The FrecciaArgento is a sleek, fast train that whisked us to Bologna in less than an hour. The ride is very smooth and the whole feel, a little surrealistic, like being on a giant bobsled with adequate plug ins for your electronic devices. The scenery flashes by in a blur, but if you focus on a distant point, you still appreciate the Italian countryside. We came to a gentle stop at the brand new, underground train station. It was so new, that there was still a light layer of cement dust in places. The best thing is that it has "aria condizionata", blessed air conditioning.
A short taxi ride brought us to the Hotel located on via dell'Independenza, the major shopping street. Most of Bologna's streets are lined with portico's, covered sidewalks, that protect you from the elements. The Hotel entrance is very low key; however, once you step inside, you know you are in a very luxurious Hotel.
Our room was delightful with every luxury and decorated in a grand, old word Italian manner.
After freshening up, we set out on an initial exploration of the hotel. The bar and lounge.
The "I Carracci Ristorante". The name refers to the brothers who painted the ceiling.
The staircase leading from the bar to the main lobby.
We strolled down to the nearby Piazza Maggiore and then found "Trattoria Nello", just a block from the Hotel. The taxi driver recommended "Nello" to experience real Bolegnese food. It was fun, rustic and good and very reasonably priced. After returning to our room and trying out the slippers with the Hotel monogram, we flopped down on our bed with Egyptian linen sheets, and slept peacefully indeed.
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