Places To Stay In Emilia Romagna and the Marches

Ravenna Centro Hotel has big sunny rooms in a renovated mansion right in the heart of town. Walk to all the sites and the train station. Air conditioning; elevator; free DSL in the rooms; use of the kitchen to store food; free bikes. Nightly: 80.-190. EURO. Click here for specific prices plus a detailed description, map and photos.

Sasso Marconi B&B offers six upscale double rooms in a charming family farmhouse just off the autostrada halfway between Florence and Bologna. Air conditioning, telephone with modem hook-up, robes and slippers, hair dryer. 90.-120. EURO/night. Click here for specific prices plus a detailed description, map and photos.

Antica Locanda di Faenza is a historical hotel in the center of Faenza, home of the world’s greatest ceramics museum and very close to the Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna. All amenities plus historic charm; year-round restaurant. 70.-150. EURO/night. Click here for specific prices plus a detailed description, map and photos.

Locanda del Lupo is a historic residence belonging to a prince. Located in the charming little town of Soragna, it is near Parma and Modena and the autostrada. It also features an excellent restaurant. 70.-185. EURO/night. Click here for specific prices plus a detailed description, map and photos.

Below is a short list of hotels in parts of Emilia-Romagna where we do not offer accommodations. We cannot help you book these properties. To do it on your own, contact them well in advance. We recommend you telephone first, then follow up by sending our form letter in Italian

• Hotel Fortino Napoleonico (Via Poggio, 60020 Portonovo; tel. 71/801-450, fax 801-454). Built at the Emperor's order in 1808, this extraordinary military complex is surrounded by flowering paths and gardens. The salons now fill the former armory, the rooms (some big enough for 3-4) are furnished with lovely antiques and the restaurant serves great seafood cuisine. Swimming pool, tennis court, gym, private beach (two steps from the hotel) and parking. $125.-150./double with breakfast.

• I Due Foscari (Piazza Carlo Rossi 15, 42011 Busseto; tel. 011-39-0524-92337). Located in a charming town near Parma, this 24-year-old hotel looks like a medieval manor. The terrace restaurant (moderate to expensive) is its star attraction; rooms are large and simply furnished. Closed in August and January.

• Primalba (v.le Regina Elena 86, 47037 Rimini; tel. 541/387-207, fax 392-266). If you want a feel of what it was like here at the turn of the century, when Rimini was a chic resort for the wealthy, try this stately mansion. Rooms facing the sea have foot-balconies and French doors; there's a lovely tree-shaded swimming pool, rooms are large and relaxing, and the bathrooms are excellent. $75.-100./double with breakfast.

• Le Rose (v.le Regina Elena 46, 47037 Rimini; tel. 541/399-011). This is a nice choice for families because all the rooms are suites with living rooms and kitchens. The hotel is fairly somber, but it has a lovely swimming pool and a delicious breakfast is included in the price. Wheelchair accessible. $90./double.

• Grand Hotel (Parco Federico Fellini, 47037 Rimini; tel. 011-39-0541-56000, fax 56866). At the opposite end of the spectrum is this opulent fin-de-siècle resort, truly one of Europe's grand hotels. Beloved of and often filmed by Fellini, it has 119 perfectly appointed rooms, impeccable service, a large heated pool, tennis courts, sauna, and private garden. The best stretch of beach in Rimini is reserved for guests of the Grand.

• Al Piano (Via San Martino, 47027 Sarsina; tel. 011-39-0547-94848). This remote hill town is a perfect place to retreat to. The hotel, once a baronial estate, offers fantastic views across the valley. All rooms have modern furnishings.

• Gigliolè (Piazza Carducci 5, 48013 Brisighella; tel. 011-39-0546-81209). A stately building on the main square of a picturesque little town near Ravenna. Rooms are simple and clean (ask for a renovated one if possible); but the star is the excellent restaurant (moderate). Closed end of February-early March.

• Al Vecchio Convento (Via Roma 7, 47010 Portico di Romagna; tel. 011-39-0548-967752). On the street where Dante's Beatrice lived, this converted convent has simple rooms with beautifully decorated beds. The town is small and quiet, set in a valley great for long relaxing walks.

• Villa Bolis (Via Corriera 5, 48010 Barbiano di Cotignola; tel. 011-39-0545-78347). This delightful country retreat (near Ravenna) has recently been restored by the exuberant family who own it. Filled with great antiques and all sorts of 17th-century features, its simple restaurant is on the terrace overlooking the pool. Closed in August.

• O' Viv (Via Marziale 43, 63030 Acquaviva Picena; tel. 011-39-0735-764649). This magnificently restored medieval palazzo sits on a hilltop overlooking the Adriatic near Ascoli Piceno. All the rooms are comfortable; some have wonderfully decorated ceilings and others look out over the valley. The excellent restaurant (inexpensive) moves outside during the summer. Closed 3 weeks in October.

• Monteconero (Monte Conero, 60020 Sirolo; tel. 011-39-071-936122). About 15 miles from Ancona, this converted convent sits atop a hill overlooking the sea just below. Views are breathtaking from the simply furnished rooms and from the terrace bar. The restaurant looks like a true medieval refectory. Closed November to Easter.

• Panazza (Via Lughese 35, 40027 Mordano; tel. 011-39-0542-52165, fax 52165). This 17th-century villa near Imola is a great place to plan an extended stay (after you've attended the Grand Prix race, for instance!). It has its own fishing lake, a beautiful pool and a large whirlpool. Rooms are well-furnished, and in summer breakfast is served in the garden.

• Ovest (Via I Maggio 82, 29100 Piacenza; tel. 011-39-0523-712222, fax 711301). This is a brand-new hotel with elegant furnishings and great service. The rooms offer all sorts of amenities and extras and there are two with excellent facilities for the disabled.

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