We stayed at Dolcemela for 5 nights using Ferrara as our base to explore the area. Dolcemela was a perfect choice -- comfortable, friendly, and very clean and well maintained. Set on a narrow Medieval street, it is an easy walk to shopping, cafes, great restaurants, the Ducal Palace, and the cathedral. Marco, the charming host, speaks good English and is always ready with good suggestions for the best restaurants and things to see and do. Along with breads, cereals, meats, and cheeses, the generous breakfast offered an amazing array of pastries freshly made each day by Marco's sister along cappucino, coffee, tea, etc. made to order by Marco. We loved our time there.
Ferrara itself is a lovely, off the tourist-track city with lots to see and do. It is well located for day trips to Padova, Modena, Ravenna, and surroundings.
