Hotels in Modena: Where to Stay in the City
Updated 8 August 2026 · 155 real hotels
The Old Town (centro storico) is the top choice for most visitors, placing you within walking distance of the Duomo, the market, and the best trattorias. For Motor Valley enthusiasts, the area around Maranello makes a practical and thematic base. Budget-conscious travelers can find solid value in the Crocetta-San Lazzaro district east of the center.
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| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| R&D Mucca Argentina | Castelnuovo Rangone : à 7,7 km de Modena | ★ 4.5 | 71 €/nuit |
| Hotel Rosso Frizzante ★★★★ | Bomporto : à 13,1 km de Modena | ★ 4.5 | 78 €/nuit |
| Affittacamere Orchidea | Buon Pastore-Sant'Agnese-San Damaso | ★ 3.9 | 82 €/nuit |
| Hotel Arnaldo Aquila d'Oro ★★★ | Rubiera : à 11,4 km de Modena | ★ 4.6 | 85 €/nuit |
| Magnagallo ★★★ | Campogalliano : à 6,8 km de Modena | ★ 4 | 86 €/nuit |
| Sun Hotel ★★★ | Rubiera : à 12,1 km de Modena | ★ 4.1 | 87 €/nuit |
| Corte degli Estensi ★★★ | Formigine : à 11 km de Modena | ★ 4.1 | 88 €/nuit |
| Hotel Arthur ★★★★ | Modena : à 13,1 km | ★ 4.7 | 92 €/nuit |
| B & B VERDE NATURA | Spilamberto : à 11,1 km de Modena | ★ 4.6 | 95 €/nuit |
Modena sits in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, a compact and quietly self-confident city that tends to surprise visitors who arrive expecting a footnote between Bologna and Parma. Instead they find a UNESCO-listed cathedral, one of Italy's most serious food cultures (balsamic vinegar, Lambrusco, tortellini in brodo), and a Motor Valley legacy that draws Ferrari and Maserati pilgrims from around the world.
The city is walkable, the locals are not particularly tourist-oriented in the performative sense, and the rhythm is genuinely Italian in the best way: slow lunches, animated piazzas at aperitivo hour, and a calendar of markets and festivals that fills the year. Staying centrally means you can do almost everything on foot, while staying just outside still offers easy bus or car access to all the highlights.
Which area to stay in Modène?
- Old Town (Vieille ville de Modène): The historic center is where most visitors want to be. Piazza Grande, the Ghirlandina tower, the covered market, and the main restaurant strip are all within a short walk. Hotels here range from design-forward boutique properties to classic three-star options.
- San Faustino-Madonnina-Quattroville: A residential inner-city zone immediately adjacent to the historic center, well connected on foot and by local bus. Slightly quieter than the main piazza area, it suits travelers who want proximity to the center without being in the thick of evening foot traffic.
- Crocetta-San Lazzaro-Modena Est: An eastern residential district popular with longer-stay visitors and people on tighter budgets. It requires a short bus ride or a 20-minute walk to the Duomo, but the neighborhood has its own cafes and everyday life.
- Maranello area (approx. 13 km south): A clear choice if the Ferrari Museum is your main reason for visiting. The small town of Maranello has a genuine Motor Valley identity, and staying here avoids driving the route from the city center each day. Less useful if food tourism or the historic center are your priorities.
- Station quarter (Modena Centrale): The area immediately around the train station is functional rather than atmospheric, but it suits business travelers or anyone making day trips to Bologna (25 minutes by train) or Reggio Emilia.
Good to know
- Get to the center from Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport: The most practical route is a train or taxi to Bologna Centrale, then a direct regional train to Modena (around 25 minutes). There is no direct shuttle; allow 1.5 hours total including transfers and waiting time.
- Book well ahead for the Salone dell'Auto and major food events: Modena hosts internationally attended events including Motor Valley festivals and culinary fairs. During these periods, accommodation across all price brackets fills quickly and prices rise.
- Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable seasons: April-May and September-October bring mild temperatures and fewer crowds than the peak summer months, when the Po Valley heat can be intense.
- A car is necessary only for Maranello and the surrounding Motor Valley: The city center itself is largely a ZTL zone (limited traffic zone), so driving into the historic center is restricted. If you rent a car for day trips, park outside the ZTL and walk or take a bus in.
- Use Modena as a base for the wider region: Bologna, Reggio Emilia, Parma, and even Ferrara are all reachable by regional train within an hour. A central Modena hotel gives good access to the full Emilia-Romagna itinerary without needing to move accommodation.
What to know about hotels in Modène?
What is the best area to stay in Modena for first-time visitors?+
The Old Town is the most rewarding base for a first visit. You are within walking distance of the Piazza Grande, the Mercato Albinelli covered market, and the main dining streets. Hotels like Phi Hotel Canalgrande and Hotel Rua Frati 48 in San Francesco are located in this area and offer very different price points for the same central position.
When is the best time of year to visit Modena?+
April to May and September to October offer the most pleasant conditions: mild temperatures, good light, and a full calendar of local life without the heaviest summer heat. The Po Valley summer (July-August) can be humid and hot, though the city is quieter and some locals are away on holiday.
What is the average cost of a hotel night in Modena?+
Based on available options, mid-range hotels in the historic center and adjacent neighborhoods run roughly 112 to 221 euros per night. The luxury end reaches significantly higher, with boutique five-star properties like Hotel Rua Frati 48 in San Francesco priced at 1,195 euros per night. Modena is generally more affordable than Florence or Milan for comparable quality.
How do you get from Bologna Airport to Modena city center?+
The standard route is to take the Marconi Express train (or a taxi) from the airport to Bologna Centrale station, then board a regional Trenitalia train to Modena, a journey of about 25 minutes. Total travel time including connections is typically 1 hour to 1.5 hours. There is no direct airport bus to Modena.
Is it worth staying near Maranello rather than in central Modena?+
If the Ferrari Museum and Motor Valley circuit are your primary focus, staying near Maranello (about 13 km south of the city) saves time and adds to the experience. Hotel Maranello Village caters specifically to this audience. However, if food culture, the historic center, or regional rail connections matter to you, basing yourself in central Modena and taking a half-day trip to Maranello is the more flexible option.
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