Vacation Rentals by Owner

2 week stay

Guest: Sissy (New York)
Date of Stay: 09/30/11 Review Submitted: 10/17/11

The apartment is comfortable, close to the center of Bologna's medieval center. The airport bus stops in front of the door (6 euros to airport). It has an extremely well equipped kitchen for cooking. For sleeping, there are a single room, 2 large "matrimoniale" rooms and one double room with a single bed and a cot--this last might be better suited for kids than adults. The location is very noisy at night in good weather so best to close the windows and run the ac at night even if it isn't hot. WI-Fi and clothes washing machine were very welcome. The owner is helpful is explaining or solving any problems.

Owner response:Some clarification is needed. The apartemnt is not "close" to the center, but RIGHT in there, with only TWO rooms overlooking Via Indipendenza, Bologna's main street -- some noise can be reasonably expected. As the guest himself admits though, one needs just to close the windows to obtain total quiet, and again, the rest of the house overlooks a very quiet back street. Overall, a very quiet house if you don't leave two windows open in good weather.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

The Best Ever

Guest: garibaldi (Vancouver, BC, Canada)
Date of Stay: 09/18/11 Review Submitted: 10/18/11

For the past 15 yrs.we have been renting apartments in Bologna for an annual trade show. Luckily this year we were able to rent L'Arena for our week long stay.We were 4 co-workers who absolutely loved the ample size rooms, the 2 full bathrooms,laundry facilities, beautiful furnishings,the elevator, and the PERFECT location.The bus to the Fiera outside the door,a 5 minute walk to the train station or the main Piazza, and fantastic restaurants every way that you turn. We would all recomend this property to anyone visiting Bologna, just not the week that we need it next year! We will be back.

Owner response:Thank you so much! We look forward for more friends to visit and, of course, to have you over next year. Carla

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Comfortable apartment in a great location

Guest: Michael W. (Seattle Washington USA)
Date of Stay: 07/03/11 Review Submitted: 08/05/11

Prime location, about a 15 minute walk from the train station. It truly is spacious and comfortable. It is an easy walk to major attractions such as Piazza Maggiore with Neptunes fountain and the two leaning towers as well as all the shopping you would wish to do. The front door of the building is flanked by gelato and pastry shops. We enjoyed neighborhood restaurants especially Trattoria Tony. The owners are very friendly and helpful.

Owner response:Thanks so much, Michael. I would like to add that, along with many other buses to all spots in town, the BLQ airport-to-center shuttle bus stops right at the door - a big convenience for those flying into Bologna. There are also two big parking lots in the vicinities - one is 150 meters, the other about 2 kms, but it is free of charge with the purchase of a bus ticket a day (1.20 €). We are indeed a key location! We look forward for you guys to come back an stay over again. Ciao!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Amazing location, in an incredible city

Guest: CK (Portland Oregon)
Date of Stay: 05/28/11 Review Submitted: 07/17/11

We have to admit, we were only in Bologna as it was our airport connection. Are we glad that we made the stop. It was one of our best stays in Italy. The apartment is in a wonderful location and it is a place that easily feels like home. Carla and her husband were very helpful and patient. We had difficulty getting there, as cars cannot go on the road that the apt. is on, and we arrived on the flea market day making getting around to the parking lot, that is close, a bit crazy for us (given we do not read Italian, and Google maps pays no attention to roads that do not allow cars). They waited and made sure we got there okay. They and their tour books provided everything that we needed to see the City. We absolutely loved Bologna and the apt made it very easy to get out, enjoy the vibrance of the City and feel like we were part of it. The apt is a bit noisy, but not in a bad way, it was not a bother. Being on the main street was an important part of the experience. We traveled as a family of 4 (21 month old and 4 yr old). The baby bed was wonderful, high chair perfect, and set up worked wonderfully. We recommend this place, Carla and Nino, and Bologna. What a gift to experience this place.

