Motor Valley XX

You'll find this studio apartment in the heart of Bologna. Although the outside of this former palace has old-world charm in spades, this flat's interior is all about those sleek, 21st-century touches. We're talking a luxe rainfall shower in the marbled bathroom, a compact, smartly-designed kitchen with a coffee capsule machine and quirky mechanic-inspired wallpaper behind the comfortable bed. It's a snug, somewhat dark space, we're not going to lie, but it's stylish – and if that's not enough to tempt you, the location sure will.

You're smack-dab in the centre of it all, just an eight-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore. The city is at your fingertips, so spend your days here museum hopping, sightseeing and wandering the cobblestone streets in search of hidden gems. Excellent eateries are on your doorstep, too – whether you fancy pasta and gelato or aperitivo alfresco at the chic wine bars nearby, there's something to whet everyone's appetite.

Home truths:
*Two guests can sleep on the sofa bed, but we'd recommend a maximum guest count of two
*Your host has several flats in this building, and you may be able to book them together to accommodate larger groups – please ask for more information
*While there aren’t any laundry facilities in the apartment, shared washers and dryers are available in the building
*This building has a shared entrance – you can self check-in with a smart lock
*This home is inside Bologna's restricted traffic zone, where cars are only allowed between 8pm and 7am – we think the best way to explore is on foot
*Well-behaved pets are welcome on request
*A germicidal air purifier can be provided on request
*The kitchen is very small and best suited to lighter meals