Our recent stay at this hotel in Bologna can only be described as bizarre and highly unsatisfactory. We had booked a superior room, with the expectation of an upgraded experience compared to the standard room. However, upon check-in, we were given a room that bore no resemblance to the photos we had seen online on Expedia. The room was small, outdated, and featured two beds pushed together, along with an aging bathroom style. Online, the pictures had showcased a more modern bathroom and a larger room with a sofa – a far cry from what we encountered.
Initially, we brushed this off as a simple oversight, attributing it to our own forgetfulness regarding the online photos. Eager to explore the city, we left for lunch without dwelling on the matter.
Upon our return, we decided to bring up the issue with the front desk. To our surprise, the staff member insisted that our room, labeled as "129" on the first floor, was indeed the upgraded, "deluxe" room. This revelation left us puzzled, as it contradicted our expectations.
What made this experience truly bizarre was the fact that the hotel had empty rooms clearly available. Despite this, they refused to grant us the room we had paid for.
Further conversation revealed that there were variations in the "superior" room category, a fact that was not clearly communicated during our booking process. We expressed our dissatisfaction, emphasizing that it felt like false advertising to receive a room that did not align with what we had selected online.
What frustrated us even more was the staff member's attempt to shift the blame onto us for not requesting a room change immediately upon check-in. It was as if the mistake was entirely ours to bear.
After persistent requests, the front desk finally agreed to show us alternative rooms on the first floor. Unfortunately, these rooms were larger but still featured the outdated bathroom that we found unappealing. We decided against moving to a slightly bigger room with no significant improvement.
It was only when we demanded a refund for the difference between the standard and superior rooms that the staff member presented an option on the second level. This room did match the online photos, boasting a more modern bathroom and a sofa. However, it overlooked a plumbing system at the back of the hotel, offering no view and clearly being the least desirable of the superior rooms. Despite this, we reluctantly agreed to move since this was the room we had initially paid for.
To make matters worse, no assistance was offered to help us relocate our belongings, and the hotel staff remained unapologetic throughout the ordeal. Given that the hotel did not seem to be fully booked, it remains a mystery why they couldn't provide guests with the rooms they had paid for. To add to our frustration, we never received the towels we had requested.
All in all, our stay was not pleasant, and it left us deeply disappointed. The hotel's failure to fulfill our reservation as advertised, combined with the lack of any sincere apology or assistance, made for a bizarre and regrettable experience that we would not wish upon...
Read moreI recently stayed at the Hotel NH Bologna de la Gare in Bologna for four nights. Here’s a detailed account of my experience:Location:The hotel is conveniently located near the main Bologna train station. This made it very handy for our day trips to Venice and Florence. The location is one of the best aspects of the hotel.Room:I booked a standard room. While it wasn’t particularly spacious, it was clean, modern, and comfortable. The cleanliness and modernity of the room were quite impressive, especially compared to some older European hotels.Amenities:The hotel has a notable rooftop bar that serves aperitif. It’s a nice place to unwind and enjoy a drink with a view.Service:The check-in and check-out processes were smooth. I arrived a bit before noon, and they let me check in early. On the day of departure, our flight was in the evening, and we were able to check out late for a fee of 10 EUR per hour after 12. The staff were quite friendly and helpful throughout our stay.Dining:I paid for the breakfast, which was serviceable. It was adequate but nothing extraordinary.Overall Experience:The best part of my stay was the location. It made it very easy to explore nearby cities via train. The modern and clean room was also a big plus. I can’t think of any areas for improvement; overall, I’m quite happy with my stay.Recommendation:Yes, I would recommend this hotel to others, mainly for its excellent location and modern rooms. Unlike some older apartments in Europe, the rooms here are updated and...
Read moreNH Hotels never disappoints.
I’ve stayed at the NH in Lisbon, Madrid, and Munich - but none beat the Bologna De La Gare location.
Why? First, the location is incredible. It’s less than a five minute walk from the train station. If you want to day trip from Bologna, which I recommend (Parma and Modena), then this hotel is right there for you. No having to rush early in the morning; and when you get off the train, you’re practically at the hotel. Also, the commuter train to the airport is at the train station, so you can easily get to/from the airport in minutes.
Next, the breakfast buffet was fantastic. I think only the Scandic Grand Central Hotel in Copenhagen has had a more impressive layout. But the price is great, and the hotel lets you pay each day if you’re like me and dont want to commit to hotel breakfast food each day.
Third, the hotel staff is so friendly. Each person, from the front desk to the restaurant staff, made me feel so special.
Finally, the customer service is bar none. I came to Bologna for a gift; they kept it safe until my arrival. And then when my 3:30 am uber ride never showed for my ride to the airport, the front desk receptionist went out her way and called around to find a taxi so I would not miss my early morning flight. I am so indebted to their hospitality.
I highly and completely recommend...
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