Owner response:Alas! A little noise and driving in a congested traffic is the toll of a central, urban location... Especially on the day of a large open air market. We have just replaced the old windows with new ones though - they are noiseproof and will grant total quiet - if kept closed, of course. Some of them in fact overlook the most vibrant part of Bologna, beautiful Via Indipendenza, which is Bologna's main street with the most important fashion stores, famous restaurants, cafes, etc.. - and, of course, the best stroll in town. No need for a car here! But if you have one, just leave it at the nearby (100 mts.) garage or, if on a market day, at the free parking lot (free!) using the bus to get around. This is the main advantage of our house - centrality, no hassle, total easiness of getting around. The best value for your money and your mind!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Apartment & Stay in Bologna

Guest: Ed and Diana (Ft Lauderdale FL USA)
Date of Stay: 05/24/11 Review Submitted: 06/08/11

Had a great stay at L'Arena. Have to agree with the recent posts that the apartment was very spacious for our family of 5 and in a great location. The food in Bologna was amazing and so many great restaurants within a few blocks. An easy walk to the train station (did day trips to Parma and Ravenna), and to stroll the city. Called Carl when we arrived at Bologna Centrale and she was waiting at the door downstairs when we strolled up. She spent time walking us through and orienting us to the apartment, and giving us tips about the city, grocery shopping, sights, etc. The A/C in the apartment was appreciated as it was warm a few nights. It was also nice having two bathrooms.

Owner response:Thank you, Ed & Diana. We are indeed in the heart of the historical center, just a few minutes from everything and all our guests love that. A very important thing - once in Bologna, use the public transportation and forget about driving. Public transportation (both busses and trains) is fast, reliable and fairly inexpensive. Why bother? Enjoy the city and smell the roses! Ciao.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Our Easter in Bologna

Guest: Rita (New York, NY)
Date of Stay: 04/21/11 Review Submitted: 08/09/11

On our trip to visit our daughter studying in Bologna, staying at L’Arena made our trip. We were traveling in a group of about 15—9 of us stayed at the apartment and the rest were at the hotel just down the street. Even with 9 sleeping in the apartment it was extremely spacious and there was more than enough room for all of us to relax and spend time together. As mentioned in previous reviews, the apartment had an excellent location—10 minutes from the train and 10 minutes in the other direction to the main piazza, Piazza Maggiore. Traveling from Bologna was very simple—all 15 of us spent a day in Ravenna. There was also a great place to get coffee and pastries just below the apartment and a number of wonderful restaurants all within walking distance. It really was the ideal location. Aside from its location, the apartment itself was wonderful. Most nights we ate out, since Bologna has such amazing food; however, we did cook a large dinner on Easter Sunday. The kitchen had everything we needed and we had absolutely no problems. We were also able to set up a large table in the spacious dining room. The apartment really made it a special holiday for all of our family and friends. Touching on the rest of the apartment, the bathrooms were great—it was very helpful to have two! The showers had hot water and great water pressure, and there was a washing machine for optional use. When we got to the apartment and met Carla, she was welcoming and kind, and very patient despite the large excited group. She showed us around the apartment and gave us many helpful tips for our stay. On the day we checked in we decided we needed to add another person (from 8 to 9) and she was more than willing to set up a whole other bed for us right then and there. It was perfect. I can’t think of any complaints about our stay. It was wonderful! We highly recommend it to anyone traveling in a group to Bologna and we hope to stay there again on our next trip to Italy!

Owner response:Thank you so much for this review! We like meeting people and making new friends, so we do all we can to make our guests's stay as pleasant as possible. A rather easy task as our apartment is indeed spacious, well kept and positioned in a prime location, but we also take pride in helping our guests/friends with the many hints and tips one needs when travelling abroad. Again, thank you so much. We look forward for you to come back soon.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Absolutely beautiful apartment

Guest: Kristen (Albany, NY)
Date of Stay: 12/25/10 Review Submitted: 01/05/11

Staying at the Arena apartment was one of the best parts of our trip to visit our daughter. We are a family of five and the accomodations were perfect for us. The photos are accurate but can not capture what a wonderful space this is. It was so clean and comfortable. The location is perfect - within minutes of the train station and the aerobus to get to and from the airport. We took the train to Venice, Rome and Florence in the 10 days that we were in Bologna and it was extremely gratifying to have a day to rest and relax and see the local sites in between day trips. The amenities made our stay comfortable- we were able to cook a couple meals at home (be sure to visit the food market and Tamburini early in your stay). The best gelato in Bologna is just a short walk away and there is a wonderful cafe (Impero) just below the apartment. We had absolutely no problems during our stay and the owners were so warm and welcoming to my daughter that we knew we could have called them for any problems- but we didn't have any! We truly enjoyed Bologna and would recommend this apartment to anyone.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Arena Apartment

