We just returned from a 2 week holiday in Italy. Our last stop was Rome and we stayed at La Residenza. There are four of us. My husband, myself and two teenage boys. This hotel offered accomodation for four which made me more comfortable having the boys in the same room as us. BIG MISTAKE! They have rooms for four, but the one we got, room 501 was at best a 2 star. This room was obviously as add on being at the top floor (no elevator access to it) and the ceilings were not even regular height. It felt like we were in a trailer. I was so dissappointed. One room had two twin beds which was ok but the other room and two wicker day beds with blankets on them that I wouldn't keep in the trunk of my car. The room had a really bad musty smell and the towels were grey and felt like sand paper. It was like this room was not a part of this hotel. When I went down to complain they were not accomodating at all. It was very frustrating. They showed me a couple of other rooms that weren't available until the next night so I knew this room was not their standard which made it more frustrating. This room should not be available to anyone. The next night when we swithched room, there was no musty smell, the towels were white and soft and the bedspreads were clean and not camping blankets. We had to pay more and they weren't too accomodating. We had to basically argue with them to switch rooms. If you are booking for four, it's woth calling ahead to make sure it's not room 501. .

We booked La Residenza based on price and location. Also based on the positive reviews on this site.

We had three days in Italy prior to our cruise. Two were at this hotel.

We were warmly greeted by the staff, and our room ;while it didn't have a great view ; was HUGE for a european hotel room, with two LARGE windows, a sofa, tv, desk, chair and coffee table, dresser, super big king size bed, clean and comfortable. Like most hotels in this area a bidet was also in the bathroom.

On Fridays they have a complimentary cocktail party at 6:30 pm for all their guests. We had a blast and met many wonderful people, drank wonderful wines, and liquers and had some great snacks.

Breakfast was included also in the cost of our room, and we took advantage of the wonderful buffet spread in the mornings. Everything from American items, plus they would cook eggs to order, to cold meats, fruits, traditional european items, cereals, and the best fresh baked breads and pastries. Coffee was served along with a variety of juices, teas and of course water.

While this hotel does have two gentlemens clubs, one at each corner across the street, we didn't notice any noise or have any problems.

This location was ideal for us . There was a bank ATM just across the main street, a cafe at the corner, a tabacchi ( tobacco shop) just two minutes away for cigs, stamps, etc... , an internet cafe is only 5 minutes away with really great rates, there are also a few nice restaurants within 5 to 10 minutes walking at a leasurely pace.

The subways are also within walking distance and you could catch a bus at the corner of the street. We felt very safe at night.

ALL of the sightsa are within walking distance and very accessable, however Rome is built on a hill so it is a bit like San francisco with cobble stone streets, so I would suggest comfortable shoes.

At one point we had a problem with a credit card at a restaurant, we told the concierge at La Residenza and he was able to straighten it out for us. It was well appreciated.

Trevi fountain, Spanish steps, Plaza Navarona, Pantheon and more are only a 10 to 15 minute walk from hotel.

Cab fare to and from Termani station is about 15 euros depending on luggage.

Sorry about the long review, but we just can't say enough about the wonderful time we had during our stay.

Dave M.

I have stayed at the La Residenza twice: in September 1997 and May 2008. Each time, I found the rooms to be quiet and comfortable. I personally find the location to be extremely convenient . I think it is an excellent value for the money. I would like to comment on some of the other reviews, in particular the complaints about staff and air conditioning. I did find the staff to be somewhat grumpy, so I can see where some people might be put off. On the topic of air conditioning, I had no problems at all, in that the a/c was effective, quiet, and always available. I have played the “a/c game” in several Italian hotels, and it is extremely infuriating. Perhaps I have just been lucky, but in 9 nights at the L.R., I never had a problem. If I were going to Rome, I would book there again.

We stayed at this hotel for 5 days and have nothing but praise . It is quiet ,clean , well located near Villa Borghese and at walking distance from the Spanish Steps and a Metro connection . It has the best breakfast and good service .
I nearly missed it because of some of the reviews e.g" the house of no " and it would have been a shame .
The only negative points I can mention is the somehow greedy attitude of some of the staff in making bookings (do your own bookings ) and the fact that there is no Internet connection at a hotel that boasts four stars .