Royal Hotel Carlton

Italy , Bologna
Bologna, Via Montebello, 8
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100 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2026

Jolanta

The staff was very helpful.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

21 Jun 2026

Mark

The Carlton is a beautiful property inside, with gorgeous decor and artwork. We stayed here on two separate overnight stays in June 2026 and did not really observe the exterior. The staff were all efficient and most were quite friendly. One point to note is that there is no drinking water available in the common areas. If you’re traveling here in the summer and have to wait in line to check in once you arrive (very likely) you might wish you had brought a bottle of water along. They do have a bar on the first floor where you can buy drinks, but it was not always staffed.

The rooms are great. Our rooms only had handheld shower heads, so I suspect that’s the norm throughout.

They will hold your luggage in storage. We walked to and from the train station with our luggage in tow and found that “doable”. There weren’t any significant slopes, but the terrain is not all smooth. I wouldn’t want to push more than one piece of luggage per person. There are a lot of crowds near the train station pushing luggage. FYI.

Know that strikes are common in Italy. All manner of things we all come to take for granted might not be available when you need them. We arranged in advance with the hotel for a private car to take us to the airport on our departure day. It was expensive, but worked perfectly.

All in all, we found this to be a really nice place to stay and would happily stay here again.

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

19 Jun 2026

Xiaofang

We arrived very late, around midnight, and immediately encountered a serious water‑leaking problem in our room. Water was pouring from the closet ceiling and running down onto the carpet — not a small drip, but more like heavy rain for 30 mins. We called the reception, and a technician came to check. He told us the leak was caused by the AC system and instructed us not to use the AC for the entire night. Instead, we were given two fans.

We asked for a new room, but the reception told us the hotel was fully booked and that the manager would not be available until 7 AM. However, no one contacted us at all. By 11:30 AM next day, I went to the reception myself, and their attitude was simply, “Yes, that happened, but there’s nothing we can do.”

As a result, we had to stay the whole night in a room with water leaking from the ceiling, wet carpet, and no AC, while the temperature was around 80°F (27°C). To make things worse, they told us they couldn’t do anything because we booked through Expedia.

This was extremely disappointing. For a hotel of this level, I expected much better service, communication, and responsibility. Expedia, pls contact me for the video and photos.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jun 2026

David

Excellent hotel in a great location, 8 mins walk from the rail station and only 10 mins to the fabulous old town.
The hotel is in a traditional style in very good condition and spotlessly clean. The room was quiet, spacious and had great air conditioning- a must in the June 35*C heat of Bologna!
We took advantage of the €20 room credit and took evening meal in the restaurant. Both food and service was again excellent. Having only stayed for one night we left our bags with the hotel concierge to further explore Bologna after Check out. I would not hesitate to stay at the Royal Carlton if again in Bologna.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jun 2026

TAIANY

Great hotel and conveniently close to everything

Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jun 2026

Craig

Nice hotel.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jun 2026

james

Lovely hotel in a good location. close to main rail station and a short walk to Piazza Maggiore. Hotel has a nice bar area and Spoon restaurant serves excellent food.
Staff were all pleasant and very helpful.
We stayed in the junior suite which was extremely spacious and well presented.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

16 Jun 2026

Sheila

Beautiful property close to amenities only hiccup was we had a food credit we thought we could use for breakfast buffet o ly to be told after it was only good for the bar and restaurant.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

16 Jun 2026

stefan

good location, reception staff nor very friendly

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jun 2026

Mathew John

Extravagantly decorated hotel. Our suite was huge and richly furnished.loved staying here past 2 days.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2026

Nidia

This hotel was a big WOW! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at it. It is beautiful adorned with marble everywhere one looks. The room was spacious and the breakfast outstanding. If you need a place to stay, this is it!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2026

Michael

Easy walk to center of town. As an American, the only thing I missed was a washcloth. There was a safe and a minibar. One still and one carbonated water was replaced everyday. We would stay here again.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jun 2026

RAMI

An excellent hotel close to the center

Partner

8/10

Excellent

08 Jun 2026

Kulbir

The room was more spacious then we expected. Washroom a great size, not a fan of the glass wall in the shower. A curtain or longer barrier would be preferred as the shower just sprayed in to main area of the washroom, so unessarily wasting a large bath towel on the floor that just got soaked. The restaurant was a great option for dinner, prompt and helpful suggestions. Catered well for gluten and dairy options at dinner. Overall a good option.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

07 Jun 2026

Laura

Poor service, long wait to check in and check out. Bar service so poor we gave up. Hotel is more focused on the various conferences than guests.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jun 2026

Jordan

Good clean hotel close to the train station. Hotel staff was very accommodating providing a charger for are North American device charges