Guest: Kaaren and Peter (Sydney NSW Australia)
Date of Stay: 08/23/10 Review Submitted: 11/30/10

We stayed in this apartment for 90 days! It became our second home. The apartment, as described, is large, light and filled with antique furniture. Our host Carla was always available if and when there was a problem. We found it to be superbly located in a good building and in the centre of Bologna. Our only criticism is that the kitchen equipment needed culling as there was very little room to put our provisions. This probably wouldn't be a problem for short term rentals. We loved our stay in this city and wouldn't hesitate in recommending it and this terrific apartment to anyone contemplating a trip to Italy. Kaaren and Peter

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Guest: Doug Young1 (Glasgow Scotland)
Date of Stay: 01/05/10 Review Submitted: 01/05/10

We had a great time at the L'Arena apartment. Its easy to get to, the airport bus stops right at the door and the train station is only a 10 minute walk. Its within a 15 minute walk of all the best sights in Bologna. There are loads of good restaurants and cafes within a 5 minute walk and a super market about 300m away. The flat has large rooms and lovely antique furniture. The owners were there to meet us on arrival and gave us good information on the flat and on bologna, I would recomend it to anyone.

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Guest: James29 (Jersey City, NJ)
Date of Stay: 06/06/09 Review Submitted: 06/06/09

We just spent the most enjoyable three weeks at L'arena in Bologna. I was teaching at the University and the apartment was in walking distance. In fact, it is in walking distance of everything in Bologna, and ten minutes from the train station which means a little over an hour door to door to Milan, and less than a half hour to Modena and Florence. The apartment is spacious, meticulously furnished, clean, light, quiet, and elegant. The furniture is authentic and there is ample kitchen ware to have comfortable dinners at home (however, the restaurants in Bologna make cooking at home more trouble than it is worth). The owners are pesonable, friendly, accomodating, willing to please and when we couldn't figure out the heating-hot water system they were there in a flash to fix it and instruct us. I am a very picky guy but I can only say good things about the place and the experience. I am hoping to return to teach next spring in Bologna and hope the apartment is available.

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Guest: Joanne16 (-)
Date of Stay: 12/04/08 Review Submitted: 12/04/08

I stayed at this apartment from nov. 9-17. I thoroughly enjoyed the location, close to the centrum. The accomodations were excellent. We loved being able to come 'home' and make a snack or have a meal. The apartment is quiet and has all the things in kitchen to make it a home. Beds were comfortable and having 2 full bathrooms was good for 6 people. Thank you also for arranging a taxi to pick us up at 430 am on nov. 17. It arrived a little early and we were off to the airport. The accomodations made our stay truly enjoyable and i am really glad we chose L'Arena.

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Guest: David42 (Minnesota, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/02/08 Review Submitted: 12/02/08

When we found out we were going to Italy on a business trip, we didn't want to be confined to a hotel. I started to look around on the internet and found L'Arena. It seemed to be perfect for what we needed. The train and bus stations were just a few blocks walk. In fact the airport bus stops right in front of the apartment. In between meetings we were able to take in the sights which were also only a few blocks walk. We were centrally located to all the shopping and wonderful restaurants. The ladies loved the gypsy fair that was only 2 blocks away. I felt real safe in the area. The apartment exceeded what we had ever imagined. We never felt confined or crowded as we would have in a hotel. Our hosts were especially nice helping in any way they could. We were able to make breakfast each morning at the apartment and then head out for the day. We loved it and would make it our first choice if we were to come back again.

