We will be staying in Bologna for only one night (sadly).Here is a question for those of you who know Bologna: Can anyone recommend a good moderately priced hotel or B&B in the historic district or near the university? Also, we will be picking up a car the next day in Bologna and travelling to Castellina in Chianti for a week's stay. Where in the city is the best place to pick up the car if we are heading in that direction?

Accogliente Bologna -- Reasonable B&B in historic palazzo 2 blocks from the historical center and university. I wrote a review -- hope it's posted soon. Website is www.accoglientebologna.com. GREAT breakfasts. My Italian teacher in Bologna recommended it to me and I was delighted. -gedlin

Regarding picking up a car: You have a few choices. There are a couple of places right by the train station, which is on the edge of the centro. You could also pick up at Viale Marco Polo, which is outside of the centro and an easy drive to the Tangenziale. The other option is to pick up at the airport, which is not far from the centro. All of these options are actually on the north side of the city and you will be heading south.

I have picked up and dropped off at all of these places except Viale Marco Polo. If you are uncomfortable with the thought of driving in the city, I would choose the airport. It is right on the Tangenziale, which will take you right to the Autostrada toward Florence.

One more thought about the car: Jim or Sally I am sure can confirm this, but there might be a surcharge for picking up at the airport. So if you want to save a few bucks, but not drive in the centro, pick up at the Viale Marco Polo location. It is a straight shot on Viale Marco Polo to the Tangenziale. The taxi ride will cost you less as well.

We have stayed at Hotel Roma. It is just off p. Maggiore and very well located. It is a reasonably priced 3 star hotel with a great location.