Bologna's BEST Hotel? Towering Views & Luxury Await at This Western Plus!
Bologna's Best Hotel? Towering Views & Luxury Await at This Western Plus! – A Frankly Honest Review
Okay, so Bologna. Beautiful city, seriously, but sometimes feels like it was built by people who really loved red brick. That said, finding a decent hotel can feel like a pilgrimage. And this "Western Plus" (I’m intentionally vague on the exact name – gotta keep some mystery, right?)…well, it promised the stars and the moon. Did it deliver? Let’s dive in, shall we? Buckle up, it’s gonna be a bumpy, honest ride.
First Impressions, and My Existential Crisis in the Lobby
The name sounds fancy, you know? Western Plus. Makes you think of… well, something plus. Maybe it’s the plus of impeccable service, or a plus of incredible bolognese sauce. Whatever it was, I was ready for it.
The lobby? Clean. Surprisingly large (which is always a good start after a cramped train journey). And…airy. Which, in a city that can feel a bit…oppressive with its architecture, was a welcome change. Immediate points for that. They even had a little seating area, which I appreciated because the first thing I did on arrival was just sit. Travel is exhausting, okay? And after checking in (seamless, by the way. Contactless, quick. Kinda felt like a secret agent), I headed up…
And that waiting for the lift… it always fills me with existential dread. Does anyone else do that? Just stare blankly, wondering what you’re doing with your life, while waiting for a metal box to take you upwards? Just me? Okay.
Rooms: So, About That View…
The room itself? Pretty damn good. We're talking Air Conditioning in all rooms, which, let’s be honest, is an absolute necessity in Bologna. The view… that was the selling point. High floor, like they promised. And wow. Seriously. I mean, I think I actually gasped. Looking out over the city, with those red rooftops stretching as far as the eye could see…It's the kind of vista that makes you question everything you thought you knew about Instagram filters. No filter needed, honestly. The Window that opens was a godsend, allowing the fresh air to flow in and further immerse me in the already magical atmosphere.
The Blackout curtains were clutch. Slept like a baby. The desk and laptop workspace were genuinely useful, because, even on holiday, you have to do some work, right? The Mini bar was… well, it had things. Expensive things. But hey, you’re on vacation, right? Splurge a little. I did. I also appreciated the Coffee/tea maker, because I need my caffeine fix before I even think about leaving the room. Complimentary tea? Nice touch – I felt like a proper lady!
And, for the record? The Additional toilet was a game-changer. No more awkward bathroom queues with your travel companion!
Now, a minor gripe: the bathroom felt slightly dated. Perfectly functional, mind you, but not quite as luxurious as the rest of the room. But hey, you get a Hair dryer, Bathrobes, Slippers, and all the Toiletries you need. The Separate shower/bathtub setup was pretty great too.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Positive)
This is where I spent a lot of time looking and considering as I had my disabled mother with me. The Elevator was a MUST! And thankfully, it was there and reliable. I saw Facilities for disabled guests listed, and I'm happy to report that this extended to the hallways as well. The Front desk [24-hour] and Concierge were incredibly helpful, which is essential. There was a definite consideration for wheelchair accessibility, with wide doorways and well-placed ramps. I didn't have to worry about any of that, which was a relief.
However, I didn't find any information on exactly what kind of wheelchair accessibility was offered in the rooms which was a tiny bit off.
Food, Glorious Food: The Joy and the Trials of Italian Dining
Eating in Bologna is an experience in itself. The hotel's restaurants were…okay. The Breakfast [buffet], thankfully, was better than "okay". Loads of options, from the standard Western breakfast (eggs, bacon, etc.) to some more adventurous options. I tried the Asian breakfast and, while not authentic, it was a welcome change of pace. The Coffee shop was a lifesaver. The espresso was strong. The Poolside bar was a great place to unwind. Having a Pool with a view while sipping a Negroni? Pure bliss.
The a la carte dining in the restaurant was good, but nothing earth-shattering. International cuisine in restaurant was available, and they tried hard to make a Vegetarian restaurant experience that fit for someone who doesn't eat meat. The Desserts in restaurant? Worth saving room for.
A Deep Dive into the Pool Experience: My Near-Death Experience (Exaggeration, Maybe)
Okay, so the Swimming pool [outdoor]. This is where things got…interesting. The Pool with a view was stunning, truly. It was like swimming in a postcard. Actually getting there involved a bit of a trek, but it was absolutely worth it.