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jun 2026

deeshit

Angeli at reception was very helpful and knowledgeable

Friends

8/10

Excellent

04 Jun 2026

Mary

I was hoping that bottled water would be offered to guests gratis.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2026

Ayanna

Excellent customer service

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2026

Wendy

Location and clean room.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2026

patricia

Room was huge we got a suite; the bathroom was very spacious. We had two balconies and the living room area was extensive. Furniture in that room needs updating but we weren’t there much but appreciate the space. Walking distance to Center. Breakfasts could have had more alternatives but was enough for those who eat pastries and cheese in the morning. The coffee was tough to drink. Overall loved it

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jun 2026

Amir

Excellent hotel, quiet area, large rooms, clean, helpful staff, walking distance to town center and to train stations. This hotel is the full package. Will use it again when traveling to bologna.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jun 2026

Anthony

Very impressive property that is centrally located

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jun 2026

Charles K.

The location was excellent, the room was large and well laid out and the public area was elegant.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jun 2026

William

Not much to not like…very friendly and professional staff, the hotel is spotless and quite elegant and the hotel restaurant offers great food and service. The hotel is easily within walking distance to the train station and central square.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Jun 2026

LUIS ALBERTO

Although we got the suite, it is REALLY old, the bathroom is comprised of a bathtub and a separate shower. The shower is as dark as it can get. It was a weird configuration. Must have been a great hotel back in the nineties. The rooms are really old. BUT A/C worked perfectly.

Breakfast was simply AMAZING. Loved it all the way.

No modern hotel, needs a real revamp.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2026

Tanakom

Great hotel, good location, friendly staff.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2026

fabienne

Tres bon petit déjeuner très copieux, le personnel accueillant, les agents de sécurité par contre devrait avoir plus le sourire. Les gens responsable du parking très chaleureux et souriant
La chambre grande est propre mais les moquettes devrait être changé car abîmé par endroits
Le bar impeccable

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2026

Brian

Room and bed was wonderful. Level of opulence might seem dated to some travelers but as senior citizens on vacation we thought it was beautiful. The buffet breakfast was the best we've ever experienced in any country. Dinner at the \"Spoon\" Restaurant on site the previous night was delicious too and our waiter had excellent suggestions. Close to train station (walkable if you're under 50, but we elected to take a cab). Lots of urban bustle a block away but hotel was on a quiet side street so we slept very well, Would highly recommend if you don't mind being in busy urban crowds when you hit the streets for a walk, shopping or a meal. Loved it!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 May 2026

Duncan

Suite was very large and well laid out.

10/10

Exceptional

28 May 2026

Yajaira

Excellent hotel. Great location. Close to the train station and the downtown. The hotel is very clean. Recommend 100%.

Partner

4/10

Poor

27 May 2026

chenghua

It is so difficult to get the front seat by phone. The line 9 is no one there to answer the phone

Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 May 2026

Harold

Conveniently located, upscale, easy parking, but WiFI access poor.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

26 May 2026

Guangjun

Good hotel overall.
Room has decent size. Like the bed and bathroom.
Cover of Sofas in the room need to be washed regularly

Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 May 2026

Holly

Beautiful Hotel. Convenient location

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 May 2026

Paul

The hotel was excellent. The room and the bathroom were clean and well provisioned.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2026

Walter

Great location with great balcony views

Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2026

Catherine

Beautiful property with squeaky clean rooms and excellent restaurant

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2026

Venetta

Very elegant old elegance.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 May 2026

Philip

Good location and our room was spacious. Breakfast was included and had a nice variety of choices. Good value for the money.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

22 May 2026

Linda

Nothing to dislike. Didnt use facilities or bar/restaurants, so cant comment on those.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 May 2026

Marc

Nice hotel in a great location, plenty of car parking available as well. Food in the restaurant was very nice with very helpful waiters

Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 May 2026

Lucy

Excellent room, immaculate and great location! Also breakfast was perfect - so much choice!

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

21 May 2026

Konstantin

Above and beyond! Will definitely stay again next time I’m in lovely city of Bologna

Self

10/10

Exceptional

20 May 2026

Valerie

The air conditioning was set to 22 degrees which is hot for us but the hotel provided us with a fan.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2026

Kevin

The breakfast was fabulous fresh and the best selection of food we have ever had
I feel the room we had could have been taken care of a little better, the floor boards were detaching from the wall, walls were dirty.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2026

Peter

Great location and excellent value

Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 May 2026

Jeffrey

Well-located hotel within a short 7 minute walk to Bologna Centrale. The rooms were well-appointed with all of the amenities you’d need. The room was very clean, very spacious and very quiet. While the bed was comfortable, the pillows were not equally as comfortable. Staff was friendly and helpful with our requests, including assisting us with a van to the airport. The WI-FI worked well. Two markets, several cafes and restaurants in the area, plus about a 15 minute walk up to the main piazza.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

17 May 2026

Michael

Very nice hotel and very close to the train station. We would stay there again.

