Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni

The Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni, a Michelin Key Selected property in Bologna, Italy, stands as a beacon of historic luxury and exceptional service in the heart of the city.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for the Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently rating it as "wonderful" or "excellent." Review scores consistently show high marks for location (9.8), cleanliness (9.6), comfort (9.7), and staff (9.6). Many describe it as a truly five-star experience, a "grand dame" of Bologna's hotel scene, and the only place to stay for those seeking unparalleled elegance and hospitality.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the hotel:

• Service & Hospitality: The impeccable and exceptional service is a recurring theme, with staff noted for being incredibly friendly, helpful, attentive, and accommodating. Many guests highlight the attention to detail and the staff's ability to exceed expectations, even assisting with luggage due to traffic restrictions.
• Location: Its central position on Via dell'Indipendenza is a major draw, placing it within easy walking distance of Piazza Maggiore, the Due Torri, and other key attractions, making it ideal for exploring Bologna. Despite being urban, the hotel offers a secluded and quiet haven.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel, an 18th-century palazzo, exudes old-world grandeur with its classic Italian style, antique furniture, marble-columned foyer, and 16th-century frescoes in the I Carracci restaurant. It's described as palatial and rich in artistic heritage.
• Amenities: Highlights include a well-regarded wellness area with a sauna and hammam, a business center, concierge service, and free Wi-Fi. The inclusion of breakfast with many options is also frequently praised.

3. Room Quality

The 106 rooms and suites are described as beautiful, well-maintained, and spacious, offering a blend of antique furniture with modern amenities. They feature an aristocratic air with rich brocade drapery, Murano glass chandeliers, Venetian-style furnishings, and antique pieces. Bathrooms are often large and modern, equipped with marble, separate showers and tubs, fluffy robes, slippers, and high-end toiletries. Refurbishments on the 4th floor have introduced new Junior Suites and Deluxe Rooms in a classical French 18th-century style. For enhanced rest, pure linen bed sheets are provided, with Egyptian cotton available upon request. Some suites, like the Art Deco suite, boast private elevators and large private terraces with cathedral views.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a distinguished dining experience through its various venues:

• I Carracci Restaurant: This renowned restaurant is considered one of Bologna's most sophisticated and elegant, famous for its 16th-century frescoes by the Carracci brothers. It serves traditional Emilian cuisine, including Bolognese recipes, with innovative fish proposals from Chef Giacomo Galeazzi. It has been recognized with the prestigious Three Forks Michelin award.
• Enoteca Morandi: This wine cellar offers a selection of over 300 Italian and international wines, complemented by a traditional and "rustico" regional menu. Private food and wine tastings with a sommelier are available.
• Café Marinetti: This café provides a relaxing atmosphere for aperitivi, often accompanied by piano music. Light lunches are also available daily.
• Breakfast: A lavish buffet breakfast, which can be enjoyed in the winter garden or on the adjacent terrace, is highly praised for its variety, including local specialties like mortadella, Parma ham, local cheeses, fresh fruit, and even complimentary prosecco and chocolate cake.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback consistently highlights the exceptional nature of the staff and service. Reviewers describe the hospitality as outstanding, with staff being wonderful, friendly, attentive, and incredibly helpful. Many guests felt genuinely "cared for" and appreciated the staff's attention to detail, such as providing ironing services late in the evening and accommodating requests like adjusting windows for comfort. The concierge team is particularly commended for assisting with reservations, transportation, and excellent local recommendations.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni boasts an "unbeatable" and "excellent" central location on Via dell'Indipendenza in the heart of Bologna's historic center. It's within immediate walking distance of major attractions such as Piazza Maggiore, the Due Torri, Piazza del Nettuno, and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Peter. While located on a main street, the interior remains quiet and secluded. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is approximately 6.8 to 10.97 km away. The hotel is also noted for providing guaranteed disabled access through an innovative portable stair lift.

7. Value & Pricing

While considered expensive, many guests believe the Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni is "worth it" for the location and overall luxury experience. Room rates can start from approximately EUR 345 (around $390 USD) during low season (January) and go up significantly, with an average weeknight price around $703 USD and weekend nights at $628 USD in recent weeks. Suites can range from $1,091 to $2,849 USD. The hotel holds a value for money rating of 8.6 out of 10.

8. Common Complaints

While generally highly praised, some minor and recurring issues have been noted by guests:

• Air Conditioning/Heating: A few guests have reported issues with the air conditioning or heating not functioning optimally between seasons. One recent review from August 2024 specifically mentioned electrical issues affecting AC in rooms.
• Electrical Outlets: Some older reviews indicate a limited number of electrical sockets per room, which can be inconvenient for charging multiple devices.
• Room Views: Not all rooms offer picturesque views, with some facing the street or interior courtyards.
• Additional Charges: One guest expressed disappointment regarding an additional $90 charge for a Sunday massage, feeling an adjustment could have been offered given other inconveniences.
• Maintenance Concerns: A very recent review (August 2024) mentioned concerns about the hotel not being well-maintained, citing dusty/bit moldy conditions and significant electrical issues, suggesting a decline in upkeep for some rooms.
• Odor: One guest reported a foul odor in their room upon arrival.

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