I've read the numerous reviews written since my husband and I spent 3 nights at the Althea Inn in late October. Everything was so special, and Alessandro was a one-of-a-kind innkeeper. He took such good care of us...in a number of ways that made a wonderful difference to us. I wish I could add to the superlatives written on these pages, but I think it's all been said. STAY THERE -- you will not regret it for a minute..

The Althea Inn is a beautiful place to base your stay in Rome. About a 10 minute walk from Ostiense train station which we did with all of our luggage. A quiet street with several nice restaurants nearby (the Gelatto and Chinese food restaurants around the corner are great). The front entrance is very unassuming, we walked by it the first time. Once inside you will be pleasantly surprised. The room is spacious, nicely decorated and has a beautiful patio. No view from the patio but well surrounded by flowers and plants. Tiled floors, modern bathroom and a comfortable bed help make the stay very enjoyable. The mini-bar has a nice selection of beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks at reasonable prices and on occasion some great pastries from Alessandro. Breakfast was amazing: pastries, juice, coffee, fresh fruit, and a cheese/sliced meat breakfast sandwich. It was a tasty and filling meal to give a great start to the day.
Alessandro is very helpful with planning and advice. He booked the Borghese Gallery and suggested sights, walking tours and helped with transportation. He is a true gentleman: polite, friendly and made himself available to our schedule and needs. He brought an early breakfast so we could get to the sights first thing in the morning and helped with getting our lost luggage delivered. Service like this you will not receive at any hotel. Thanks Alessandro from making our stay in Rome memorable.

Reading other reviews we were expecting the best and were not disappointed. Alessandro was informative and helpful with directions, local restaurants etc. Although damp, cool weather meant we were not able to use the balcony until our last morning it was relaxing to look out of our bedroom onto greenery. The minibar is good value. The breakfasts were great, and to have them served in the room was a new experience for us. Alessandro clearly noticed we had a good appetite, as our breakfast tray seemed to be piled higher and higher as the days went on!
We love to walk and found many sights were within walking distance but Alessandro also explained the bus routes, and the train and metro stations were nearby and easy to use. We found Althea Inn to be in a safe area with a well stocked supermarket, a friendly enoteca, several cosy restaurants and bars all within a five minute walk. Our favourite was "Da Enzo" which was good value, friendly and cosy with a varied menu (turn right out of B&B, right again on Via Ostiense and you will come across it)
Alessandro really looked after us without being intrusive. No wonder the reviews are so fantastic. Alessandro - you deserve the five star rating!

The Althea Inn has to be rated up there with the very best. It may be small with just a few rooms, but from the moment you step through the door of the 5th floor lobby you are surrounded by class and good taste. The rooms are a delight and reflect the character and flair of owner Alessandro; each has its own terrace decked out with comfortable furniture and made intimate by the screening of plants. The beds are a 'dream' - so comfortable.
Each guest is presented with a glass of 'bubbly' and cakes or chocolate!
Breakfast is a superb mix of fresh fruit, croissants, wholemeal bread and a choice of meats and cheeses, coffee or tea and fruit juice.
Alessandro is a charming and reliable host who ensures you get up to catch your flight, arranges luxury cars at affordable prices, communicates and confirms with you and fits in a regular game of football!
Just a five minute walk from Rome's Ostiense railway station, with convenient buses, the location is hard to beat. On top of all this, there is a superb pizzaria, 'Novecento', just 100 mts from the door.
There is no doubt that whenever I'm in Rome this will be my base.