Furnished with choice antique furniture and craft (1800’s and 1900’s),
decorated with love and zest with the all major appliances provided
and in perfect working order, completely air conditioned and with
high-speed wifi internet connection, L’Arena stands out for its class,
traditional Bolognese style and comfort. It would be hard for you to
find a more central and comfortable accommodation, a better spot to
fully enjoy the life and the fun of this amazing city.

Other pluses: a large parking lot (garage - guarded) only about 50
mts., plenty of all kind of restaurants,pubs and pizzerias in the
immediate vicinity (the most renowned restaurant in town is right
across the street), Friday and Saturday open-air market in the nearby
piazza, (huge, lot of fun!), theatres and movie theatres, monuments,
museums, etc. right there for you to enjoy.

Comfort, convenience, class, fun and great relax: these are the key
words for L’Arena, a superb place, your nr. 1 home away from home.



Hence, the easiness of getting around without any need for a car. The
airport shuttle bus takes you right to our door, about 10 different
bus lines to all the interest points in town are available at the same
stop, the railroad station is at walking distance and so is Piazza
Maggiore, the center of gravity of this stunning Medieval and
Renaissance urban beauty.

L’Arena is part of one of the most elegant buildings bordering Via
Indipendenza. A second floor (elevator) with a view over the avenue,
extremely clean and well kept, it comfortably accommodates up to 9
guests in 4 bedrooms (one with a queen-size bed and a single, one with
two singles that can be put together to form a queen-size plus one
single sofabed, one with two single sofabeds and one with a single
bed), 2 bathrooms, 1 large living-diningroom, a kitchen with all the
tools provided, a hallway and a small terrace.

TESTIMONIALS ==

"We have just returned from a wonderful holiday in this BEAUTIFUL
apartment. The hosts Clara and Nino were there for our every need, so
very friendly. Although my wife had an injury to her back, we were
able to take our time exploring Bologna and managed to visit Modena
and Parma by train. The apartment was very comfortable and
spacious,and beautifully furnished: the air conditioning making all
the difference. We have already provisionally reserved two weeks in
September." (Pat & Bill L-D, UK)

"Bologna is a wonderful place to visit and this apartment is the
perfect place to stay. The location is excellent! The apartment is
large, clean and well furnished. Good wifi. Although in a central
location the apartment is very quiet. Our hosts were most welcoming
and kind and they thoughtfully had some food and beer in the fridge.
Booking the apartment was easy. A supermarket is close by. There is a
very good wine shop in the street behind the apartment. Nearby is
Restaurant serghei - fantastic! You couldn't find a better place from
which to enjoy this wonderful city. Many thanks to our wonderful
hosts. " (Tracey W., Australia)

"A lovely property right in the heart of Bologna. Lots of restaurants
and supermarkets near by. Elevator was a great bonus. The owners were
very helpful and we had a basket of groceries to help us on the first
day. Great holiday, Bologna is a fantastic city and it was so nice to
just walk and not bother with a car. The bus system was very good and
the one from the airport drops you right outside apartment." (Kathryn
B., UK)

"This is the perfect apartment for walking the city. Close to
everything. We arrived during the midst of the London snowstorm. Our
flights were delayed and cancelled and we arrived VERY late. Carla and
her son were there to take care of us even though it was very very
late. They had stocked the kitchen with things that we would need the
next morning. Two bathrooms was very nice since we had two young
female college students with us. The entire place was very clean. The
kitchen had all the things we needed to cook lots of meals. I used the
washer before we left so the girls would start out with clean
clothes....you can't do that in a hotel!! The girls were staying to
attend Bologna University for the semester and needed to stay a few
hours after my husband and I flew out and Carla very graciously let
them remain after check out. Carla also helped us by email find
restaurants/grocery stores/bus lines, etc. We are returning in May to
retrieve our daughter from Bologna and we hope to stay at this
apartment again." (Becky M., USA)

"We are just wrapping up 6 days at L'Arena (Nov.)and it has been
a joy to stay here. The apartment is beautiful and comfortable. We
planned to use the well-equipped kitchen more, but the restaurants in
the area were just too tempting. We hope to come back some day and
would recommend L'Arena to anyone who wants a real Bolognese
experience." (Claudia F., USA)