The plunge was cold, I was completely unprepared for it (I’m a wimp, I’ll admit it), and I may have let out a small, involuntary yelp as I hit the water. But then… magic. Sun on my face, a panoramic view of Bologna, and a distinct feeling of…well, feeling rather smug. After a few laps, I was completely sold but for the way out. This is where my near-death experience comes in (slight exaggeration, I know).
The ladder out of the pool? It was… slippery. And I am, as previously established, not a graceful person. I slipped, flailed, and nearly took a header back into the pool. Luckily, a kind gentleman (bless him) grabbed my arm and hauled me to safety. I emerged, dripping and slightly mortified, but also filled with a renewed appreciation for life. And for that man.
Moral of the story: Be careful when exiting the pool at this amazing, yet strangely slippery, water-viewing location.
Relaxation and Wellness: A Mixed Bag of Bliss and "Meh"
The hotel had a Spa/sauna. I didn't visit the Body scrub or Body wrap options (never been a spa person myself), though they were available. They did have a Gym/fitness. I went in there. It had all the machines, all the equipment. But, you know how some hotel gyms just feel uninviting? This was one of them. I was hoping for something more, but It was there, and ready for use. I didn't get far.
The Sauna, on the other hand? Pure bliss. The Steamroom? Also pretty great. The Massage? I heard it was good. I didn't book one. I think I was still recovering from my pool near-drowning.
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-Era Confidence
This hotel took hygiene seriously. I felt completely safe. The Anti-viral cleaning products were in use. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. Rooms sanitized between stays, and Daily disinfection in common areas were definitely present. The Shared stationery removed was a nice touch. There was a first aid kit, and a Doctor/nurse on call, which, thankfully, I didn't need. Cashless payment service was available. They were obviously taking it seriously, and that made me feel a lot better, especially given everything that’s been going on.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They have Cash withdrawal, a Concierge, and Luggage storage. Dry cleaning and Laundry service were available. Daily housekeeping. All the usual suspects. They have a Convenience store, which I used more than I'd like to admit for late-night snacks. The Air conditioning in public area was a godsend, as was the Elevator. The staff were helpful and friendly. No complaints here.
Things to Do
They had a Fitness center, a Sauna, and a Swimming pool, but honestly, the real thing to do is to go out and explore Bologna! A short walk was all it took to get to the main sights. Which is exactly the point of a hotel, isn't it?
Getting Around: Convenient and Easy
The bonus for staying here is that a short walk had us right in the heart of the city! The Car park [free of charge] was a pleasant surprise, especially since parking in Bologna can be a nightmare. Taxi service easily available.
The Extras: Small Touches That Made a Difference
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Thank GOD.)
- Breakfast in room, if you're feeling lazy.
- They had a Safe dining setup, which gave me peace of mind in
Alright, buckle up, Buttercup, because we're not just planning a trip to Bologna, we're living it. And by "living it," I mean stumbling through it with a healthy dose of jet lag and a desperate craving for… well, everything. This itinerary is less "perfectly polished travel brochure" and more "slightly-burnt lasagna of experiences." Prepare to get messy.
Operation: Bolognese Bonanza (and Potential Meltdown)
Accommodation: Best Western Plus Tower Hotel Bologna (Pray for me, it's a Western Plus, so expectations are… adjusted).
Day 1: Arrival. In which I become one with the cobblestones (and maybe cry a little).
Morning (ish): Land at Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ). "Morning" is a generous term. Let's be honest, it'll be closer to groggily-in-the-afternoon. Immediately, the search for the hotel bus. (Spoiler alert: I'll probably find it eventually, after wandering aimlessly for a solid hour mumbling about caffeine and the "lack of clearly-marked signs.")
(Maybe) Afternoon: Check-in. Hope the room isn't facing the roaring highway (a fear born from a previous nightmare involving a similarly-named hotel in Phoenix. shudders). Unpack, which will involve a strategic unpacking of the emergency snack stash – a bag of gummy bears and the slightly-squashed granola bar that has traveled with me through 3 major cities.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Attempt to walk to Piazza Maggiore, the heart of Bologna. Emphasis on "attempt." My sense of direction is akin to a lost pigeon in a hurricane. I'll probably get delightfully lost. This is where the cobblestones will really come into play. I foresee a dramatic stumble or two, possibly involving a near-miss with a Vespa.
