I changed my accommodation booking in Rome at the last minute before leaving Australia and am very happy I did. This hotel is in a good location and easy walking distance from Palazzo Quirinale (2 min), Trevi Fountain (10 min) , Le Quattro Fontane (10 mins) Piazza Barberini (15 min) Spanish Steps (20 min), Piazza Venezia (5 min), Il Vittoriano (5 min), Trajan's Column (5 min) and the Coliseum (10 min).
I got a cab from Roma Termini Station which took about 10 mins and cost about 15 euro which I agreed to before I got into the cab. Be aware though that taxi drivers will try to take you for a ride and not in a good way (the cabbie tried to tell me initially it would cost 28 euro which was simply outrageous given the short distance from the station to the hotel).
The hotel was much nicer than I expected for a 3 star and well worth the money I paid. The room was a good size for one person especially given the room next to mine was a fraction of the size and only had a single bed in it. It was clean and neat and while the heating was a little too warm at certain times of the day I was able to cool things down by opening the windows when necessary. It was perfect for me.
The room amenities included a safe and fat screen TV with CNN for the English speakers and a minibar. There is also an internet point in the hotel bar which costs 1 euro for 12 minutes.
The hotel lift is apparently original and 100 years old. I thought it was a charming touch although I overheard other guests bemoaning its size and efficiency.
On the whole Reception staff were helpful with questions and recommendations although at times they seemed overwhelmed and a bit stressed.
Breakfast was included in the tariff and is provided in the restaurant adjacent to the hotel. The buffet included juices (dispenser only) coffee (both dispenser and barista) and chilled water. A hot choice was provided of scrambled eggs, sausage links, bacon and toast. Cereals, canned fruit, yoghurt, fresh bread rolls, pastries, scones, muffins, rice cakes and a variety of packet crackers and cookies were also available. Sliced cheese and cold cuts were also available as well as cream cheese portions and preserves.
The restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner most days (not for Saturday lunch and no service on public holidays) and while I ate there because as a lone traveler it was convenient (and safer than venturing out alone to look for something else) I was really disappointed with the food which was way below par. I’m not sure though whether this reflects on the hotel in any way as they not have much say about the menu or the kitchen staff. If you choose to eat here in the evenings I do suggest you are prepared for a long wait as there seems to be only 2 wait staff who are utterly run off their feet which might explain their demeanor. I waited 30 minutes for my bill one evening once I had managed to gain their attention which also took quite a bit of doing.
There is an excellent snack bar opposite the Hotel for take away lunches and snacks and a bar around the corner that has live music most nights.
Overall for a three star hotel this place was a real find, and a comfortable place to stay that was close to most things. I recommend it for single travelers and couples.