Owner response:And so we hope -- soon! Ciao, Carla

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Guest: Andrew Gettelman (-)
Date of Stay: 11/01/08 Review Submitted: 11/01/08

We stayed at L'Arena in September 2008. The manager (Carla) was very friendly and helpful. The apartment is very well located in Bologna: walkable to everywhere, and about 5-10 minutes walk from the center of town and the train station, and very spacious. The two bathrooms were great, and the bedrooms good size. The area is really nice, on a shopping street (but high enough up not to be noisy) and lots of little nice restaurants, cafes, etc. Highly recommended!

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Guest: John Daniels (Coral Gables, FL USA)
Date of Stay: 07/05/08 Review Submitted: 07/05/08

The apartment was all we expected and more--ample, well furnished, and well located. There were a few small nuisances, e.g. a noisy bed in one room and the need to plan not to have a power outage when running the washing machine, such as by turning off the airconditioners in parts of the apartment. However, these were really very minor in comparison with the pluses. The owners live immediately across the street and were quick to respond to any questions. John Daniels Coral Gables, FL USA

Owner response:Thanks for the input! We will surely take care of the squeaky bed immediately and ask the electric company to upgrade our power supply.

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Guest: John & Carol Irwin (Naples, Florida)
Date of Stay: 06/19/08 Review Submitted: 06/19/08

Wonderful apartment with a super location. Everything is within walking distance including the rail and bus stations making it easy for one day excursions to other cities. The apartment is very clean, comfortable and well furnished. We could not ask for a better apartment. It is also only one block to one of the best resturants in Bologna (Ristorante Diana) which we can definitely recommend. Carla and Irene are wonderful hosts who made our stay superior.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/19/08 Review Submitted: 06/19/08

Our family of four felt right at home in the apartment. In fact, we found it elegant. The wonderful wood of the furniture. The cool stone floors and lovely archways. Our college age sons loved having their own rooms, and we found ours to be spacious and comfortable. We appreciated having a working kitchen, where we used the refrigerator more than the stove - but even more helpful was the laundry. It enables travelers to pack lighter, knowing they can freshen their clothing supply on site. The apartment has everything a family needs, right down to the laundry soap. We can't imagine a better location for visiting Bologna. We love to walk - and so many wonderful places were in walking distance - from historic sites to restaurants of all styles. In fact, our sons particularly loved having pizza and gelato spots within steps of our front door. Sometimes, late-night revelers can be heard down in the street if you have the bedroom windows open. The bedroom is high above the street, so the only danger is overhearing someone singing slightly off-key opera, as we did. We found that charming. The best test of all is whether a tenant would choose the apartment again: yes - in a heartbeat.

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Guest: Mary K.1 (Des Moines, IA USA)
Date of Stay: 05/09/08 Review Submitted: 05/09/08

"The owner met us at the apartment, which is right on the most traveled and central avenue of Bologna. Carla gave us a tour of the apartment and showed us how to use the washer, stove, and how to find all cleaning supplies. She also pointed out the complementary condiments and food items, and the extra blankets and pillows. She was interested in our comfort, and wanted questions about Bologna. The apartment was wonderful. It was very clean and well maintained, and had plenty of room for us all, which is a great gift on vacation. The two baths were a very fine touch, with three daughters. We usually had two meals a day in the apartment, unless traveling, and one at a bistro. The arrangements were wonderful. The beds creaked, and maybe some oil might help, but they were comfortable. My best time, aside from wondering how the HUGE armoires got into the apartment, was looking out the window watching the people and the lovely scenery. I was worried that the location would be a problem, but it was one of the best aspects of the apartment. We walked to all corners of the city, and just fell in love with Bologna. The apartment is in the smack central of the inner town, and an easy walk to the train station (10 minutes), to the University (20 minutes), to the main square (7 minutes). The weekly market is just a few minutes from the apartment. We went to local groceries every day, and they were within a 15 minute walk. This is our first experience with renting an apartment like this. I would highly recommend Carla and her property. She was wonderful, and the apartment was great. There were no hidden costs, and we all felt at home there. Thank you, Carla."