Evening: Dinner. This is the moment of truth. Finding a truly authentic Bolognese restaurant. The pressure is immense. I'm already envisioning the perfect pasta carbonara. If it's not perfect, I may stage a sit-in demanding a refund and a hug. (Probably not in that order, though). Hopefully, the wine will help. It always does.
- Anecdote: My first gelato experience in Italy… I asked the lady if I could have 2 flavors. She gave me a look like I'd just inquired about the existence of gravity. "Certo," she finally said, and then, with a touch of pity, "but one at a time, cara." I'll take that to heart and I'm taking any and all Gelato recommendations.
Night: Collapse into bed. Pray for uninterrupted sleep and a mercifully quiet night. Also, dream of more gelato. Day 2: Food, Art, and the Eternal Struggle Against Overeating.
Morning: Attempt to conquer the breakfast buffet at the hotel. Cross my fingers it has actual espresso and not that hotel "coffee-flavored water" that tastes like despair. This could set the tone for the entire day.
Late Morning: Visit the Due Torri (Two Towers). I'll be honest, climbing them is a big maybe. My fear of heights and general lack of fitness might intervene. I'll assess the situation. If I chicken out, I'll console myself with more gelato.
Lunch: Find a trattoria nestled away on a side street (hopefully, after getting lost again). This time I'm aiming for the tortellini in brodo – a classic, comforting Bolognese dish. This is not a drill. This is vital to my well-being.
Afternoon: Visit the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna (art gallery). I am not an art person per se. But maybe, just maybe I can find my way to something beautiful, to make memories. This is potentially where I'll discover my inner art critic (or, more likely, fall asleep in front of a Caravaggio).
Evening: Cooking class. YES! This is what I'm most excited about. Learning how to make real pasta! This could go two ways: I'll either become the next Michelin-starred chef, or I'll burn the kitchen down. Either way, it'll be an adventure. I'll be judging my fellow class participants.
- Rambling thought: This whole trip is a gamble. A gamble of my sanity, my bank account, and my waistline. But, what's life without a little adventure? Even if that adventure involves me accidentally setting fire to a pan of ragu.
Night: Stumble back to the hotel, possibly smelling faintly of tomato sauce and triumph (or, more likely, burnt pasta). Pass out. Day 3: Beyond Bologna (and, possibly, my ability to handle this much pasta).
Morning: Take a day trip outside of Bologna. Considering a visit to Modena (for more food, obviously) or Parma (for ham…and more food!), or maybe Florence (if I remember how to navigate public transport).
- Opinionated rant: The thought of navigating Italian trains fills me with a mixture of dread and a strange, manic energy. I'll probably get on the wrong train. I'll probably end up in Venice. And I probably won't even be mad.
Lunch: Wherever the day trip takes me, I'll be on the hunt for the local delicacies. If in Modena, balsamic vinegar will be consumed (and probably splashed all over me). If in Parma, proscuitto will be devoured with gusto.
Afternoon: Explore the chosen destination. Wander, get lost, take photos, and make new friends. Then, get ready for the next meal.
Evening: Return to Bologna. Dinner near the hotel, because I will be exhausted. And broke.
Night: Pack. Curse the fact that I didn't buy a bigger suitcase. Reflect on the pasta-filled, gelato-splattered adventure that was.
- Emotional outburst: Goodbye, Bologna! You glorious, chaotic, delicious city! I will miss you with the intensity of a thousand suns. And I swear I'll come back, if only to perfect my pasta-making skills (and maybe finally climb those darn towers). Day 4: Departure (and the inevitable post-holiday blues).
Morning: Wake up. Struggle out of bed. Have a final hotel breakfast. Swallow the sadness of leaving.
Late Morning: Check out. Hopefully, the check-out process is less stressful than the check-in.
Afternoon: Travel to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ).
Early Evening: Board the plane. Say goodbye to Italy. Cry.
Night: Arrive home, smelling faintly of cheese and regret at having to leave. Start planning the next trip… before the jet lag even wears off.
This is just a rough outline, of course. The beauty of travel, especially for someone like me, is the glorious, unpredictable chaos. Things will go wrong. I'll get lost. I'll probably eat too much. But I wouldn't have it any other way. Wish me luck, and may your pasta always be al dente!
Meerbuscher Hof: Düsseldorf's Hidden Gem You NEED to Discover!
So, is this place REALLY as "towering" as they claim? I'm claustrophobic.
