best bed: The Grand Hotel Majestic, Bologna, Italy

Dream location meets amazing history at  the Grand Majestic, Bologna’s only five star property. Local born, Pope-to-be Benedict XIV built this 18^th century palazzo as a seminary. It sits atop an old Roman road. In basement, near the loo, you can still see the tracks made by chariot wheels. In 1912 it became a hotel in classic Italian style filled with old school luxury. The Nazi’s used the hotel as their command center during WWII. It’s perfect location, within walking distance of everything, made it the perfect headquarters. The less than thrilled partisans placed a crate of TNT beside the building, blowing up the central part and much of the façade. The long and massive restoration took until 1987. There have been several renovations since but the style remains…think brocade, Murano glass chandeliers and marble bathrooms. There are antiques and works or art throughout. Many fourth floor rooms have private terraces, ideal for people watching on weekends when the street the hotel is on is pedestrianized. 

Number of Rooms: 106

Sweet Suite: The Art Deco Suite has its own private elevator and big terrace. It is completely different than any other room in the hotel decorated in 30’s Art Deco style. I adore its recently refurbished unique decor.

Favorite Thing: My first degree was in Art History, specializing in Italian Renaissance … how could I not pick the frescos! They are from the il Carracci school founded by the famous Bologna family of artists who were masters of the Baroque Style. 

Near By: Cathedral di San Pietro, Piazza Maggiore, Bologna National Gallery, Anatomical Theatre (where cadavers were dissected for education students in what was the University of Bologna in 1036), Due Torri (Two Towers, you can climb the taller one for great views)

Amenities: sauna, steam room, fitness room, ground floor bar, first floor terraces for drinks, bedtime story book with local themes, pe friendly, 1 pm check out for all guests, restaurant serves local specialty boiled meats trolley Thursdays – Sundays.

$$$

https://grandhotelmajestic.duetorrihotels.com/en

The Grand Hotel Majestic is a Virtuoso Property that comes with special amenities when you book with a Virtuoso Advisor, like me!