This is the first time we had used AirBnB and so it was a great relief that all the arrangements went smoothly. We walked from the station - with luggage, and traffic lights, slightly longer than ten minutes - found the address without difficulty, and we were greeted warmly by Silvia and Jacopo. Silvia explained the things we needed to know about the apartment, and gave some helpful tips about places to visit, eat etc. The flat is very conveniently situated just off the inner ring road and within walking distance of the fascinating and historic city centre. We used a bus just once.

The immediate surroundings look rather scruffy, but the flat is spacious, clean and airy; it is also quiet, being in a side street with little through traffic. There are two large double bedrooms plus additional beds. There is a small balcony with two chairs but no lounge area. The bathroom is clean with a very efficient shower. The kitchen is modern but Silvia apologised for the lack of a functioning oven and the fact that only two of the stove-top burners worked. In view of this, and the likelihood that guests might rely on takeaway meals, it is a pity that there is no microwave oven. The kettle has to be watched as it does not switch off automatically.

However, Bologna is arguably the food capital of Italy and there is no shortage of excellent (and cheap) restaurants and food stores. We stayed for six days and could have happily stayed longer.