Can't help with relative closeness to the airport as I went by Contential, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn near the "Fairgrounds" (fiera) in Bologna. It was okay. The beds seemed smaller than a standard single and the shower was smaller too.
I did really enjoy going "downtown" to the two towers and climbed to the top of the one that wasn't leaning. I think it cost 2 or 3 Euros. The churches were very ornate if you have time to just go look I would recomend it.
Also there are quite a few "tourist directors" standing around. I didn't ask what they charged!
The only negitive for this country boy was one time gypsies tried to pick my pocket. I was told afterward they are very skillfull and will use a razor blade and slit your slacks so your wallet drops out. I suppose it isn't much different than big cities here, but I'm not accustomed to that. So if anybody starts begging watch where they put their hands!