Vacation Rentals by Owner

Very cozy and quiet.

Guest: Ellen (Southern California)
Date of Stay: 03/06/12 Review Submitted: 04/04/12

We really loved this location in the historic district. Quiet, charming and more spacious than we expected. Great wi-fi, comfortable bedding, all the kitchen conveniences, and close to taxi stand and bus lines, not to mention easy walk to everything else. Would definitely stay there again! Just note: You do have stairs to walk up one floor.

Owner response:Than you so much, Ellen. The neighborhood is getting more and more vibrant with a couple of new restaurants and the fantastic Museo di Bologna, a real jewel! We will have a new apartment pretty soon and hope you will stay with us again. Vittorio

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

Highly recommended.

Guest: ann (Sydney)
Date of Stay: 10/24/11 Review Submitted: 11/13/11

We had a wonderful week in this apartment. It is very comfortable, quiet and spacious. Great local shops (particularly the gelato bar around the corner-try the caramelised fig as it is delicious) and only 10 minutes walk to the main square. Excellent food and wine but you need to book ahead to ensure that you get a table at the more popular restaurants. We visited Modena and Ferrara and also went to a soccer game while we there. All in all a great vacation.

Owner response:Thank you so much. We provide all our guests a very useful listing of restaurants, pubs, ice cream parlours, eateries etc. upon reservation. It includes do's and don'ts, hints, suggestions about how to move around town (buses, parking, show tickets ...), best rental car rates, train schedule, etc., and it is usually highly appreciated as a great way to know what to expect beforehand. All our guests told us it saved them plenty of time and money, so we are happy it worked this time too!

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Convenient and attractive

Guest: Spike (Jackson, WY)
Date of Stay: 10/20/11 Review Submitted: 11/13/11

This spacious, nicely furnished apartment is well located in walking distance of all the main attractions of Bologna, including many excellent restaurants and shops. It's an unusual plus to have both a washer and a dryer.

Owner response:Thank you so much. It is true, dryers are rather unusual in Italy - Italians still believe in clothes lines. We decided to provide a dryer just to make our guests feel more at ease with laundry here and this seems to be working.

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

A Great Apartment in Bologna

Guest: Norm (Columbus, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 10/03/11 Review Submitted: 11/02/11

My wife and I stayed at Casa Arienti for eight nights in October 2011. We loved it. The apartment was exactly as described. It was really spacious, very clean, and perfectly equipped for a holiday stay. We were met promptly on time by Ms Frahti, who showed us through the apartment and thoroughly explained everything about it to us. The kitchen was small but fully equipped and worked perfectly for us. We had breakfast in the apartment every day and, after lunch out as a break in our sightseeing, it was great to have dinner in the apartment with things we picked up at the many fantastically varied food shops found all over Bologna. The bedroom was very large and very comfortable. The living room was perfect and a great place to unwind after a full and exciting day. Having a washer and dryer available was a great plus too. The location was perfect. We really could walk to Piazza Maggiore within ten minutes, and from there easily to everything we wanted to see. There were lots of neighborhood shops, groceries, patisseries, etc (and a really great gelateria) within a block or two where we could find everything we needed every day. We absolutely loved Bologna and we absolutely loved staying at Casa Arienti. I would recommend it most highly and without any reservation whatsoever to anyone visiting Bologna. Stay here. You will love it too.

Owner response:Thanks so much, Norman! You were the perfect guests and truly hope you come back soon. Ciao!

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

Wonderful base in Bologna

Guest: K (London)
Date of Stay: 05/16/11 Review Submitted: 05/27/11

We spent a relaxed week in this lovely apartment in Bologna. It was a short cab ride from the airport (17 euros approx) and only a 10-15 min stroll from the city centre. The area is safe and quiet and the apartment was clean, cool and airy. The kitchen is fully equipped if you want to do a little cooking and we loved the little balcony and the proximity (5 mins) to the Giardini Margherita. The place was perfect as a base in Bologna, as well as for day trips to places like Florence, Venice and Lucca. Communication with the (helpful and friendly) owner was problem-free. Highly recommended.

Owner response:Thank you so much! I remind our (prospective) guests that actually we are located in the very heart of the historical center. With "the city center" our friend K. means Piazza Maggiore, indeed 10 minutes walk from us.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

An Amazing Place

Guest: foodie (Sonoma CA 95476)
Date of Stay: 05/12/11 Review Submitted: 05/25/11

This was a wonderful find---the place is delightful in a wonderful neighborhood---close to Gelato--a salumiere---it is immaculate and the kitchen is well appointed---the people who run it are so helpful---we will definitely stay again

Owner response:The helpful people look forward to it, Foodie - as soon as you can. Thanks!