"Grand appartement très confortable avec air climatisé. En plein dans
le quartier historique. Le stationnement VIII Agusto est à 2 minutes à
pied et coûte 20 euros/jour. Il y a un stationnement gratuit à 1.5 km
avec service de navette. Idéalement situé aussi pour visiter les
environs: Parma (magnifique baptistère à voir absolument), Ravenna
(superbes mosaiques du temps de l''empereur Justinien), Ferrara (ville
reconnue comme patrimoine de l''humanité par l''Unesco), Dozza
(charmant village à 2 rues avec une forteresse à voir et les murs des
maisons peints par des artistes), Modène (malheureusemnt, à cause du
séisme, tout était fermé pour vérification mais le Duomo semble très
beau)etc.... Les propriétaires sont super gentils et très disponibles.
Ils parlent français et anglais. Bref nous avons eu un excellent
séjour et la région est à voir (sans oublier Bologne bien sûr)." (Anne
L., Canada)

"L'Arena apartment was a great home base for our 2 week vacation. We
were 8 travelers with no car & took several train trips. In fact
everyone said the location & apartment were perfect for our plan of
relaxed tourism. The walk to the stazione was easy & in the opposite
direction we were in Piazza Maggiore in minutes. The Fri-Sat flea
market is 1 block away-easy to shop & drop off your purchases. The Bar
Impero downstairs was our main bar morning & night...free pizza at
apperitivo hour...just wait for it-you don't order it, it just
arrives! "Our" apartment lived up to its online details &
reviews---spacious, nice antiques, modern windows, good beds (1
squeaky one), laundry, & excellent location! We loved the homey feel &
cooked a few meals as well. Carla & Nino were helpful & close by if we
needed help. Via Indipendenza is a busy street weekdays & on weekends
until late which means we closed the windows for quiet at night. The
charming single bedroom doesn't have air con so windows shut at night
might be stuffy in warm weather. Lots of good places to eat
nearby...Twinside was our favorite lunch spot for the Farro Minestra
Fredda (Turn right-across the street & down 1 block and left on side
street. Go out at night & find music on the streets. Pizza at Il Moro
further down on same street as Twinside was great. Hard to go wrong
really. One of our best meals was the prepared foods we bought in
shops of the central market area off Piazza Maggiore. It cost half of
a dinner out & was equally scrumptious--be adventurous & bring your
shopping bags! We all want to return immediately!" (Jane C., USA)

"On our trip to visit our daughter studying in Bologna, staying at
L’Arena made our trip. We were traveling in a group of about 15 -- 9
of us stayed at the apartment and the rest were at the hotel just down
the street. Even with 9 sleeping in the apartment it was extremely
spacious and there was more than enough room for all of us to relax
and spend time together. As mentioned in previous reviews, the
apartment had an excellent location -- 10 minutes from the train and
10 minutes in the other direction to the main piazza, Piazza Maggiore.
Traveling from Bologna was very simple -- all 15 of us spent a day in
Ravenna. There was also a great place to get coffee and pastries just
below the apartment and a number of wonderful restaurants all within
walking distance. It really was the ideal location. Aside from its
location, the apartment itself was wonderful. Most nights we ate out,
since Bologna has such amazing food; however, we did cook a large
dinner on Easter Sunday. The kitchen had everything we needed and we
had absolutely no problems. We were also able to set up a large table
in the spacious dining room. The apartment really made it a special
holiday for all of our family and friends. Touching on the rest of the
apartment, the bathrooms were great-- it was very helpful to have two!
The showers had hot water and great water pressure, and there was a
washing machine for optional use. When we got to the apartment and met
Carla, she was welcoming and kind, and very patient despite the large
excited group. She showed us around the apartment and gave us many
helpful tips for our stay. On the day we checked in we decided we
needed to add another person (from 8 to 9) and she was more than
willing to set up a whole other bed for us right then and there. It
was perfect. I can’t think of any complaints about our stay. It was
wonderful! We highly recommend it to anyone traveling in a group to
Bologna and we hope to stay there again on our next trip to Italy!"
(Rita D., USA)

