We stayed at this hotel from July 21 to 29, 2006 and loved it. We had a one bedroom apartment, which had ample room for our family of four. The staff (Ferdinand, Diana, and Paula) were extremely helpful and accommodating. They responded to my emails quickly and patiently responded to all our inquiries and requests for help with tours. The breakfasts that we got from Gennaro were the best out of the hotels in Rome, Florence, Venice and Paris. My girls were especially fond of the fresh fruit in the morning (didn't get that anywhere else) and the nutella pies. Gennaro also made the best cioccolato - very creamy but not gooey sweet. As it turned out, we couldn't get hot chocolate in Florence and Venice - they said they don't serve it during the hot summer months.

We chose this place because it was a nice compromise between hotel amenities (fresh towels everyday, beds made daily) and the roominess of an apartment. I've read about other posters that have had bad luck with apartments and there were not as many negative ones, I didn't want to take the chance in ending up with an unclean apartment.

The balconies were a nice plus - it would have been better if it didn't face the street - but on the other hand, it was a great spot to watch the people walk by. They also had a washing machine available for our use - what a great convenience. I am not sure if the wringer was broken or if the European machines don't wring, but it was interesting drying our clothes. Another great plus was having a refrigerator and freezer. We had frozen water (at least for the first hour) at the start of our walks.

The location was not an issue for us - there were times when we wanted to be more at the center of the activity. But, as it turned out, we thoroughly enjoyed St. Peter's Basilica and square and had to be there, for one reason or another, at least 4 mornings for tours and mass. It was a nice treat to walk by the piazza in the morning and late afternoons when they were not crowded at all.

Transportation from the apartment was convenient - there was a bus stop 2 blocks away. It was a 10 min. walk to St. Peter's and real close to gelato places (my girls decided Capitan Cone had the best cioccolato flavored gelato). Since we took the busses everywhere, getting to and from the hotel was not an issue for us.

It was extremely hot when we were there and we didn't realize that the A/C was only in the main bedroom. If there was a negative, that would be it. However, they gave us two fans (one for each child) and the girls slept with it close to them and they managed fairly well with it.

We wouldn't hesitate staying here again.

Keith and Imee

We stayed here just 3 nights and would most definitely stay here again. We rented the largest of the apartments for 5 adults, a teenager and a toddler. The apartment was very spacious with 2 bedrooms and two baths, the largest bathroom with a jacuzzi tub and the 2nd bathroom with a jacuzzi shower. The morning breakfast is served on the terrace which is quite lovely. It is a close walk to St. Peters. The staff Anna, Diana and Paola were so very kind, friendly and very helpful. I have never experienced this service at any other hotel. The downside is that a cab driver and bus driver had difficulty finding it, it is on a hill without a sidewalk and there is a train track behind it. The breakfast is similar to other hotels. Serving croissant, hard boiled eggs, fruit, cereal and coffee and yogurt.There is a serenity here that is unmatched by a chain hotel and I certainly look forward to my next stay here.

I recently stayed at the Aurelia with four other adults, one teenager, and one toddler. We all enjoyed staying in our charming, spacious apartment. We found the service to be outstanding... I have NEVER received service like this in an American hotel. The staff at Aurelia went out of their way to find transportation for us, to plan a trip to Pompeii, arranged food for our early morning departure, and even suggested some wonderful restaurants. They treated us like family...even my young 1 1/2 year old daughter!

The location of the hotel is a bit out of the way if you are looking for a place closer to Rome's main attractions. However, it is only a short walk to Saint Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museum. From there it is easy to catch a bus or taxi to your next destination. Or you can walk...like we did!

I thoroughly enjoyed my Aurelia experience and would not hesitate to stay there again!

We stayed at the Aurelia in early 2006 and whilst having a great time in Rome we were eventually dissapointed with the Aurelia. The location is good for St Peters Square but access, especially for those who are less mobile, will be difficult as it's located on a steep hill without a good pavement in the upper section.

The decor of the appartment is tired and the bathrooms do have their fair share of cracked and faded tiles, plus mouldy grout. The appartments are spacious and comfortable, but dated.

We found that we were between the devil and the deep blue sea concerning noise in the choice of apartments. Take your pick - 1. Train noise until about 10:30pm in the track facing apartments or 2. the hairdyer effect from the Vespas in the road facing apartments. We opted to live with the trains as we were told this was the "quieter" side and we were on the ground floor, but they may be unbearable in the evening for upper floors! Ear plugs necessary! I doubt there are any truely quiet appartments.

The staff were very friendly and willing to bend in many ways to make the stay enjoyable. Ferdinand was especially nice. This made a big difference at the time and made up for the decor. To be fair they were starting to renovate the appartment above us, so there should be one in the Michelangelo block that is brand spanking new!

Breakfast was fine, with a limited choice, but fairly decent cappuccino (?). Enough to kick off for the day. We strongly recommend the fish restaurant just down the road, which only has one 'select' dish on the menu, but the night we went it was superb. The "Grey Owl" bar is also quite a cool place for a drink in the evening.

Unfortunately our flight home was cancelled curteousy of Ryanair. In the midst of a mild panic at the airport, on a hot day we called the VA to see if we could stay another night. They agreed and we went straight back into our room (which hadnt been cleaned) on the promise that because the room wasn't needed we could have it for free (agreed before return - too good to be true?). After staying the night this offer was retracted and we had to pay the asking price.

Down to you if you think this was fair or not, but we left the hotel feeling sadly disappointed and duped.