Hotel Metropolitan

Hotel Metropolitan in Bologna, Italy, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its prime location, contemporary design, and exceptional service. Guests generally rate their stays as "very good" with an average score of 8.5 out of 10 based on over 1,500 reviews.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Hotel Metropolitan is overwhelmingly positive. It's lauded as a stylish and contemporary retreat that stands out amidst Bologna's more traditional Renaissance architecture. Many guests describe it as a "flawless stay" and "highly recommended."

Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of Hotel Metropolitan:

• Location: Its central position is frequently highlighted as perfect, being just a short walk from Bologna's main square, Piazza Maggiore, and the bustling shopping street, Via Indipendenza. Despite its central location, the hotel is often described as quiet and peaceful.
• Service: The staff receive abundant commendation for being "amazing," "friendly and helpful," and providing "excellent, multilingual service." Specific mentions include an "amazing" front desk and "the best bartender ever (Aldo)."
• Design: The hotel's aesthetic is a significant draw, characterized by "aesthetically appealing public spaces" and a "minimalist contemporary" style. It features Art Deco elements, African influences in the décor, and modern accommodations with a "stylish Oriental twist."
• Amenities: The rooftop terrace and bar are popular features, offering pleasant views, cocktails, and a relaxing atmosphere. An inner courtyard with olive trees and greenery, complete with outdoor sitting areas, is also a cherished highlight for some rooms. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

Room Quality

Hotel Metropolitan offers 52 non-smoking rooms, including various types such as standard rooms, junior suites, executive rooms, and apartments. Rooms are described as "updated and clean" with a "minimalist design style." They feature modern amenities like air conditioning, LCD satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, minibars, safes, hairdryers, and tea/coffee making facilities. Soundproof windows contribute to quiet surroundings. Many bathrooms are modern, some boasting separate areas for the toilet and shower, and equipped with a spa bathtub or walk-in shower, along with free toiletries, dressing gowns, and slippers. While generally well-regarded for their clean lines and sparse furnishings that create an airy and expansive feel, room sizes can vary.

Dining Experience

The hotel offers a breakfast buffet, which is typically available for a fee. Guests frequently describe the breakfast as "amazing with so many options," including a large sweet and savory buffet with pastries, fresh fruit, a wide selection of herbal teas, and organic products, all beautifully presented. The food choices are generally considered "more than adequate."

Service & Staff

The service at Hotel Metropolitan is consistently a standout feature. Guests frequently praise the staff for their professionalism, attentiveness, and willingness to assist. Reviews highlight the staff as "amazing from the front desk to the best bartender ever" and "friendly, helpful staff who quickly resolved any issues." The hotel also provides "excellent, multilingual service."

Location & Accessibility

Located at Via dell'Orso 6, Hotel Metropolitan is situated in the heart of Bologna's historic center, making it an ideal base for exploring the city on foot. It's just a 5-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore and approximately 50 meters from Via Indipendenza, Bologna's main shopping street. The hotel's proximity to exclusive shops, characteristic restaurants, and major landmarks like Bologna Cathedral and the National Art Gallery is highly appreciated. It is also well-connected for transport, being convenient for the train station, and airport shuttles stop nearby.

Value & Pricing

Hotel Metropolitan is considered to offer a blend of "luxury and affordability." While the average price per room is around $206, compared to the city's average of $171, many guests feel it provides "exceptional value for money." Room rates can range from approximately $143 to $578, depending on the room type and the season. October is typically the most expensive month, while December tends to be the cheapest. Some guests have noted that it can be "a bit on the expensive side" given the number of on-site facilities beyond the rooftop bar and breakfast.

Common Complaints

While most reviews are positive, some recurring issues and criticisms include:

• Some rooms may overlook an "air-shaft" rather than offering a desirable view.
• Street-facing rooms can sometimes experience noise from nearby restaurants, especially if quiet is a high priority.
• The breakfast buffet, while excellent, is often not included in the room rate and incurs an additional fee.
• The hotel does not feature a full-service restaurant or a fitness center on-site.
• Specific negative feedback has mentioned issues with certain junior suites, including an open-plan bathroom design lacking privacy, a poorly lit and potentially dangerous step to the bathroom, and windows looking directly into a communal area.
• One guest reported a "very hard and uncomfortable" bed.
• Minor complaints have been made about the complimentary tea facilities, such as the size of the cups, the quality of tea bags, and the lack of milk.

Sources

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2. michelin.com
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5. expedia.com
6. bologna-hotels.net
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9. agoda.com
10. hotelmetropolitan.com
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12. momondo.com