"Ottima sia la posizione che la disponibilità del proprietario e
l'ampiezza dell'appartamento." (Maria C., Italy)

"The flat is very central in town, big, airy, clean and stylish. The
airport shuttle stops at the doorstep, so do most other buses, with
the cathedral and railway a few minutes walk away, this is as
convenient as can be in Bologna. The view from the balcony is
stunning, the host is very nice and the flat itself an attraction. We
will stay there again!" (Morten S., Norway)

"L’Arena more than lives up to its description -- comfortable and
spacious, with none of the impersonality of a hotel. The owners gave
us a fabulous welcome, meeting us at the bus stop (which incidentally
is right outside the apartment) and set us up with some essential
supplies and extremely useful information about the area. They’d
thought of everything! There is some traffic noise during the day (we
had great weather so the windows were always open) but that’s just the
downside of being in such a great location. Top tip: try the pastries
from the café next door!" (Gillian A., USA)

"The apartment was all we expected and more --ample, well furnished,
and well located. There were a few small nuisances, e.g. a noisy bed
in one room. However, these were really very minor in comparison with
the pluses. The owners live immediately across the street and were
quick to respond to any questions." (John D., USA)

"Wonderful apartment with a super location. Everything is within
walking distance including the rail and bus stations making it easy
for one day excursions to other cities. The apartment is very clean,
comfortable and well furnished. We could not ask for a better
apartment. It is also only one block to one of the best resturants in
Bologna (Ristorante Diana) which we can definitely recommend. Carla
and Irene are wonderful hosts who made our stay superior." (John &
Carol I., USA)

"Our family of four felt right at home in the apartment. In fact, we
found it elegant. The wonderful wood of the furniture. The cool stone
floors and lovely archways. Our college age sons loved having their
own rooms, and we found ours to be spacious and comfortable. We
appreciated having a working kitchen, where we used the refrigerator
more than the stove - but even more helpful was the laundry. It
enables travelers to pack lighter, knowing they can freshen their
clothing supply on site. The apartment has everything a family needs,
right down to the laundry soap. We can't imagine a better location for
visiting Bologna. We love to walk - and so many wonderful places were
in walking distance - from historic sites to restaurants of all
styles. In fact, our sons particularly loved having pizza and gelato
spots within steps of our front door. Sometimes, late-night revelers
can be heard down in the street if you have the bedroom windows open.
The bedroom is high above the street, so the only danger is
overhearing someone singing slightly off-key opera, as we did. We
found that charming. The best test of all is whether a tenant would
choose the apartment again: yes - in a heartbeat." (Anonymous, USA)

"The owner met us at the apartment, which is right on the most
traveled and central avenue of Bologna. Carla gave us a tour of the
apartment and showed us how to use the washer, stove, and how to find
all cleaning supplies. She also pointed out the complementary
condiments and food items, and the extra blankets and pillows. She was
interested in our comfort, and wanted questions about Bologna. The
apartment was wonderful. It was very clean and well maintained, and
had plenty of room for us all, which is a great gift on vacation. The
two baths were a very fine touch, with three daughters. We usually had
two meals a day in the apartment, unless traveling, and one at a
bistro. The arrangements were wonderful. One bed creaked, and maybe
some oil might help, but it was comfortable. My best time, aside from
wondering how the HUGE armoires got into the apartment, was looking
out the window watching the people and the lovely scenery.
I was worried that the location would be a problem, but it was one of
the best aspects of the apartment. We walked to all corners of the
city, and just fell in love with Bologna. The apartment is in the
smack central of the inner town, and an easy walk to the train station
(10 minutes), to the University (15 minutes), to the main square (5
minutes). The weekly market is just a few minutes from the apartment.
We went to local groceries every day, and they were within a 15 minute
walk. This is our first experience with renting an apartment like
this. I would highly recommend Carla and her property. She was
wonderful, and the apartment was great. There were no hidden costs,
and we all felt at home there. Thank you, Carla." (Mary K., USA)

