Residence Della Accademia, apartments in central Modena
Residence Della Accademia is a complex of self-contained apartments in the historic centre of Modena, in a limited traffic zone near Piazza Grande and the Duomo. The units have kitchens and guests call the prices reasonable. It suits short stays, couples and business travellers, and is less ideal for anyone wanting total silence.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Residence Della Accademia.
Where the Residence Della Accademia is in Modena
The Residence Della Accademia is on Via dei Lovoleti, in the historic centre of Modena, a few steps from Piazza Grande and the Duomo, both UNESCO heritage sites. It is a building with self-contained apartments, inside a limited traffic zone. In my view the location is the first reason to consider it.
Guests arriving by train can walk there from the station, which makes a weekend without a car much easier. Around it are restaurants, bars and traditional shops, and the Teatro Comunale is not far. If you are coming by car, check the ZTL and parking in advance. The data I have says nothing on this, so ask the property directly.
What the apartments are like
The units are apartments in a recently renovated building, furnished in a contemporary style. There are double, deluxe and family rooms, all with air conditioning, heating, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom with shower. The equipped kitchen is what sets them apart from a standard hotel. It lets you organise yourself, which is very useful on longer stays.
Some units have a lovely view over the rooftops of Modena. Some guests have appreciated small extras, like the coffee machine in the corridor and the fridge in the flat. That is how I see them too.
| Type | Who it suits best |
|---|---|
| Double | Couples or solo travellers, for a few days |
| Deluxe | Anyone wanting a bit more comfort |
| Family | Families and small groups who want a kitchen |
What guests say
On Google the residence has 4 out of 5, but there are still few reviews, so take that figure with caution. Reading the comments, the recurring points are fairly clear.
- Location and price. Several guests talk about a very convenient position for exploring the centre and good value for money.
- Cleanliness and newness. Many comments stress that everything is new or freshly renovated and that the rooms are very clean. The bathroom is described as spacious and practical.
- Friendliness. Someone mentions the willingness to hold luggage at a low cost, even after check-out time, and two arrangements with local places to eat early in the morning or late at night.
What to know before booking
The criticisms are not many, but they are specific and worth reading. They are the reason I would not recommend it blindly.
- Night noise. One guest gave one star because the lift made a constant noise, audible even with the window closed. It is a single case, but if you sleep lightly, ask for a room away from the lift.
- The bed. Two guests found it very hard and uncomfortable. If the mattress is decisive for you, keep that in mind.
- Signal. In a room facing the inner courtyard, the Wi-Fi was weak and the phone signal barely arrived.
- Tight spaces. One guest describes a double bed pushed against the wall, a single socket to charge the phone, no shelves and no wardrobe, only a clothes rail. The door was low, so very tall people need to take care.
The same negative review also mentions an air conditioner that did not work and insects when the window was opened. From these comments I gather that the rooms are not all the same. Before booking, write to the property and ask which room they will assign you.
Who the Residence Della Accademia is for
I see it working well for anyone who wants to stay in central Modena for a fair price and without luxury pretensions. Couples, business travellers and small families for a weekend are comfortable there, and the kitchen is an advantage when the stay gets longer.
I would advise against it for anyone who sleeps lightly or wants large rooms with plenty of space for luggage and clothes. For a trip where a soft bed matters, note that two guests found it too firm.
What to see in Modena and nearby
From the residence you can walk to Piazza Grande and the Duomo, and among the city's best-known attractions are the Museo Enzo Ferrari and the Galleria Estense. The area is full of bars and traditional shops, so you can eat well without moving far.
If you want to extend your trip around Emilia-Romagna, two ideas for where to stay are Palazzo Bianchi in Parma and Palazzo della Racchetta in Ferrara. Further north, in Lombardy, there is also il tempo dei sogni in San Benedetto Po.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
