We have just returned from a three night stay at the Royal Court Hotel. The Hotel is located only about 400 yards/metres from the main railway station (Termini), Metro and Bus Station but most of the tourist attractions if you are considering walking to them are the 'other' side of the station. Open topped Sightseeing buses stop/wait in the busstation. Also, the hotel, is only about 30 yards from the 'Bank of Italy' with its machine gun toting police guards which seems to make it a rather safe area!
The Hotel might be best described as a 'boutique' hotel (although I m never really sure what that means). The hotel and rooms are filled with antique furniture, pictures and polished wooden floors but also the necessary modern air con and fridge/minibar. Every room is different so these comments can only reflect the room we sayed in (116). Some rooms had showers, others baths or jaccuzzis.Our room had patio doors leading to a small intimate, shady and tranquil courtyard, Trees, shrubs, flowers and bowls of sweets made this an ideal place to relax, with a couple of beers, after a hectic days sightseeing and before dinner at one of the many local restuarants. Although only two (3?) rooms opened directly on to the courtyard it was accessable to all. There were also lifts to all floors.
The staff couldnt have been more helpful and attentive, we particularly liked the 'bellhop/gopher' Romero for whom nothing was to much trouble and always with a smile and at a run...
The hotel provided a buffet breakfast although the choices of four cold meats and cheeses were the same each day these were always fresh and never piled high to become 'tired'. The buffet staff kept the quanities small but constantly refreshed, the moment a plate became empty it was immediately filled, an almost seamless and invisible operation to guests. Plenty of choices of fresh fruit, cereals, juices, cream cheeses, yoghurt, jams, bread ,rolls and much more. Breakfast was served between 7 and 10am everyday although the breakfast room was quiet small it was adequate provided everyone didnt arrive at the same time!
Prices charge for items from the minibar were quite low compared with other hotels I have stayed at or even the hotels own room service charges but items used were not replaced unless you handed in the 'honesty' sheet at reception each day.
It is always possible to find a few things that detract from the overall experience in our case the wash basin plug was too large for the hole so the water slowly leaked away! and the shower tray leaked across the floor and in to the bedroom but only when I used it, I am rather heavy!! My partner is much lighter and no problems. I would also have liked tea/coffee making facilities in the room (Room service was available 24/7).
None of these very minor problems could affect our overall view of this excellent hotel.
If hotel star ratings refered to the look, feel, atmosphere and staff etc. rather than just the 'on paper' facilities then this hotel would rate far more stars than its allocated 2 star rating.
As Arnold Schwarzenegger/The Terminator would say "I'll be back".