10/10

Exceptional

16 May 2026

Monica

Arrived late to the hotel because of a missed flight. Staff very helpful and friendly checking us in when we were exhausted. Rooms clean and comfortable. Only stayed the one night and slept in so did not eat breakfast there. Checkout at noon and the held our luggage while we walked about and had lunch. We would definitely stay here again.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 May 2026

Robert

1. Nice hotel just outside the city center 2. Convenient on-site parking 3. Elegant, beautiful lobby 4. Spacious, well-appointed room 5. Good breakfast 6. Solid 4 star

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

16 May 2026

Christopher

Overall better than average property but caught in a mid 1990s time warp. Better value breakfast can be obtained in local cafes.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 May 2026

Jane

Clean room close to city

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 May 2026

LeeLee

Slightly dated but clean. They gave me free upgrade to a suite. Overall will stay here again if I come back to Bologna.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 May 2026

Carol

We arrived at the hotel - walking distance from central train station, the entrance is magnificent once you walk through the doors. From entering to leaving our experience was fabulous. Breakfast was really good! Beautiful old extravagant looking hotel. Will definitely be back!

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

14 May 2026

Loredana

Great experience

10/10

Exceptional

13 May 2026

TERRY

Staple breakfast, but lots of options for breads, yogurts, fruits...which were all appreciated.

Room was nice and property was good.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 May 2026

mark

A really nice full service hotel with an excellent breakfast. Great location, convenient to the train station and close to everything.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 May 2026

Oliver

The hotel is in a good location about 12-15 mins walk from the Piazza Maggiore.
It's large and has a big lobby and cafe area, and a restaurant tucked away which is perfectly adequate.
The staff were super helpful, particularly in the restaurant and at the desk.
The building itself is a bit tired but has a charm about it.
Room was fine, clean and spacious enough.
One thing that isn't helpful is a spa that only opens for 4 hours from 5pm until 9pm. I know people eat later here but if you are traveling for work or want to go out earlier you can't use it. And I booked it because the spa looked good.
The gym is excellent with a wide range of machines which you can do a proper workout.
Overall I would recommend for the location

Self

8/10

Excellent

11 May 2026

Soraya

Great breakfast. Location is about 10-15 mins walk to restaurants and main square. Bed was really comfy. Clean room.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 May 2026

Eduardo

Good

Self

10/10

Exceptional

07 May 2026

Angela

Lovely hotel with a great choice at breakfast

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 May 2026

Adam

Helpful staff. Enjoyed my stay. Great breakfast.

Self

8/10

Excellent

06 May 2026

Simonetta

I gave one less star because the breakfast was 18 euros extra!!!! That’s just overly expensive for what it is

Self

10/10

Exceptional

06 May 2026

Jamie

Standard upscale hotel. Comfortable and clean. Did not opt for breakfast at $18 per person. Parking was pretty easy. Also can rent a car from the hotel.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 May 2026

tracy

Amazing stay in Bologne at Royal Carlton! The king bed was so comfortable. Everything was top shelf!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 May 2026

Donna

Central location, spacious room, huge comfortable bed, would stay again

Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 May 2026

Claudia

Breakfast was varied and good quality

Partner

8/10

Excellent

03 May 2026

Yuenkie

Hotel is a 15 minute walk from the centre of Bologna which is very handy. It was on a quiet road. Rooms are a bit dated but had a classic feel. Check in was very easy, the receptionists were lovely.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 May 2026

Anita

Room need update the walls

10/10

Exceptional

01 May 2026

samira

Highly recommend

8/10

Excellent

01 May 2026

Peter

Nice hotel in a good location staff professional helpful and friendly would stay here again

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

01 May 2026

Louise

Great hotel

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

29 Apr 2026

Umberto

Great breakfast

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Apr 2026

Lori

Another great choice in terms of location, amenities and space. An easy quick walk from the train station and just a lovely property - big beautiful lobby with plenty of space to chill, helpful staff and a small bar/cafe. There’s also a restaurant but we were too busy adventuring to eat there. The room was clean, quiet and comfy. I’m happy to recommend it to others.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Apr 2026

Brian

The hotel is ideally located—just a short, easy walk from the train station and within close proximity to major sites, architectural landmarks, and a wide range of restaurants. The staff were attentive and welcoming throughout our stay, and the facilities were exceptionally clean. The breakfast buffet was a standout, offering an impressive variety and quality that exceeded expectations.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Apr 2026

Paul

Easy checkin process. Properly is in great condition. Friendly staff

10/10

Exceptional

15 Apr 2026

Jane

Beautiful hotel and very good breakfast

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2026

karen

Great property located near train station in the historic district. It felt quite safe. The room was spacious and clean, with functioning air conditioning which we appreciated. The breakfast buffet was extensive. We were supposed to be given a $20 credit upon check in but that did not happen, which was a shame. That was the only disappointment.

