I don't have a single complaint to make about this absolutely wonderful B&B, in spite of some of the other reviews. It was the perfect beginning to an amazing holiday, and we had a far more pleasant, enjoyable and much better serviced experience in this 3* B&B than we did in the 4* Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal in Venice.
Casa Linnea is a B&B owned by Anna Eriksson and her husband, both of whom were absolutely lovely. The communication with Anna via email when booking etc was fantastic - she always replied quickly, in perfect English, and was very helpful.We were also told in our emails that we would need to pay upon arrival for our stay, so not a problem.
Upon arrival, we were let into the building after buzzing as instructed, and were met by Anna's husband who was absolutely lovely. The payment was without problems - he did not have the change to give us but we were assured his wife would give it to us the next day, which she did instantly. When we told him it was our first time in Italy, he was quick to provide us with a large map and mark us a safe and easy route to follow that would enable us to see all the sights we wanted to see. We were also told they lived in their own flat above and were available if we needed any help with anything.
The location of the B&B is amazing. We were ten minutes from the Castel Saint Angelo and ten minutes from the Vatican. It was then only short and very easy walks to get to the Trevi Fountain, Altar of the Fatherland and Coliseum. It's also close to the Spanish Steps but we managed to go the wrong way and missed it!
We asked for a twin room because we weren't sure how they would be with same-sex couples, so we ended up with the triple room. Needn't have worried about the bed situation - the two singles were pushed together like a double anyway! We were astonished by how beautiful the room was - very vintage and rustic looking. It was massive, with a beautiful, large bathroom too, with a hot, powerful shower. As someone else pointed out, the rooms have windows that open onto a six floor atrium. We, however, had no problem with noise. Yes, we could hear people talking below us but it wasn't too loud at all, and it was nice to feel like you were in the heart of Rome living amongst the locals. It was also a lovely addition to the stay hearing someone playing their saxophone during the middle of the day.
Breakfast - I don't get why so many people complain about this. Yes, it's basic but it is a B&B, not a 5* hotel. It's run by Anna and her husband, but they do have to maintain the B&B and their own apartment, and for what was at the time (don't know if they've extended it) only a three bedroom B&B, why spend so much money on hams, cheeses, cereals, fruits, yogurts etc that might have been wasted? Unless you're living the high life, I don't really think everyone sits at home on a Monday morning and cracks out the speck and parma ham, the three cheeses and the bacon, before their croissaint and jam anyway! The breakfast was ample, and freshly bought by Anna every day. My partner needs a good, and reasonably large breakfast to make it through until lunch time, and I thought this would never be enough, but it kept her going until tea time! There was milk, tea, coffee and orange juice whenever you wanted, and yes you served yourself in the mornings but you do that at the Hotel Carlton breakfast buffet in Venice too. No big deal. And yes, you wash your own plate, but you've only used the one! I really liked the self-service thing - felt like I was at home in Italy.
There's a fantastic little restuarant just opposite Casa Linnea too called Raf's. Amazingly friendly staff and stunning food. Went there every night.
Anna was also extremely helpful when it came to sorting a taxi to the station. She was away the morning we wanted it, but was more than happy to book it for us from where she was. We didn't want to bother her with it so she left us instructions when she dropped off the breakfast that morning.
In all, the best stay I've had in any hotel, B&B, motel etc...anywhere. And we've stayed in some pretty damn nice places. You felt like part of a family, like they cared about you, and we were well and truly looked after and kept safe. I wouldn't stay anywhere else in Rome. Thank you, Anna, for being so hospitable and caring.
- Also Known As:
- Casa Linnea Rome
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