We stayed at this lovely hotel for 8 nights, Dec. 23 to Dec. 31, 2006. When we checked in the afternoon, the rooms were ready. There is a small elevator for use in the hotel. We had 2 rooms overlooking the center courtyard (double and triple). This was lovely and very quite. We had friends that had 2 rooms looking out at the Basillica on the street and it was a little more noisy (but they sleep with the windows open).
Room: Nice size. The beds very comfortable. We had a full length mirror but my kids did not (not a problem for us). We had a bathtub with a hand spray which I thought may be a problem, but we loved it. The spray was hot and strong. My kids had a shower. The bathrooms were a nice size and there were some shampoo ammeneties and a small bar of soap there (I also brought a bar for the shower). I bring my own shampoo everywhere too. There is a toilet and bidet (could not get the hang of this...I am too American I guess!). There is TV with CNN international and bbc world in english and my kids loved MTV which has Italian commentary but they do not dub over the stars comments and songs. There is a refrigerator with waters, soda (cans), juice and wine. We bought waters and sodas (plastic bottles) and stored some in the frig and it was not a problem so we were not charged for waters, etc. There is a hanging closet and a small draw. The storage was enough for me and half of hubbies (he kept extra stuff in the suitcase on the luggage tray). My kids kept stuff in their suitcases because there was not alot of storage room in the room and they tend to do this anyway at many hotels. They are teens, so I let them manage their own clothes. The rooms are not adjoining, but that was not a problem for us. The windows have shutters that close and keep it dark if you want to sleep a little late one day. Overall, very comfortalbe.
Breakfast: nice continental breakfast. The friendly staff make you a cappuccino or expresso. There is regular coffee, hot tea, hot milk and cold milk, cereals, muffins, crackers, pastries, hot weiners, cheese and salami and ham, hard boiled eggs, fruit (pineapple or peaches) and yogurts each day. The rooms is cheery the table has linens and plates have charger plates underneath, so it is very lovely.
Staff: Very friendly and helpful. Gave us directions when we wanted and always responded to my emails prior to my stay.
Hotel: there is several sitting areas (including one off the lobby for meeting friends) and a library (very nice) and computer with internet connection for free. The hotel seems to attract a European crowd since it does not advertise in most USA internet sites I have used. It was family friendly and 3 blocks from the Termini. There is also a taxi stand across the street and many buses go by. The open bus stops there too. There is SMA (supermarket) across the piazza and a UPIM (department store) too. Make sure you stop by the coffee shop next door for an afternoon latte. Phillip was very friendly and said hello to us each day. My girls thought he was attractive too!
Overall: We loved the stay! We slept great, had a wonderful time in 'Rome and the hotel was quite a bargain. We paid 100 euros per night for the triple and 90 for the double (except on Dec. 30 when the price went up for the holiday weekend).
