If you need a place in Bologna for 1-2 people - THIS IS IT! Quit looking elsewhere. Here's why...

THE FAMILY: If you are hesitant to "stay in someone else's home" - don't fear!! You will not believe this, but after a 6 day stay with Elizabeth and her boys, my husband and I did not want to continue on to Tuscany! The boys are a joy within themselves - they are conscientious, smart, and quite funny - you will be so happy you met them (I loved having them translate phrases for me - they're so brilliant)! Elizabeth is one of those rare people you instantly get along with. She is warm, well-traveled, and kind. And... it is SO awesome that she speaks both English and Italian. This came in very handy one several occasions. We actually miss Elizabeth and her kids!!!!!

THE ACCOMMODATIONS: We spent the quiet mornings having coffee, delicious fruit, and toast on the terrace (Elizabeth left this out for us - what a nice surprise) planning adventures for the day ahead. The bathroom was filled with bright daylight, and had a full tub with a shower head if you want to shower standing up. The bedroom is a pretty standard size for a city home - not huge, but adequate - at night we pulled out the second twin bed (very comfortable) and in the morning we stowed it away for more room. The free wi-fi was great - we used it to Skype with our family back home and look up train schedules.

THE LOCATION: The street is very quiet for being *literally* in the middle of the old part of Bologna (a mere 3 blocks from everything you want to see - Piazza Maggiore, the Neptune fountain, 20+ restaurants and cafes, great shops, a pharmacy, etc). Elizabeth is a great help if you need help with anything - cabs, trains, restaurant recommendations, etc.

THE PRICE: See above and compare with boring overpriced hotels in the neighborhood.

I would give this place A MILLION STAR RATING if I could!!!

We had the time of our life! :)