This is a lovely hotel for a family, business travelers or a couple. The location is convenient for sightseers, within walking distance to most attractions and to a metro stop. There are restaurants in the vicinity, would recommend going beyond the very first one in sight being the Cafe Paris directly across the street. It is a lovely cafe but there are many more. The Excelsior is in a prime location right next to the US Embassy, within minutes form the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, etc....

The actual experience at the Rome Excelsior paled in comparison to the brochure's vivid photos of a once grand and luxurious hotel. It is obviously past its prime and in need of sprucing up. The bed however, was up to the usual Westin standard.

The Via Veneto location is beautiful and within quick walking distance to the Villa Borghese park, which provides a welcome respite from the noise of the city. After a 5 night business stay , we moved to a 4 star hotel (also overrated) but which was far more reasonable for the leisure portion of our stay in Rome.

Stayed in May over a 4 day weekend (Bank Holiday). Tried using my Starwood Gold card to get an upgrade, but unless you're related to Gianluca's uncle through a second cousin, forget it, this is Italy and Starwood should be under no illusions they can enforce any other standards!

Room was shabby in an Italian baroque style, not what I had in mind, not what the pictures indicate and with red all over the walls, it's difficult not to "see red"

The lobby a massive, cold unused space had little to commend it but was overtaken by the European Energy Ministers, who had a conference over 2 days of our stay.

Housekeeping when they respond are the best thing going for this place. Despite chasing, they do have plugs (don't expect standard European to work here) and they did make up our bed into a king size.

The concierge: what can I say, here's my best advice. Only ask for a restaurant recommendation if you can afford to pay €200 per meal.

Any extras: The only 5 star quality to this hotel is their exhorbitant prices: whether it be breakfast, €30 for a continental! (seriously we're talking bread and coffee, no extras), to the internet service (although I guess they are like all hotels on this one), to the bar.

And finally, some marketing spiel describes this hotel as having been refurbished with Marble bathrooms..... Ever heard of composite resin? Having worked in the industry I can reliably inform you it is plastic, occasionally bearing some resemblance to marble, but let's not kid ourselves, it's plastic and that sums up my view of this hotel, a pretty mediocre, low quality, man made experience

I am still trying to pump up my Starwood points, but based on my last couple of Westin experiences I was hesitant to book here. I am not sure if it was low expectaions or what, but I couldn't have been happier. The staff was very attentive and helpful.

My room was larger than what I have come to expect in many Italian hotels and very well appointed. They have also added a great fitness area since my last visit.

I was very happy and I will be back here for sure.