Camplus Living Bononia is an interesting experiment, some of which works well. It seems to be conceived as an upscale hostel with private bathrooms and some basic amenities like conference rooms for groups. The reception staff oscillates between warm and curtly professional. When I walked into my room I was overwhelmed by the strong chemical smell from the cleaning agents, and had to open the window/door for a few minutes. This let what little warmth there was from the heating system escape, and it never got replaced afterward. The inside thermometer now reads 22 degrees C (it can not be turned any higher), but I am sure it is not over 60 degrees F, so am wearing a sweater and parka with my overheated laptop on my lap; I have yet to feel any room heat that does not emanate from the towel heating bar in the bathroom. Internet has been down all afternoon, showing little hope of reviving. The single bed is quite mushy, unlike most Italian beds. Shower pressure is robust. Excellent breakfast offered eggs, bacon, espresso machine, juices, yogurt, cereals, cornetti (Italian croissants), other cakes, etc. It is served buffet style in the cafeteria, which also has lunch and dinner menus, which I did not sample. The cafeteria décor (including chairs and drinking cups) is mostly plastic, but plates and utensils are real. It is about a 5-minute walk to the bus, then 15 minutes to Center or Expo Center (Fiera). Buses are somewhat irregular in their timing, especially the 39 to the Fiera. Restaurants in the area look grim, but there's a good café for coffee near the bus stop. While I stayed the other patrons were considerate people in their 20s-50s, but the walls are thin and hall noise comes right in through the doors, so bring earplugs. In all, it's a fairly jovial place whose prices will be modest relative to other hotels at a given time. read more