Okay, let's get real. "Towering" is marketing speak. Is it a skyscraper? No. Is it higher than, like, your average five-story building? Probably. I'd say it's "comfortably tall." The view from the top… *breathe*… if you get a room on a high floor… *shivers*… will probably be pretty awesome. I have a *thing* about heights too. Okay, this one time, I was checking in and the desk clerk, bless her heart, offered me a top-floor room. I said, "Uh, is there… a lower floor available? Maybe near the… the ground?" She gave me *the look*. You know the one. It was fine. I took a deep breath, got the keys, and survived. The view was… wow, though. Bologna, spread out beneath you like a delicious, terracotta-tiled pizza… it's worth the initial gulp. Just… maybe pop a Xanax beforehand, yeah?
Luxury? Please tell me more about this "luxury." Is it REAL luxury, or… you know… the "luxury" of nice soap and a slightly-flatter towel?
Okay, the "luxury" varies. The soap… *chef's kiss*. They're good. Beyond that, it’s… nuanced. Think comfortable beds, decent noise dampening (thank GOD), and maybe a minibar with some overpriced snacks you'll probably regret buying at 2 a.m. after a bottle of Lambrusco. The first time I stayed? I got so excited I ripped the bedspread off, thinking there was hidden chocolate under there. There wasn't. Just… the bed. Which was… comfortable. The important thing is, it's not *cheap*-feeling. It's not like those hotels where you’re convinced you’re sleeping in a glorified cardboard box. Definitely not cardboard box vibes.
Breakfast. Tell me *everything* about the breakfast buffet.
Alright, breakfast. This is where things get… *personal*. The croissants… the croissants are KEY. Actually, they were so good the first time, I ate, like, six. I almost missed my train. I'm not proud. The coffee? Fine. Standard hotel coffee. The fruit? Usually pretty decent, but on one particularly heartbreaking morning, the melon was… sad. I'm talking, mealy, flavorless sadness. I almost cried. But the croissants… the croissants saw me through. There's usually a good selection of meats and cheeses, and the scrambled eggs? Sometimes they're perfect, sometimes they're… let's just say, reheated. It's a gamble. Embrace the gamble. It's part of the experience. Go in with low expectations and you'll either be pleasantly surprised or, well, you still have the croissants. Focus on the croissants.
What's the Wi-Fi situation like? Because, you know, Instagram waits for no one.
Ah, the eternal quest for decent Wi-Fi. Look, it's usually… okay. I've definitely had experiences where I nearly threw my laptop out the window, but generally, it works. Enough to upload a blurry photo of your breakfast, check your emails, and maybe, just maybe, stream a movie if you're feeling particularly adventurous. Don't expect lightning-fast speeds, but it’s usually passable. I learned the hard way, though. Don't attempt to download a whole season of something. Trust me. It's just… frustrating.
Is the location actually good? How easy is it to get around?
Okay, location, location, location! Let’s be frank: Bologna is amazing. This hotel? I think it depends *what* you want to do. Is it *smack dab* in the Piazza Maggiore? No. You probably won't be tripping over the two towers as you exit. (Which, let's be real, is probably for the best, those things are ancient!) But it's generally pretty well-connected. Walking’s good. Taxis are available. Public transport? Not too awful, but I’m bad at the Italian buses; I generally get lost. But if you're willing to walk a bit – and embrace the beauty of Bologna's architecture, and that *amazing* food smell – you'll be fine.
Any downsides? Spill the tea.
Alright, no hotel is perfect. The occasional issue? Sure. Maybe a slight noise issue – the walls might be whisper thin. My sleep has suffered on more than one occasion because of noisy neighbors, for example. Cleaning is generally excellent, but I’m a clean freak so I might notice more. One experience that I *still* think about: the elevator. It’s fine. It works. But one time, I got stuck in it. For, like, five minutes. Which felt like an eternity. The emergency button worked, thankfully and I got out. But! Now, I take the stairs when possible. So, yeah, maybe keep an eye on the elevator situation overall.
So, would you recommend it? Be honest.
Honestly? Yes. (with minor caveats) It's a solid choice. It's not the *most* luxurious hotel in the world, but it's comfortable, generally well-located, and it has those croissants! Seriously, the croissants are a selling point. If you're not expecting perfection, you'll probably have a good time. And hey, even if there *is* an elevator malfunction, you'll have a story to tell. Just… pack some earplugs, and maybe a spare pair of underpants. You might need them.
