🇮🇹 Modena, Italy
Hotel Estense
📍 11, Via Jacopo Berengario, Modena, 41121
Your stay — Hotel Estense
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The Property — Hotel Estense
Hotel Estense is a 3-star hotel that offers a comfortable and convenient stay in Modena, with a classic Italian aesthetic and a warm atmosphere. Standing in the lobby, you'll notice the elegant decor and friendly staff, making it an ideal choice for couples and solo travellers looking for a relaxing base to explore the city. The hotel's unique selling point is its proximity to the city centre and the famous Modena Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a great fit for travellers who want to experience the authentic charm of Modena without breaking the bank.
Chronicles of Modena
Modena was founded by the Romans in 183 BC and has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, with its strategic location making it an important trading hub. The city's architectural evolution is evident in its stunning Romanesque cathedral, which dominates the skyline, and the picturesque Piazza Grande, a beautiful example of medieval town planning. Today, Modena is a city that seamlessly blends its historic heritage with a contemporary cultural identity, known for its love of fast cars, fine food, and traditional balsamic vinegar production. Visitors can explore the city's many museums, galleries, and historic buildings, including the Museo Civico d'Arte, which showcases an impressive collection of Italian art. Modena's strong sense of community is also reflected in its many festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and theatre to food and wine.
Best Time to Visit
Full Modena guide →Best months
The best months to visit Modena are May, June, and September, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 22-25°C, and the crowds are manageable, making it ideal for exploring the city's historic centre and surrounding countryside.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak month, with the city hosting the Modena Summer Festival, which features live music and cultural events, and the famous Modena Jazz Festival, which attracts visitors from all over the world, causing hotel prices to rise by up to 20%.
Budget shoulder season
April and October are the best shoulder months, offering discounts of up to 30% on hotel prices, milder weather, with average highs of 18-20°C, and fewer crowds, making it a great time to visit the city's many museums and historic sites.
Weather & packing
Modena's climate is characterized by hot summers and cool winters, with occasional heavy rainfall, so it's essential to pack lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes for summer visits, as well as a waterproof jacket for unexpected showers. Don't forget to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun during the peak summer months.
Live City Briefing — Modena
- The city's new tram system is now fully operational, making it easier for visitors to get around, with a stop just a short walk from Hotel Estense. The Modena Cathedral is currently undergoing restoration work, but visitors can still access the building and climb to the top for stunning views of the city. The annual Modena Summer Festival will take place from June 15th to July 31st, featuring live music, food stalls, and cultural events in the city centre.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hotel Estense, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the top floor (third or fourth), facing the internal courtyard. The lift serves all floors, so you avoid stairs. These rooms are furthest from street traffic and have less footfall noise.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first floor facing Via Jacopo Berengario. The street is a moderate through-road in Modena, and first-floor rooms get traffic rumble plus any pavement noise from pedestrians and street cafés. Also skip rooms next to the lift shaft on any floor—you’ll hear the motor and doors.
Best views
Rooms on the uppermost floor facing south-east over Via Jacopo Berengario get a glimpse of Modena’s rooftops and maybe the Ghirlandina tower in the distance. But for quiet, a courtyard view is better—no landmark, just peace.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and 4 are the quietest: farthest from street level, above the lift motor's main hum, and less likely to pick up breakfast-prep sounds from the ground floor.
🔊 Noise notes
Via Jacopo Berengario is a straight road with local traffic, including buses and scooters, especially 7–9am and 5–7pm. The nearby hospital (Policlinico) means occasional sirens. The hotel’s small parking lot may produce car-door slams and engine idling; internal courtyard rooms avoid this.