"We stayed at this apartment from March 22nd through March 29th 2008.
The apartment is centrally located and is a short walk from Piazza
Maggiore. Via Dell'Indipendenza is one of the main shopping streets so
that is a plus. The apartment is spacious with plenty of room to move
around. The owners were very nice and helpful when we first arrived.
The apartment had all the tools needed to make a meal and was very
clean. There is a coffe and pastry shop two doors away and many fine
restaurants within walking distance. There are markets close by as
well. All in all is was a comfortable place to come back to after a
long day of sightseeing." (Vincent, USA)

"A real gem in the heart of the city. One of the best vacation rentals
we've ever had. The location is perfect, 10 minute walk to the train
or Piazza Maggiore. The apartment has everything you could need and
was well stocked. The owners are lovely people and very helpful."
(Anonymous, USA)

"Lovely apartment, very convenient to everything in town - only a
couple of blocks to main piazza. Only drawback was street noise when
windows open at night, but it is in the heart of the city. I would
recommend it. Owners across the street are very helpful." (Anne J., USA)

"A gorgeous place furnished with excellent taste and zest,
extra-central location, all at hand. This was our third time in
Bologna -- no comparison with any other rentals, even the
centrally-located ones. This is definitely #1 and we highly recommed
it. Don't miss the Saturday market nearby! (Victor & Jane S., USA)

"We loved this apartment! The owners are lovely people who speak good
English and tried to make sure that every aspect of our stay was
pleasant. They met us at the bus from the airport -- there is a great
bus that stops right in front of the door to the apartment, and goes
about every 15-20 minutes both to the airport and the train station --
and took us upstairs (there is an elevator) to show us around. The
apartment itself is huge (4 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms -- one with a
tub, an eat-in-kitchen and a beautiful living room) with magnificent
antique furnishings and all the things you need for a week’s stay. The
Italian-style kitchen has a gas stove, sink, refrigerator, dishes and
cookware, and a balcony overlooking the street. There is also a
washing machine and plenty of racks for drying clothes. The location
was just perfect -- right in the middle of town, close to shops and
restaurants, a 15 minute walk from the train station and from Piazza
Maggiore. We would definitely recommend this apartment to anyone
visiting Bologna!" (Anonymous, USA)

"J'ai passe un tres agreable sejours dans L'Arena. Il est bien situe
lumineus,propre,calm, pres de Plaza Maggiore et d'autres sites
touristiques et a proximite de toutes les moyens de transports.La
proprietaire est tres tres gentille.Je suis sur de demander de
sejourner a L'Arena chaque fois je viens a Bologne,s'il est libre
evidamment." (Abdulgader A., Algeria)

"Two thumbs up for this rental! It is roomy, extremely comfortable,
everything is selected with love and zest, very helpful owner, great
eateries right in front, and more. The only drawback could be the
neighborhood, which is very animated, but hey! This is Bologna.
Colorful Italy at its best. (James V., USA)

"We spent a great 14-day vacation at L'Arena! Everything is right
there and the location could not be more convenient. Clean, extremely
comfy apt., it is definitely worth the money. A key spot if you want
to see it all, including the nearby cities -- all you have to do is
walk to the train station (5 minutes) and hop on the first train to
Florence, Venice, Ravenna etc.. Nice owner, excellent tips from the
manager, we felt like family. Will definitely come back. (Patrick
O'D., USA)

"A real classy and super-comfortable property located in the very core
of Bologna, with everything really at hand -- could not be more
convenient! Hopefully, as promised in the ad, the area is the good
one, i.e. not seedy or dangerous like some parts of the center (be
careful when renting a centrally located property in Bologna, ask
first!). The owner is nice and hospitable, makes you really feel at
home. Everything is provided and the decoration is beautiful, but you
must like antiques. Great public parking lot at hand, real fun market
on Saturdays. I recommend it highly." (Lara J., USA)

"We stayed at L'Arena in September 2008. The manager (Carla) was very
friendly and helpful. The apartment is very well located in Bologna:
walkable to everywhere, and about 5-10 minutes walk from the center of
town and the train station, and very spacious. The two bathrooms were
great, and the bedrooms good size. The area is really nice, on a
shopping street (but high enough up not to be noisy) and lots of
little nice restaurants, cafes, etc. Highly recommended!" (Andrew G., USA)

