WHERE TO STAY

I Portici Hotel Balancing old-world elegance with modern comfort, many of the rooms in this renovated 19th-century theatre have original frescoes and delightful views of either the portico-lined boulevard or pretty garden. They have a Michelin-starred restaurant, too. Doubles from £80.

69 Via dell’ Indi pen denza ,003905142185, iporticihotel.com

Hotel Touring It would be easy to miss this clandestine hotel. Tucked away on a quiet street in a cracking location in the heart of Bologna, just minutes from central Piazza Maggiore, the real star here is the panoramic rooftop terrace – perfect for aperitivo hour. Rooms are contemporary and comfortable but it’s best to book one on the third or fourth floor for a private balcony with views over the red roofs or verdant hills. Doubles from £88. 1-2 Via de Mattuiani, 00 39 051 584 305, hoteltouring.it