You cannot sleep much closer to the heart of Bologna than at the Art Hotel Commercianti. The hotel stands on Via de’ Pignattari, a narrow lane running along the flank of San Petronio, around fifty metres from Piazza Maggiore, in a building that housed the city’s town hall in the twelfth century. A careful restoration has kept the vaulted ceilings and wooden beams, and many rooms and suites look out onto the Gothic windows of the basilica, some from small balconies or terraces. Room types run from compact singles and classic doubles to deluxe doubles with terraces and junior suites, plus apartments nearby. A buffet breakfast is included in the rate, with local cold cuts and cheeses alongside pastries and hot dishes, and gluten-free options. Guests can borrow bicycles free of charge, subject to availability, and the hotel has received the Touring Club Italiano Stanze Italiane award. It belongs to the small Bologna Art Hotels group.
Location and getting around: the hotel is right behind Piazza Maggiore, with the Archiginnasio, the Quadrilatero, the Clock Tower and the San Luca Express stop all within a few minutes on foot. Bologna Centrale station is around twenty minutes’ walk or a short taxi ride, and buses to the airport and the station stop nearby.
The rooms: the building’s age gives every room a different shape, with exposed beams, vaulted ceilings and antique touches alongside modern bathrooms. Ask for a room facing the basilica if the view matters, and for a deluxe room with terrace for outdoor space. The hotel has three floors plus a basement, served by a lift.
Who it suits: couples and first-time visitors who want character and an unbeatable central location at a four-star price, and cyclists who will use the free bikes to explore the porticoed streets.
Good to know: the hotel is in the limited traffic zone, but guests can drive in by an authorised route and reception registers the plate. A private garage with limited spaces is available for a fee and should be booked in advance; there are also electric car chargers. Check-in is from early afternoon and luggage storage is available on departure day.
Why stay here
- ✓Buffet breakfast included
- ✓Free bicycles
- ✓Private garage for a fee
- ✓Electric car chargers
- ✓Lift
- ✓Views of San Petronio
- ✓Gluten-free breakfast options
- ✓Luggage storage
Good questions
How close is Art Hotel Commercianti to Piazza Maggiore?+
It is about fifty metres away, on Via de’ Pignattari alongside the Basilica of San Petronio. The main sights of the centre are all a few minutes on foot.
Is breakfast included at Art Hotel Commercianti?+
Yes, a buffet breakfast is included in the room rate. It includes local cold cuts and cheeses, pastries, hot dishes and gluten-free options.
Can I drive to Art Hotel Commercianti?+
Yes, guests can enter the limited traffic zone by an authorised route, and reception registers the plate. The private garage has few spaces and costs extra, so book it in advance.