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

Bologna apartment near park - ideal location for real neighborhood feel.

Guest: Joe (Update New York, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/06/11 Review Submitted: 06/06/11

My wife and I stayed here for a week in early May. The apartment was beautiful, tasteful, functional. Love the little porch and sounds of the neighbors. We found a few different cafes to sit outside nearby and have our negroni. La Botega is right there and I strongly recommend going there. The owner(s) are beautiful and they have food to match. Also enjoyed the bohemian Mike & Miks... and several neighborhood restaurants on the off roads. Oh, and the mother's day vendors in the park were over the top - così bella! In short, we loved the neighborhood. Its an easy city bus ride (1.2 euro) from the train station (the red bus). I hope we can come back to Italy. If we do, it'll be bologna. And if its bologna and we can have this very same apartment, I will have returned to heaven.

Owner response:Thank you so much! Joe and his family were extraordinary guests and we loved having them over. Now our neighborhood is getting more and more beautiful, new restaurants and cafes are going to open and we are waiting for the festivals to start - free music, theater, more. Soon we will have a new studio apartment in addition to Casa Arienti, right next door and available for our dear guests. We look forrward to having you over!

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

The perfect retreat in Bologna

Guest: Sue (Santa Rosa, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/25/11 Review Submitted: 04/14/11

I found this apartment in Bologna to be the perfect home base while staying in Bologna for nearly 3 weeks. At first it was frustrating to be a 20 minute walk to the city center, but then it became the perfect getaway from the crowds and noise of the same city center. The apartment was just as pictured, but better! It was spacious, comfortable and for the most part, very quiet. Earlier reviews talk about the tenant above coming in at 3am, which did happen on occasion. But I am a light sleeper, and did not find it offensive. The second week there, some young men nearby played loud music and sang (hey - it's Italy!), and discussing this with the owner, it seemed to be an unusual occurance. Otherwise, blissfully quite and relaxing. The kitchen was well-equipped,. and there were small plastic containers to use for carrying cheese, snacks, etc. Please note there is not a lift, and there are some steep stairs to the first level I found that correspondence with the owner to be timely and helpful in the reservation process.. Lucia met me as planned at the apartment to get me 'oriented' to the apartment, trash disposal, getting around Bologna, etc. As others have noted, there were maps, bus schedules, guide books to use. Very helpful. It was set up with Wi-Fi, but I do not own a laptop or phone with internet capabilities. For those in a similar situation, I was able to get a list of Internet Points in Bologna from the Tourist Information office off the Piazza Maggiore. The easiest, cleanest and best run Internet point was Itehad Good Luck snc, located on Via Alfred Testoni 8, just off via Ugo Bassi. From the apartment, take the #30 bus from the XII Giuno bus stop, get off at the Piazza Malpighi stop, walk straight ahead to via Ugo Bassi and go right, and it is the first street on the right. Also, the #30 is the bus to take to the train station, taking about 20 minutes. For the best gelato, go to la Sorbetteria on via Castiglione (left out the door of the apartment, left on via Castiglione, on the right about a block down). Nearly next door is a great trattoria, O Sole Mio. Taking a right on via Castiglione, there is a great rosticerria to get roast chicken and take out, and a small market to pick up basic supplies when you have just arrived. All in all, this was a great apartment and experience. I am a single female traveling alone on this trip, and felt very safe in this apartment and neighborhood. Do not hesitate to rent this apartment

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

Our Stay at Casa Arienti

Guest: Bill (Palo Alto, California USA)
Date of Stay: 10/29/10 Review Submitted: 11/08/10

My wife and I stayed four nights at Casa Arienti and found it an excellent "base" for exploring Bologna. Upon arrival, Lucia was extremely helpful, explaining everything and even accompanying us to the Hertz Auto Rental office located near the train station so that we could drop off our car (you don't want to have a car in Bologna). Casa Arienti is located in an interesting old neighborhood with lots of charm and the best gelateria in Bologna is close by. We walked all over the city from our apartment at Casa Arienti and found that it took us ten minutes or so to get "downtown". We like to walk, because we get to see so much more than when we drive - it is a great location. The apartment itself is just as you see it in the photographs - comfortable and quiet. The wi-fi is GREAT! We enthusiastically recommend you stay at Casa Arienti if your travels take you to Bologna.