Insider tips
Book parking in advance — the on-site lot only has 10 spaces, and Piazza Matteotti public parking is pricier after a few hours. At check-in, ask for a room on floor 3 or 4 away from the lift; if possible, request a courtyard-facing room when you reserve, as that’s the quietest option at this 3-star hotel.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Hotel Estense
free, 10 Mbps, login required with room number and surname
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand via PressReader
15:00-22:00, early bag-drop from 10:00, late check-out fee €30 until 14:00
available 07:00-23:00, free for guests, €5 per item for non-guests
step-free access, wheelchair entry at main door, one adapted room
on-site parking for 10 cars, €15 per night; nearest public car park at Piazza Matteotti, €2 per hour; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €2 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: €50 advance deposit + €20 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Chiesa di San Barnaba (128 m · ~2 min walk)
- Church: Chiesa di Sant'Eufemia (136 m · ~2 min walk)
- Church: Duomo di Modena (256 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista (257 m · ~3 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Largo Aldo Moro — 488 m · ~6 min walk
Museo Universitario Gemma — 142 m · ~2 min walk
Teatro comunale Pavarotti-Freni — 729 m · ~9 min walk
Parco Sandro Pertini — 903 m · ~11 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 367 m · ~5 min walk
San Marco — 173 m · ~2 min walk
KS Alimentare — 172 m · ~2 min walk
Modena Autostazione — 794 m · ~10 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Exchange currency at banks or post offices for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at airports and tourist spots which typically charge poor rates.
Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted, including Visa, Mastercard, and mobile pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay) in most shops, restaurants, and supermarkets.
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service: leave small change (around €1-2) at cafés, round up the bill at restaurants (5-10%), and tip €1-2 per bag for hotel porters or taxi drivers.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A standing espresso at a bar costs around €1-1.20; seated service adds €1-2.
A lunch menu (primo, secondo, contorno, water) at a trattoria or worker caffè costs about €12-15.
A pizza or pasta main course in a modest restaurant runs €10-14.
Modena's historic centre has many takeaway spots offering tigelle, crescentine, or piadina for around €4-6.
Conad, Coop, and Penny Market are common budget supermarket chains in the area.
Via Emilia Centro and Corso Canalchiaro have affordable high-street chains (OVS, H&M) and local market stalls on Saturdays.
A single bus ticket costs €1.30 and is valid 75 minutes; a day pass is about €4.50. From Bologna Airport, the Aerobus to Modena train station costs €8 one-way, then a train (€5.30) to Modena.
Eat lunch at worker caffès rather than tourist spots; buy bottled water and snacks at supermarkets; use train+bus combo from Bologna for cheaper airport transfer.
Good to know — Modena
Type C/F/L · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.88 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
ModenaWhere to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Modena, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hotel Estense
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 367 m · ~5 min walk — pharmacy · San Marco — 173 m · ~2 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Modena train station → Il Feliceto (stop: Piazza Sant'Agostino)
💡 Buy a single ticket (€1.30) from any tabacchi or the station ticket machine – validate it on board. The hotel is a 3-minute walk from the bus stop. For longer stays, a 10-ride card (€11) is better value.
Modena Autostazione → Agriturismo Rubbio (stop: Rubbio)
💡 Validate ticket on board – fine is €70. Bus can be unreliable after 18:00; download the TPER app for real-time tracking.
Modena Train Station → Le Ville Mini Hotel (stop: Via Emilia Ovest)
💡 Buy a ticket at the tabacchi; validate it onboard. Walk 2 mins from the stop to the hotel.
Modena Station → Una Hotel Stop (Via Emilia Est)
💡 Buy tickets from the station newsagent (cash only). Validate in the yellow machine on board—fines are €50 and immediate. Saves a quick walk.
Modena Stazione Centrale → Hotel Giardini (via Corso Canalchiaro)
💡 Buy a bus ticket from the tabacchi near the station — the self-service machines often swallow coins.
Stazione Centrale → Hotel Giardini (Via Menotti stop)
💡 The bus drops you a short walk from the hotel — cross the road and walk 100m down Via Menotti. Validate your ticket onboard or you risk a €60 fine.
Bologna Airport (BLQ) bus stop → Modena bus station (Autostazione, Via Monte Kosica)
💡 Buy tickets from the driver or the automatic machine near stop A. Cash only on board (change handy). From the bus station, Hotel Alexander is a 20-minute walk or quick taxi (€8).
