay extra for it
No bar facility despite many rooftop areas
Nighttime noise from busy student streets; balconies sometimes dirty

Categories

Cleanliness
8
Multiple reviews explicitly mention rooms and public areas as clean or very clean, despite comments about an overall run-down, dated interior; cleanliness is generally satisfactory but the property feels aged.
Service
8.4
Staff are repeatedly described as friendly, helpful and attentive at reception, though a few guests noted disengaged or brusque staff; overall service is a clear positive in many reviews.
Location
9.5
Consistently praised: central position in the historic centre, walking distance to sights, excellent rooftop views — location is the hotel's standout strength.
Room Quality
7
Frequent comments about small or outdated rooms and bathrooms, a worn bed in one review and limited space for luggage; some rooms are described as cozy, but overall room quality shows clear shortcomings.
Amenities
8.3
Good on-site perks noted: secure parking in courtyard, large rooftop terrace/dining terrace and safe-feeling facilities; negatives include no functioning bar, small TV and occasional balcony maintenance issues.
Value for Money
6.8
Several guests question value — complaints about price relative to condition, extra charge for breakfast and need for refurbishment make value feel below expectations.
Food and Beverage
7.3
Mixed feedback: some found breakfast fine and terrace pleasant, while others called breakfast poor or a 'disaster' and noted extra charges; F&B is inconsistent.
Overall Experience
9.5
Despite some negatives (small/outdated rooms, mixed breakfast, occasional noise), most reviews highlight excellent location, friendly staff, rooftop and views — resulting in a generally very positive overall impression.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-10-12 15:17

Property Description

Hotel San Donato is a 4-star hotel in the city center of Bologna, a few meters from the Two Towers, in a pedestrian area. Placed inside the historic, completely renovated Malvasia Palace, it offers 59 comfortable and spacious rooms, a panoramic roof terrace and a meeting room for up to 40 people.

Important information:

The property is located in a pedestrian area. Access to the historical centre by car is only possible through the Porta San Vitale gate.

Guests arriving by car are requested to communicate their license plate upon arrival.

Please note that none of the rooms is suitable for guests with reduced mobility. Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: BLQ

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed. Cots are available in some rooms on request.

  • Age restriction

    Guests must be at least 18 years old to check in. The minimum guest age is 18.

  • Damage deposit

    A damage deposit of 50.0 EUR may be required.

  • Parking

    Parking is available on site.

See all policies

Location

Guest Reviews

8.1
Based on 5721 reviews
Cleanliness: 8
Service: 8.4
Location: 9.5
Room Quality: 7
Amenities: 8.3
Value for Money: 6.8
Food and Beverage: 7.3
Overall Experience: 9.5
O
Ole Johannes • couple • dk
8
Pros:

Morgenmad var meget god og specielt røræggen var lavet af rigtige æg

2026-10-13 • via Nuitee
J
Joachim • couple • se
9
2026-10-13 • via Nuitee
A
Alfomso • couple • it
2
Tra i peggiori in giro per l'Italia, pur essendo un bel palazzo e nel centro storico!
Pros:

Albergo che sembrava abbandonato, unica cosa gradevole è la posizione!

Cons:

Restauro generale interno per cancellare quello stato di abbandono, impolverato, a tratti sembrava un ripostiglio!

2026-10-13 • via Nuitee
M
MARIA A • solo_traveller • es
9
2026-10-13 • via Nuitee
P
Piera Franzi • solo_traveller • it
9
Pros:

Posizione eccezionale in pieno centro

2026-10-12 • via Nuitee
B
Bjarne • extended_group • dk
9
2026-10-12 • via Nuitee
K
Katrin • couple • ch
8
2026-10-12 • via Nuitee
T
Tim • solo_traveller • us
10
Room was small but comfortable. The views and location were amazing.
Pros:

Beautiful old building in the heart of the city center. The rooftop views were the best I’ve had

Cons:

Everything was to my satisfaction

2026-10-12 • via Nuitee
S
Susan • solo_traveller • gb
8
Pros:

The spacious and comfortable apartment.

Cons:

The TV in fact it said there was BbC world news on channel 200 (I think) but only cartons. And the steep hill up to the hotel, but we are in a mountainous area, so shouldn't complain as this hotel did have parking.

2026-10-12 • via Nuitee
P
Paola • solo_traveller • it
10
2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
A
Alessio • solo_traveller • it
10
2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
K
Karen • couple • gb
6
Adequate for one night in a central location. We paid €15 euros extra for breakfast but it was worth it. Rooms comfortab
Pros:

Central

Cons:

Apart from the receptionist the staff were really grumpy. Those working in the breakfast room were particularly so. No smiles there

2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
F
federica • solo_traveller • it
9
2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
J
J C • solo_traveller • nl
9
Een fantastische locatie voor een lang weekend.
Pros:

Lokatie in het historisch centrum is fantastisch. De badhanddoeken ruiken heerlijk. Schone kamer. Stille kamer. Aangename kamer.Ontbijt op dakterras is onvergetelijk.

Cons:

Badkamer voor één persoon kamer is erg klein.

2026-10-10 • via Nuitee
N
Nicole • couple • at
9
2026-10-10 • via Nuitee
J
Jacqui • couple • gb
8
Pros:

Excellent location but still quiet.

2026-10-10 • via Nuitee
E
Eno Picori • solo_traveller • it
8
Pros:

Posizione centrale. Stanza pulita

Cons:

Arredamento un pò datato della stanza

2026-10-10 • via Nuitee
R
renato • solo_traveller • it
10
2026-10-09 • via Nuitee
D
DAWN • couple • gb
10
Fantastic city, great little hotel. Would recommend
Pros:

The staff were absolutely wonderful. Very approachable and eager to help. The hotel was in an excellent location.

Cons:

A kettle and tea/ coffee making equipment in room

2026-10-09 • via Nuitee
W
Wilfried • couple • nl
8
Pros:

Centrale ligging

2026-10-08 • via Nuitee