I stayed for two nights at the one-star Hotel Ideale in May 2012 and would certainly stay there again and recommend it to travellers looking for value for money in what is a very expensive city as far as hotel accommodation is concerned (I paid 85 Euros for two nights - bed only). I particularly liked the bathroom, which was of a higher standard than I've encountered in many starrier establishments. It was spacious and attractively fitted out and there was a plentiful supply of hot water. The room was also roomy and comfortable, with a small fridge and TV. The staff were helpful and pleasant, recommending a very good restaurant just a few hundred yards away. The hotel lies very close to a great local market, where one can also have breakfast. It takes only ten minutes to walk from the Ideale to Bologna Centrale Station. I estimate that it would take around half an hour to walk to the historic city centre. There are, however, 'buses which pass close to the hotel; I didn't actually catch any of them, but assume that some at least will go to - or near to - the city centre. There was nothing I disliked about the hotel, though the area in which it is located is not terribly salubrious and not particularly well lit. Security at the hotel struck me as being pretty good, however.

The owner put us in a huge apartment next door to the hotel. Everything was great....clean, quiet, big bed, wifi etc.. A bit of a chore getting to the old town but for the price, this was a great deal. It was raining when we were off to the train station, so the owner insisted that he take us to the station. Normally you can walk to it or take a bus. Such a nice man, beyond the call of duty!