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

G&S Vinland, KS USA

Guest: G&S (Vinland, KS)
Date of Stay: 10/15/10 Review Submitted: 11/15/10

This very clean and spacious apartment was exactly what we hoped it would be. The building was quiet and the apartment comfortable. When we travel, we like to be out and about all day then come back and prepare a simple evening meal at home. The apartment kitchen was well beyond adequate for our needs. There is a wonderful, large street market just a few blocks away, so we could experiment with many of the terrific fresh foods Italians are so lucky to have. We have stayed in quite a few VRBO's and every so often we find a gem like this place.

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/19/10 Review Submitted: 05/19/10

We had a wonderful stay in this spacious, clean and excellently located apartment. It was great living like a true Bolognese!

Recommended for:

Guest: Lisa204 (Austin, TX)
Date of Stay: 11/02/09 Review Submitted: 11/02/09

We spent 8 nights at Casa Arienti in October 2009. The apartment is in a great location to explore the city. The train station is a little far but walkable. Bus and taxi stop right around the corner. Excellent take out pizza a couple doors down. Great wine, cheese and homemade pasta shop called La Bottega at Via Castiglione 62/2 right around the corner. Excellent butcher shop right beside it.The apartment itself is wonderful. It would be very comfortable in the summer and/or the winter. Lucia met us at the apartment and she was happy to answer all our questions including travel and train schedules. The kitchen is well stocked with cooking utensils. We didn't think we would cook while we were there but we did and those were some of our more enjoyable evenings. The veranda is a great place to have a glass of vino or coffee. Vittorio was excellent at keeping up informed about our visit. He was even so kind to book a taxi for us to head back to the airport. The only issue we had was the young lady who lives above the apartment must work at night and we would hear her come in around 2am. It wasn't too loud and if you had a simple oscillating fan for white noise you wouldn't even hear it. I would definitely stay here again. Another plus is the washer and dryer in the basement. That makes traveling lighter much easier. Thank you Vittorio and Lucia for a wonderful stay and your display of kindness.

Recommended for:

Guest: R & W (Laguna Beach, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/15/09 Review Submitted: 06/15/09

We spent 5 nights in May in lovely, spacious, Casa Arienti. It is very comfortable, immaculate and quiet. Well located, it is only a 15 minute walk to Piazza Maggiore, the wonderful market, museums, etc. Grocery stores, buses and other services are very close. Also, there is a lot of information on the area in the apartment. Good restaurants are nearby, especially "I Poeti" for a delicious meal in a historic venue, as well as "Sorbetteria Castiglione" for great gelato. Lucia was very helpful with sightseeing and restaurant recommendations. We had a family emergency during our stay and Lucia was kind enough to come to the apt. to notify us after she received a phone call from our family in the US. This was our first visit to Bologna and we enjoyed the city very much-especially being away from the tourists! If we return to Bologna, we will definitely stay at Casa Arienti again.

Owner response:Thanks! We look forward to having you over again soon. Ciao! V&L

Recommended for:

Guest: Michael Cipriano (San Diego, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/13/09 Review Submitted: 06/13/09

This is one of the nicest rentals in Bologna that I have encountered. The photographs and description are completely accurate (unlike some other rentals) so you know exactly what you are getting before you arrive. The neighborhood is very nice, typical bolognese neighborhood, not too touristy but yet close to everything. The local shops are very nice and offer all the essentials within a short distance. Not only that, one of Bologna's most famous gelato shops is only a block away. The neighbors are friendly also. Sgr Monzoni and Sgra Frati were very helpful and attentive. I'd highly recommend this rentals for the service, amenities and the location, perfect all around.

Recommended for:

Guest: Herta1 (Canada)
Date of Stay: 06/08/09 Review Submitted: 06/08/09

My husband and I stayed at Casa Arienti for 2 weeks in May and really enjoyed the apartment and the city of Bologna. The apartment is attractive, very spacious and well equipped. We especially enjoyed the little balcony, where we usually had our breakfasts and suppers. On a side street not far from the apartment are a number of specialty food shops with wonderful selections of fresh produce, fish, cheeses, fresh and dried pastas, etc. Bologna is ideally situated to explore the Emilia Romagna region by train. (The train station is about a 30 minute walk from the apartment). We easily made day trips to Modena, Parma, Ferrara, Ravenna, Faenza, Brisighella and, as well as longer forays to Venice, Padova and Vicenza. We would certainly stay at this apartment again and recommend it to anyone considering a visit to Bologna.

Recommended for:

Guest: Ilene Barth (-)
Date of Stay: 04/03/09 Review Submitted: 04/03/09

My husband and I and our 15 year-old daughter stayed here for a week in March, and were quite comfortable. I agree with the other favorable comments, and would add that the flat is better looking than photos show it. They also have most domestic details right: a boon even if you are out and about most of the time. The bedding is of good quality, there is ample closet space, and more than enough dishes, etc. Plus, there are excellent osterias and ristorantes in easy walking distance. And a great gelateria.