"The apartment was all we expected and more-- ample, well furnished,
and well located. There were a few small nuisances, e.g. a noisy bed
in one room and the need to plan not to have a power outage when
running the washing machine, such as by turning off the
airconditioners in parts of the apartment. However, these were really
very minor in comparison with the pluses. The owners live immediately
across the street and were quick to respond to any questions." (John
D., USA)

"When we found out we were going to Italy on a business trip, we
didn't want to be confined to a hotel. I started to look around on the
internet and found L'Arena. It seemed to be perfect for what we
needed. The train and bus stations were just a few blocks walk. In
fact the airport bus stops right in front of the apartment. In between
meetings we were able to take in the sights which were also only a few
blocks walk. We were centrally located to all the shopping and
wonderful restaurants. The ladies loved the gypsy fair that was only 2
blocks away. I felt real safe in the area. The apartment exceeded what
we had ever imagined. We never felt confined or crowded as we would
have in a hotel. Our hosts were especially nice helping in any way
they could. We were able to make breakfast each morning at the
apartment and then head out for the day. We loved it and would make it
our first choice if we were to come back again." (Dave H., USA)

"An excellent apartment that lived up to all expectations. Very clean
and stocked with a few basic supplies to start us off. Five of us
stayed in December - the place was warm and comfortable with plenty of
hot water available. Right in the centre of the city and convenient
for shops and historic buildings. I would certainly stay there again,
and reccomend it to others." (Douglas C., USA)

"Siamo stati veramente bene, una posizione ideale al centro di
bologna. Proprietari gentilissimi." (Christine G., Italy)

"e had a great time at the L'Arena apartment. Its easy to get to, the
airport bus stops right at the door and the train station is only a 10
minute walk. Its within a 15 minute walk of all the best sights in
Bologna. There are loads of good restaurants and cafes within a 5
minute walk and a super market about 300m away. The flat has large
rooms and lovely antique furniture. The owners were there to meet us
on arrival and gave us good information on the flat and on bologna, I
would recomend it to anyone. (Doug Y., Glasgow, Scotland)

"We just spent the most enjoyable three weeks at L'Arena in Bologna. I
was teaching at the University and the apartment was in walking
distance. In fact, it is in walking distance of everything in Bologna,
and ten minutes from the train station which means a little over an
hour door to door to Milan, and less than a half hour to Modena and
Florence. The apartment is spacious, meticulously furnished, clean,
light, quiet, and elegant. The furniture is
authentic and there is ample kitchen ware to have comfortable dinners
at home (however, the restaurants in Bologna make cooking at home more
trouble than it is worth). The owners are pesonable, friendly,
accomodating, willing to please and when we couldn't figure out the
heating-hot water system they were there in a flash to fix it and
instruct us. I am a very picky guy but I can only say good things
about the place and the experience.
I am hoping to return to teach next spring in Bologna and hope the
apartment is available." (James, Jersey City, NJ, USA)

"Happily spent a week in this clean, spacious, comfortable apartment.
Ample sitting area, elevator, clothes washer, wifi service and a small
serviceable kitchen. Double windows made for a quiet, tranquil stay
even while being situated in the middle of things on Via Independenza.
Excellent vinotecca and trattoria Serghei are an immediate right of
exit and thenfirst right steps from there. Owners were always
accessible an invaluable in helping us reclaim lost luggage from
Lufthansa. " (Jerry M., USA)

"We stayed in this apartment for 90 days! It became our second home.
The apartment, as described, is large, light and filled with antique
furniture. Our host Carla was always available if and when there was a
problem. We found it to be superbly located in a good building and in
the centre of Bologna. Our only criticism is that the kitchen
equipment needed culling as there was very little room to put our
provisions. This probably wouldn't be a problem for short term
rentals. We loved our stay in this city and wouldn't hesitate in
recommending it and this terrific apartment to anyone contemplating a
trip to Italy." (Kaaren and Peter P., Australia)

