I spent seven weeks in Nicoló’s cozy and well-appointed Marconi apartment. Anyone who wants to be an AirBnB host should see Nicoló’s apartment and use it as an example of how to provide the best possible environment for guests.

Nicoló has decorated, furnished, and equipped the apartment with taste and an eye to guest comfort and convenience. The wifi is reliable and fast. The kitchen has everything you could possibly need: plenty of cooking pots and pans, a gas cooktop, an electric oven, a toaster, an electric kettle, and a dishwasher. All the appliances and furniture in the apartment are brand new. The ample supply of plates, cutlery, and cooking utensils are new, not cast-offs from here and there, as can sometimes be the case in other AirBnB rentals. There is a washing machine, clothes drying rack, iron, and ironing board. There’s also masses of storage space, with a huge wardrobe with more than enough coat hangers (a rarity in my experience) and plenty of drawers. The Marconi apartment was perfect for my extended stay and would be equally comfortable for shorter vacations.

The location is ideal, within about a 12-minute walk of the station and 5 minutes from Piazza Maggiore and the historic center. Buses are conveniently close, but I found no need to use them, as everywhere is within walking distance. There are supermarkets within 3 - 5 minutes' walk and the wonderful Mercato delle Erbe is next door. Bars and restaurants abound. Be sure to try Caffé Masini right next door for breakfast or for pre-dinner aperitivi with excellent free snacks.

Nicoló is an exemplary host -- charming, friendly, helpful and always available to answer questions or give support. I speak Italian, but if you don't, no problem -- Nicoló speaks excellent English. I would certainly stay in Nicoló’s apartment on future visits to Bologna.

Thank you, Nicolo, for helping to make my stay in Bologna unforgettable.