After looking at so many hotels and reading so many reviews here in tripadvisor, I chose Hotel Italia for my stay in Rome in my European tour. I was NOT disappointed. The room was on the small side but I was expecting this as it is the standard in this part of the world. Being in Rome for the first time, I was not sure of the location of this hotel relative to the tourist sights. When I arrived in the afternoon, I just walked around, got lost on the streets and did not expect to see the Colosseo quite close by.

The location is very convenient. I'm someone who usually do not like walking but once I knew where the hotel was, I practically walked back to the major tourist sights, like the Collosseo, the Forum, Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps to name a few. Arriving at the hotel, I'd recommend to walk from Repubblica Metro station, it would take you at most a good 10 mins. dragging your luggage with you. It is located on a side street from one of the major streets, Via Nazionale where a number of buses pass through yet a distance away that you would not hear any street noise. The hotel is on the first floor of the building, you need to get on the lift with your luggage. At the corner of Via Venezia and Via Nazionale, there is a grocery store called Desparo, where you can buy water and food. There is also a bookstore on Via Nazionale if you need to purchase a guide book! There is a good Trattoria Venezia right across the Hotel that serves very good pasta. And on the next street, Via Genova, there is a good restaurant and a cafe as well.

The staff were so friendly and helpful. And as mentioned on one of the reviews, the smiling waitress who served me tea each morning was very pleasant. Breakfast was included and it consisted of 3-4 kinds of bread (croissant, pastries, etc.), different kinds of spreads (cheese, jam, etc.), yogurt, good old cornflakes and tea, coffee or cappuccino.

Small details that made my stay here very pleasant were: free wifi internet, free use of their laptop at common area, availability of a a plug adapter, guide books you can borrow for free, ice, knowledgeable staff and a towel you can step on after a good shower.

Will be back at this hotel on my next trip to Rome.