"Staying at the Arena apartment was one of the best parts of our trip
to visit our daughter. We are a family of five and the accomodations
were perfect for us. The photos are accurate but can not capture what
a wonderful space this is. It was so clean and comfortable. The
location is perfect - within minutes of the train station and the
aerobus to get to and from the airport. We took the train to Venice,
Rome and Florence in the 10 days that we were in Bologna and it was
extremely gratifying to have a day to rest and relax and see the local
sites in between day trips. The amenities made our stay comfortable-
we were able to cook a couple meals at home (be sure to visit the food
market and Tamburini early in your stay). The best gelato in Bologna
is just a short walk away and there is a wonderful cafe (Impero) just
below the apartment. We had absolutely no problems during our stay and
the owners were so warm and welcoming to my daughter that we knew we
could have called them for any problems- but we didn't have any! We
truly enjoyed Bologna and would recommend this apartment to anyone."
(Kristen C., USA)

"Had a great stay at L'Arena. Have to agree with the recent posts that
the apartment was very spacious for our family of 5 and in a great
location. The food in Bologna was amazing and so many great
restaurants within a few blocks. An easy walk to the train station
(did day trips to Parma and Ravenna), and to stroll the city. Called
Carl when we arrived at Bologna Centrale and she was waiting at the
door downstairs when we strolled up. She spent time walking us through
and orienting us to the apartment, and giving us tips about the city,
grocery shopping, sights, etc. The A/C in the apartment was
appreciated as it was warm a few nights. It was also nice having two
bathrooms." (Ed B., USA)

"We have to admit, we were only in Bologna as it was our airport
connection. Are we glad that we made the stop. It was one of our best
stays in Italy. The apartment is in a wonderful location and it is a
place that easily feels like home. Carla and her husband were very
helpful and patient. We had difficulty getting there, as cars cannot
go on the road that the apt. is on, and we arrived on the flea market
day making getting around to the parking lot, that is close, a bit
crazy for us (given we do not read Italian, and Google maps pays no
attention to roads that do not allow cars). They waited and made sure
we got there okay. They and their tour books provided everything that
we needed to see the City. We absolutely loved Bologna and the apt
made it very easy to get out, enjoy the vibrance of the City and feel
like we were part of it. The apt is a bit noisy, but not in a bad way,
it was not a bother. Being on the main street was an important part of
the experience. We traveled as a family of 4 (21 month old and 4 yr
old). The baby bed was wonderful, high chair perfect, and set up
worked wonderfully. We recommend this place, Carla and Nino, and
Bologna. What a gift to experience this place." (Christine K., USA)

"Prime location, about a 15 minute walk from the train station. It
truly is spacious and comfortable. It is an easy walk to major
attractions such as Piazza Maggiore with Neptunes fountain and the two
leaning towers as well as all the shopping you would wish to do. The
front door of the building is flanked by gelato and pastry shops. We
enjoyed neighborhood restaurants especially Trattoria Tony. The owners
are very friendly and helpful." (Michael W., USA)

"The apartment is comfortable, close to the center of Bologna's
medieval center. The airport bus stops in front of the door (6 euros
to airport). It has an extremely well equipped kitchen for cooking.
For sleeping, there are a single room, 2 large "matrimoniale" rooms
and one double room with a single bed and a cot--this last might be
better suited for kids than adults. The location can be noisy at times
in good weather so best to close the windows and run the ac at night
even if it isn't hot. WI-Fi and clothes washing machine were very
welcome. The owner is helpful is explaining or solving any problems."
(Theda W., USA)

"For the past 15 yrs.we have been renting apartments in Bologna for an
annual trade show. Luckily this year we were able to rent L'Arena for
our week long stay.We were 4 co-workers who absolutely loved the ample
size rooms, the 2 full bathrooms,laundry facilities, beautiful
furnishings,the elevator, and the PERFECT location.The bus to the
Fiera outside the door,a 5 minute walk to the train station or the
main Piazza, and fantastic restaurants every way that you turn. We
would all recomend this property to anyone visiting Bologna, just not
the week that we need it next year! We will be back." (Gary K., Canada)