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Guest: Vincent DeMauro (Palm Bay, Florida)
Date of Stay: 04/04/08 Review Submitted: 04/04/08

We recently stayed at this apartment from March 22nd through March 29th 2008. The apartment is centrally located and is a short walk from Piazza Maggiore. Via Dell' Indipendenza is one of the main shopping streets so that is a plus. The apartment is spacious with plenty of room to move around. The owners were very nice and helpful when we first arrived. The beds could have been a little more comfortable as well as the furniture in the living room but it was fine compared witrh other apartments I have rented in Italy. The apartment had all the tools needed to make a meal and was very clean. There is a coffe and pastry shop two doors away and many fine restaurants within walking distance. There are markets close by as well. All in all is was a comfortable place to come back to after a long day of sightseeing.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/18/07 Review Submitted: 11/18/07

A real gem in the heart of the city. One of the best vacation rentals we've ever had. The location is perfect, 10 minute walk to the train or Piazza Maggiore. The apartment has everything you could need and was well stocked. The owners are lovely people and very helpful.

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Guest: Anne Jacobson (Oakland, California)
Date of Stay: 10/11/07 Review Submitted: 10/11/07

Lovely apartment, very convenient to everything in town - only a couple of blocks to main piazza. Only drawback was street noise when windows open at night, but it is in the heart of the city. I would recommend it. Owners across the street are very helpful.

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Guest: Victor & Jane
Date of Stay: 04/30/07 Review Submitted: 04/29/07

A gorgeous place furnished with excellent taste and zest, extra-central location, all at hand. This was our third time in Bologna -- no comparison with any other rentals, even the centrally-located ones. This is definitely # 1 and we highly recommed it. Don't miss the Saturday market nearby!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/27/07 Review Submitted: 03/27/07

We loved this apartment! The owners are lovely people who speak good English and tried to make sure that every aspect of our stay was pleasant. They met us at the bus from the airport – there is a great bus that stops right in front of the door to the apartment, and goes about every 15-20 minutes both to the airport and the train station – and took us upstairs (there is an elevator) to show us around. The apartment itself is huge (3 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms – one with a tub, an eat-in-kitchen and a beautiful living room) with magnificent antique furnishings and all the things you need for a week’s stay. The Italian-style kitchen has a gas stove, sink, refrigerator, dishes and cookware, and a balcony overlooking the street. There is also a washing machine and plenty of racks for drying clothes. The location was just perfect – right in the middle of town, close to shops and restaurants, a 15 minute walk from the train station and from Piazza Maggiore. Although it does not have internet, there is an internet point right around the corner. We would definitely recommend this apartment to anyone visiting Bologna!

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Guest: Abdulgader A.
Date of Stay: 03/07/07 Review Submitted: 03/06/07

J'ai passe un tres agreable sejours dans L'Arena. Il est bien situe lumineus,propre,calm, pres de Plaza Maggiore et d'autres sites touristiques et a proximite de toutes les moyens de transports.La proprietaire est tres tres gentille.Je suis sur de demander de sejourner a L'Arena chaque fois je viens a Bologne,s'il est libre evidamment.

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Guest: James P. Vittori
Date of Stay: 02/25/07 Review Submitted: 02/24/07

Two thumbs up for this rental! Roomy, extremely comfortable, everything selected with love and zest, very helpful owner, great eateries right in front, more. The only minus is the neighborhood, which is very animated, but hey! This is Bologna. Colorful Italy at its best.

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Guest: Patrick O'Donnell
Date of Stay: 02/18/07 Review Submitted: 02/17/07

We spent a great 14-day vacation at L'Arena! Everything is right there and the location could not be more convenient. Clean, extremely comfy apt., it is definitely worth the money. A key spot if you want to see it all, including the nearby cities -- all you have to do is walk to the train station (5 minutes) and hop on the first train to Florence, Venice, Ravenna etc.. Nice owner, excellent tips from the manager, we felt like family. Will definitely come back.

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Guest: Lara J.
Date of Stay: 01/12/07 Review Submitted: 01/11/07

A real classy and super-comfortable property located in the very core of Bologna, with everything really at hand -- could not be more convenient! Hopefully, as promised in the ad, the area is the good one, i.e. not seedy or dangerous like some parts of the center (be careful when renting a centrally located property in Bologna, ask first!). The owner is nice and hospitable, makes you really feel at home. Everything is provided and the decoration is beautiful, but you must like antiques. Great public parking lot at hand, real fun market on Saturdays. I recommend it highly.

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