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/20/08 Review Submitted: 11/20/08

My husband and I really enjoyed our stay at Casa Arienti. The location is so convenient, walking distance to historic sites, and close to the bus stop that goes to the train station. The apartment is exactly as pictures; we had wine and cheese most nights out on the balcony. Bologna is close to other wonderful cites, accessible by a major train station. We would definitely return to Casa Arienti.

Owner response:...and we will more than happy to have you over again! Thanks.

Recommended for:

Guest: emidev (France)
Date of Stay: 11/15/08 Review Submitted: 11/15/08

Hello from France! An excellent rental, close to everything, extremely central yet quiet, cozy and elegantly furnished, this apartment lives up to its description. The three of us stayed here 10 days and loved it. You need no car, public transportation is right there and everything is very convenient, great restaurants and stores are in the vicinities. We were warmly greeted by Lucia who made us feel like home from the very beginning, which really mattered to us. We had rented other apartments in Bologna before but this is definitely at the top. Look no further, totally recommended.

Owner response:Thank you. We look forward to having you over again soon.

Recommended for:

Guest: naomi rosenthal (port jefferson, ny)
Date of Stay: 10/28/08 Review Submitted: 10/28/08

Comfortable, well furnished, and well equipped, the flat lives up to its description.

Recommended for:

Guest: Ron Monestier (orlando florida USA)
Date of Stay: 08/04/08 Review Submitted: 08/04/08

We stayed at this great apartment the first week of July. We were met by Lucia who showed us everything. The apartment is spacious and very clean. There are twin beds in bedroom which are very comfortable. Also an extra day bed in bedroom. Also in living room is another day bed. Bologna was hot, but the air conditioning did a good job of cooling off the apartment. There is no parking near the apartment, since it is a restricted area for residents only. We found public parking only 5 minutes away. The cost is appx. 15 euro a day. There is the greatest pizza restaurant right around the corner. Beautiful place. Thank you

Owner response:Thanks, Ron. There is actually another convenient parking lot for only 3 Euro/day (1 Euro with the purchase of a bus ticket). Next time you'll be saving money!

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/15/08 Review Submitted: 07/15/08

Having rented other guest apartments in France (Paris) and Italy (Rome) I can say that Casa Arienti is a find. My stay lasted 12 days. The owner is courteous and professional. The decor of the apartment is simple and tasteful, with high ceilings, new hardwood floors and large windows. The kitchen is narrow but functional and modern. The living-dining area is spacious, with a glass door giving onto a small balcony where two people can share an aperitivo or a meal at a cafe-style table. This balcony overlooks a private garden and patio (one hears the chatter of the neighbours, sometimes their t.v. or music) and there are views of nearby buildings (both old and modern). The bathroom has a small shower stall, a bidet, and a large sink. The bedroom is big, with lots of cupboard/dresser space and tall, shuttered French doors on two sides. The building itself is well-kept, with decent laundry facilities available in the basement. Via Arienti is a quiet residential street within the city walls, and away from the hubub of the student/business/tourist sections of Bologna. Cafes and shops (for fresh produce, wine, oil, cheese, bread, prosciutto, gelato...) are nearby. It takes 5 minutes to walk to a large and lovely park, 15 minutes to walk to the Museo Morandi, 25 minutes to walk to the train station. If I were to return to Bologna, I would definitely stay here again.

Owner response:Thank you so much. We look forward to having you over again.

Recommended for:

Guest: Anthony R. Brescello
Date of Stay: 06/16/08 Review Submitted: 06/15/08

This is definitely one of the best rentals I stayed at when travelling in Italy. Rooms are spacious and clean, there is a lot of light and the furniture is extremely elegant, exactly as stated in the ad - we particularly liked the terrace and the livingroom, the photos do not do it justice. All in all the apartment is cozy and very convenient to all spots in town, you can walk to the Piazza, the station, the stores and the museums in minutes. Although very central, the neighborhood is quiet and away from the city mess - no graffiti, no noise, no traffic. Even better, the quality/price ratio is excellent. Highly recommended.

Recommended for:

Guest: Clara Modesto
Date of Stay: 05/09/08 Review Submitted: 05/08/08

Great, elegant apartment part of a traditional Bolognese house, with nice rooms and that typical flavor of an Italian neighborhood. Very central, all at hand. Good price.

Recommended for: