Disguised as just another four-story building with shuttered windows, the Bologna is cute and pleasant inside. The small lobby is clean and bright, with charming details, like brick ceilings, arched doorways, a lounge area with comfortable seating, and a flat-screen TV. A collection of antique items, such as an ancient rotary phone and record player, is on display. The decor in the breakfast room and bar area is simple and tasteful: panoramic murals of the city adorn the walls, which are also made of exposed brick, and the wooden tables are covered by white tablecloths. The small garden terrace offers a handful of tables and wicker chairs for rare respite from the city. 

Situated on a narrow, busy street in the center of Pisa, the Bologna is conveniently located between Stazione Pisa Centrale, and all of the city’s main attractions. The airport is about 10 minutes away by car, the hotel’s free shuttle, or a quick ride from the train station (which is within a 10-minute walk from the hotel). The Leaning Tower is about 15 minutes away on foot, the Chiesa della Spina about five minutes, and the Corso Italia less than three. Some highly-rated restaurants -- like Le Repubbliche Marinare, La Buca, and San Paolo -- are also within a five-minute walk.

The vibrant red, yellow, and orange-striped curtains and bed coverings in some of the rooms are a bit loud, but overall, the accommodations are immaculately clean. All rooms are decorated with unique, original hand-drawn prints featuring fictional character or European cityscapes. There is free Wi-Fi, in addition to flat-screen TVs with channels in four languages, and mini-fridges with free bottled water. The winning features are the powerful air-conditioning units, and coffee and tea kettles. Rooms also have soundproof windows, which keep noise from the busy street below minimal. However, walls are thin and interior noise can be a problem. Another thing to note, though, is that there isn't much of a view from many of the windows. The suites have bathrooms that are equipped with Jacuzzi tubs, but otherwise, bathrooms in the rest of the rooms are simple -- with small standing showers, bidets, towel dryers, and hairdryers. 

The Bologna offers a few perks for free, including Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, and a very convenient shuttle to and from the airport. The bar also holds a free tasting of Tuscan products every night. For additional fees, guests can enjoy an ample breakfast buffet --which includes meats, fruit, pastries, and bread -- on the terrace, or to go. The hotel has a small parking lot attached, and a meeting room with a board table and presentation screen, both of which guests can pay to use. Other features include scooter and bike rentals, laundry service, and 24/7 room service.