Review Garden Inn Bologna: honest and "precious"
After my second stay at this facility, I decided to review the only Hilton in Bologna, indeed the only [...]
BLQ
After my second stay at this facility, I decided to do the review of theonly Hilton in Bologna, indeed of the only facility of this chain in the entire Emilia-Romagna region.
In this article:
No Hilton on the Riviera Romagnola, no SLH around Emilia: A sign of how, in our country, there is still great opportunity for growth for facilities affiliated with major brands, but at the same time little opportunity to accumulate points and qualifying nights away from major cities.
Location
We are not in the center of Bologna, but in this case it is much better for me. We are not far from the exit of the highway leading toward Ancona, passed the A1 junction, and we are a scant 20 minutes from the airport. So, for me, it is almost catalogable among the hotels near the airport.
Reservation
Mine was an ultra last minute booking and I paid dearly for it, but I could not do otherwise. I waited until the last minute to be sure to fly on Emirates' A350 right from the city airport, and the "bad luck" was that it happened to be in the middle of Cesare Cremonini's double date at the stadium. Translated: €164 for one night in Business Semi Flex fare.
To sweeten the pill, the bonus of 5,000 extra points tied to H4B promotion of this summer. Hilton Honors promos for this 2025 Are really the saddest since before the pandemic.
The structure
The nice thing is the parking, although finding a hole was not easy. But between concert and a union convention, the hotel was pretty packed.
As mentioned, it was my second visit. The first time had been during 2024: TTG direction, I had decided to stay overnight here before going to the fair in Rimini. The facility is not new, but it has been renovated entirely according to the new dictates of the Garden Inn style, the same - for example - as the Recently opened facility near Malpensa.
Very nice is the central "square" with the tree under a glassed-in veranda, which reminded me a lot of other Hilton facilities in Italy, such as the former Garden Inn Malpensa or the new DoubleTree in Rome. Muted colors, lots of wood, very relaxing environment.
Check-in
Both of my experiences revealed several shortcomings, and especially a change in approach. In both cases I did not receive the classic "thank you for your loyalty...", not even a mention of my status or the fact that I was a returning customer, with the usual "it's a pleasure to have you again...." Little things, but which are in the specifications of hospitality in chains.
The biggest change, however, has been the approach to breakfast. On my first visit, although I was Diamond, breakfast was not included. This time I did. I had even debated the issue, but in the end I had desisted, I wasn't going to take advantage of it anyway. However, it was the first time in my life that in a Garden Inn I was not given breakfast included.
The room
No upgrade, no high floor: indeed, first time in my life that in a Hilton I sleep on the ground floor since I was at the DoubleTree in Phuket. But in that case I had direct access to the pool, not the county road.
The rooms in the new Garden Inn are cookie-cutter, and this one is no different. I don't mind the new trend, but it is definitely a lower level than the previous one.
Also here: warm colors, wood, and essential furnishings. No closet, and the absurdity of incorporating iron and board into what should be the closet and suitcase stand. Result: you can't keep the trolley open in that space.
Beautiful, clean bathroom with everything that is logical to expect from a chain like this.
In the room: safe, mini-bar with two bottles of water and a desk, as well as the ever-present mega screen.
King bed, four pillows of different compositions and excellent mattress.
The only flaw: the air conditioning. When I entered the room at midnight, it was 24°. I sweated for the first two hours before bringing the room to a livable temperature.
Breakfast
As mentioned, this time I took advantage of the free breakfast, but evidently the staff was struggling to restore the offer.
The room was not full, but it looked as if grasshoppers had just come through, as the plates were almost all empty.
Average offering, with even the treat of ordering omelets on the spot, which is not taken for granted in a hotel of this category.
In conclusion
Let's say **cute**, but since. to renew the Diamond I have to stay 30 times in a year, I can't afford to waste stays, especially now that we are halfway through the year and I have already done the 75 nights in Marriott to renew the Titanium Elite.
Pro
- Location
- Room
- Parking
Against
- Price