Well first off, we did exactly what we were warned not to do.. we got a taxi from termini!!! We did our homework, so we knew the Termini was just 2 blocks from the hotel.....What we didn't realise was that where the train from the airport offloads, is quite some distance from the main area. We took the nearest exit and could not get our bearings, even with a map. There were roadworks preventing us from crossing the road and we had large cases...so we ended up taking a taxi which took us the scenic route and charged 18 euros! Later we realised our error. In retrospect, if we'd walked about 200 metres down the platform, we would have reached the main shopping area of the termini. Basically then all we needed do was wa lk out of the main doors, turn right and walk alongside the fence until we reached the road, then cross 2 small roads... 5 minutes to the hotel.
We arrived hot and sticky, into a marble reception area , with a smiling, welcoming receptionist.. Our air conditioned room was most welcome. Granted, as said by others, rooms were not large, but it was adequately sized , with a compact marble bathroom with all the basic amenities, and spotlessly clean with stylish decor. I would say this hotel is wonderful value for money. Especially given it's location. The only down points I would state are...... The breakfast was usually cold - We arrived for breakfast between 8.30 and 9am, and apart from the first day, the scrambled egg was always cold. Maybe we needed to be a bit earlier off the mark eh. Have to say the coffee was wonderful.. yummmm. The only other fault I'd say , was relating to the tiny wardrobe. Too narrow to hang clothing properly.....but we managed by only hanging longer easily creased items, and leaving the remainder in out suitcase. Not a problem at all for the few days we were there. Staff were very freindly and pleasant. When I return to Rome ( tossed my coin in the Trevi Fountain), I shall stay there again.
Brilliant Metro system. It's basically 2 lines which cross at Termini. It seems you can travel almost anywhere for 1 euro. ( For 1 euro you can travel for 75 minutes) From Termini, its 2 stops to Spagna for the Spanish steps. ( I think it's one stop for the Trevi fountain. 5 stops takes you to the Colleuseum. Most days our excursions began at Termini or at Republica stations. Purchase your 1 euro ticket from the ticket machine ( and make sure you get it time/ date stamped at the machine nearby or its a £5 euro fine). When you visit the Colluseum or Vatican don't be sucked in by people offering guided tours at top notch prices. All around the Vatican were tour guides. One British guide tried to persuade us to pay 35 euros each for the Vatican museum. The cost to do it alone, including an audio guide was something like 14 euros. Similarly at the colluseum, they offer a guided tour whereby you bypass the que, and the cost is more than double the cost to go it alone. As for bypassing the que... those who paid for a tour guide still qued but joined a fast moving que for those hiring the audio guide! We were in the same que, and pretty much walked straight in. TIP- go it alone at your own pace, but hire the audio guide..its a faster way in and costs only 4 euros extra.