Bologna Centrale → Modena Centrale
💡 Buy tickets on Trenitalia app for cheapest 'Smart' fares – then from Modena station, you'll need a taxi (€15) or pre-booked shuttle to Rubbio.
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) → Agriturismo Rubbio, Modena
💡 Book a fixed-rate taxi in advance through services like Welcome Pickups or Radio Taxi Bologna – cheaper than hailing on arrival.
Bologna Airport (BLQ) → Una Hotel Modena (Via Emilia Est, 68)
💡 Book a fixed-rate transfer online to avoid meter surprises. Late-night arrivals: driver typically meets you with name sign at arrivals.
Bologna Airport (BLQ) → Il Feliceto hotel, Modena
💡 Book via the Radio Taxi Modena app or +39 059 214 144. Flat rate to/from the airport is €100, but always confirm with the driver before setting off.
Bologna Airport → Modena Bus Station
💡 Buy tickets online or at the airport kiosk; from the bus station it's a 10-min walk to the hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hotel Estense?
Request a room on the top floor (third or fourth), facing the internal courtyard. The lift serves all floors, so you avoid stairs. These rooms are furthest from street traffic and have less footfall noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hotel Estense?
Avoid rooms on the first floor facing Via Jacopo Berengario. The street is a moderate through-road in Modena, and first-floor rooms get traffic rumble plus any pavement noise from pedestrians and street cafés. Also skip rooms next to the lift shaft on any floor—you’ll hear the motor and doors.
Is Hotel Estense noisy?
Via Jacopo Berengario is a straight road with local traffic, including buses and scooters, especially 7–9am and 5–7pm. The nearby hospital (Policlinico) means occasional sirens. The hotel’s small parking lot may produce car-door slams and engine idling; internal courtyard rooms avoid this.
Which rooms have the best views at Hotel Estense?
Rooms on the uppermost floor facing south-east over Via Jacopo Berengario get a glimpse of Modena’s rooftops and maybe the Ghirlandina tower in the distance. But for quiet, a courtyard view is better—no landmark, just peace.
What are insider tips for staying at Hotel Estense?
Book parking in advance — the on-site lot only has 10 spaces, and Piazza Matteotti public parking is pricier after a few hours. At check-in, ask for a room on floor 3 or 4 away from the lift; if possible, request a courtyard-facing room when you reserve, as that’s the quietest option at this 3-star hotel.
What time is check-in at Hotel Estense?
Check-in at Hotel Estense is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hotel Estense have Wi-Fi?
free, 10 Mbps, login required with room number and surname
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hotel Estense?
€2 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Hotel Estense?
A lunch menu (primo, secondo, contorno, water) at a trattoria or worker caffè costs about €12-15.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hotel Estense?
A single bus ticket costs €1.30 and is valid 75 minutes; a day pass is about €4.50. From Bologna Airport, the Aerobus to Modena train station costs €8 one-way, then a train (€5.30) to Modena.
When is the best time to visit Modena?
The best months to visit Modena are May, June, and September, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 22-25°C, and the crowds are manageable, making it ideal for exploring the city's historic centre and surrounding countryside.
Top Attractions in Modena
💡 Look for the carved reliefs on the facade called the 'Metope'—each tells a biblical story in surprisingly expressive detail. Mass times mean the interior is closed briefly at noon, so plan accordingly.
💡 Grab a coffee at Caffè Giusti on the corner, a local institution since 1880.
💡 Avoid the lunchtime queue by visiting at 1pm. While you're inside, look for the small chapel dedicated to Saint Geminiano, the city's patron saint.
💡 Visit late afternoon for the best light on the facade. Sundays are quietest.
💡 Come early morning when it's empty to see the light hit the cathedral facade. The column of the Preda Ringadora is where medieval edicts were proclaimed.
💡 Visit on a Saturday morning for the market stalls selling local produce and crafts.
💡 Go early morning to avoid crowds and see the sunlight filter through the rose window.
💡 The museum is free on the first Sunday of every month, but it's already free for everyone every day. The ticket also gets you into the nearby Museo Lapidario Estense on the same day.