Family

8/10

Excellent

10 Apr 2026

Stacey

Fantastic hotel, very clean and excellent location.
However the room was very warm. Air con is not an option until the end of May, it made things very uncomfortable

Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Apr 2026

Kara Lee

Room was good size and the hotel was quiet. It’s a very large, business style hotel so not friendly & welcoming like the smaller hotels.
Easy walk from the train and to local sites. Overall good stay.

6/10

Pleasant

09 Apr 2026

Kevin

Nice hotel, lovely breakfast, however it was 26Deg upon arrival and the bedroom was boiling. Went to turn in the AC to discover it was activated, contacted reception who advised they don’t turn it on until May!!! Lost a nights sleep due to it being a complete sweat box. Overall a very nice hotel apart from this.

8/10

Excellent

09 Apr 2026

Joseph

Very spacious and near station

8/10

Excellent

08 Apr 2026

SHIVAKANTHAN

Very nice hotel with large bedroom. Check-in staff were friendly. Just slight unease was the breakfast host who seemed slightly disappointed to see us because we were brown (facial impression was showing what are you doing in this hotel left with a bad taste).

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

05 Apr 2026

Chandra

Enjoyed our start at the Royal Hotel Carlton. The proximity to the Central train station was convenient for our arrival from Florence as well as our departure to the airport the next day. It’s also a 15 min walk from the Piazza Maggiore which made it easy to explore Bologna for the day we were there.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

05 Apr 2026

Julie

everything was perfect. breafast amazing. had a problem with room due to no air this time of season staff upgraded us. everything was great. would say again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Apr 2026

Nirmala

Good hotel big room walkable distance from all restaurants

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Mar 2026

Alexandra

It’s a very traditional hotel and very well maintained. Bed and common areas were very comfortable. The breakfast was very good especially for 11€

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2026

Gina

The room and hotel facilities were excellent. There is a nice grass area where our two small dogs enjoyed playing. And we received excellent service at the reception desk. Carolina was particularly helpful in giving us directions to a pasticceria. I will definitely come back.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2026

Linda

Beautiful clean rooms and communal areas
Helpful and professional staff
Very conveyor both the station and the centre of Bologna

10/10

Exceptional

23 Mar 2026

Sharifah

Room was very clean, serviced daily. Bathroom was clean and spacious. We had a problem with the TV not working after we checked in. Mentioned it to the receptionist on our way out for a stroll, when we came back it was all fixed! Breakfast buffet was very nice, plenty of choice. My husband who is lactose intolerant was pleased to see lactose free milk and lactose free yogurt at breakfast as well as plant based choices. The chandeliers around the hotel was a bit of a 'wow' factor. All made for a wonderful stay. Wouldn't hesitate to return.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Mar 2026

Daniel Anthony

Yes

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Mar 2026

Maria

Great staff and breakfast

Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Mar 2026

Scott

Very helpful staff and wonderful atmosphere

10/10

Exceptional

02 Mar 2026

Trevor

Close to central railway station and city centre. Very clean and well appointed hotel

10/10

Exceptional

21 Feb 2026

Tara

The staff was excellent, the stay was very enjoyable, it was a perfect location-very close to the shopping and the historical centre but it also had underground parking. This is a rare find.
We found the king bed much too hard for our comfort but it was otherwise a perfect stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2026

Anita

Lovely room with easy parking.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2026

Gary

Great hotel quiet and comfortable

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Feb 2026

Kevin

Great room. Great staff. Great location. Wonderful stay.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jan 2026

Edith

Beautiful, elegant hotel in a great location between Bologna Centrale station (about 10 minutes on foot) and Piazza Maggiore (around 15 minutes). Ideal for exploring the city.

Staff were friendly, courteous, and helpful, with easy communication in English. We were pleasantly surprised with an early check-in at 11:00 a.m. and an upgrade from a Superior to a Deluxe room, which was very much appreciated.

The room was spacious, clean, and comfortable, with a good bed and a large, attractive bathroom. Breakfast was excellent, offering good variety and quality. The on-site restaurant, The Spoon, has a lovely ambience and very good food.

The hotel has a spa, gym, sauna, steam room, and Turkish bath, but access appeared limited to the late afternoon/evening, which was disappointing. We also had a blocked washbasin drain that was reported twice but not resolved during our stay.

Overall, an excellent experience and still deserving of five stars thanks to the location, comfort, service, and dining.

Leisure Friends