One of Italy’s great culinary centres, and home of balsamic vinegar, Modena is heaven for your tastebuds. Its beautifully atmospheric streets are crammed with amazing restaurants — the sort that would be household names in other cities — where you’ll find the local sparkling Lambrusco and Parmigiano Reggiano accompanying cured flavour explosions, slow cooked this and that, and giant tortellini stuffed with deliciousness. Many of the best places to stay in Modena are within walking distance of these little bites of heaven, with the majority of our recommendations within tge original city walls. We’ve picked out a few small and charming historic hotels, plus a larger, grander, more romantic option, and a great value property just outside town.
If food isn’t your thing, Modena may still tantalise you with its art and architecture. This city was on the Via Emilia (a major Roman road in northern Italy), and it is graced with glorious churches, theatres, palaces and monuments, many of them UNESCO World Heritage Listed. The covered arcades and porticos shelter a really exciting range of shops, as well as bars and restaurants. Modena is also the birthplace of tenor, Luciano Pavarotti, and the theatre named after him is known for more than just opera.
Or maybe Modena will inspire with its motoring legacy, because it is just a few minutes from the Ferrari museum in Maranello. It is known as the home of Maserati, Lamborghini, Bugatti and Pagani too, and other fast and glamorous cars. If you’re here for the cars the best time of year to book into one of the best places to stay in Modena is definitely May, when there’s a weekend festival called Motor Valley fest.
Converted from an elegant townhouse in the heart of Modena, the Hotel Cervetta 5 has just five rooms and suites, all fresh-feeling, and decorated in bright neutrals. There’s no restaurant, but they have an airy breakfast room and a chic hotel bar specialising in aperitivi-post-explorations.
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Modena (Castelvetro)
A traditional house filled with romance and rustic charm. Large suites have high ceilings, wooden beams, elegant furnishings, and all the mod cons including DVD players. An excellent traditional restaurant and extensive wine cellar. Plenty to explore, including the Ferrari museum.
Modena
This charming heritage hotel is located on the site of Modena's former city walls. Fully restored, the property now offers contemporary suites, many with original balconies offering city views. Warm lighting and a palette of deep grey and pastels complete the romantic guestrooms.
Modena
This charming hotel is nestled in the heart of the old town in Modena. Behind the classic Italian townhouse facade, a spiral staircase leads to bright, contemporary rooms dressed in a neutral palette. Start the day with Modenese pastries in the airy breakfast room before a day spent sightseeing.
Modena
This hotel offers luxury rooms inside the heritage Palazzo Montagnani in central Modena. Built-in the 19th-century, the property's elegant interiors include original frescoes and floors, complemented by stylish furniture and plush linens. An opulent base for city-centre sightseeing.
Modena
This Renaissance hotel sits in the heart of Modena's city centre. Elegant interiors have been carefully designed with classic wooden boiserie and modern Frau furniture for a clean, luxury feel. Sample traditional Modenese cuisine with a romantic dinner at the restaurant after sightseeing.
