You won't find this hotel - near Ponte Cavour and opposite Palazzo Borghese - on any hotel booking sites as - like its nearby sister hotel Due Torri - it's privately owned. This shows through in the exceptionally friendly welcome and immaculate presentation. The hotel (formerly known as Pensione Mistrali) has been recently renovated, including the addition of (much needed) air conditioning, but preserving the unique character of the building. Many of the rooms overlook an inner courtyard providing an island of peace amid the bustle of the Centro Storico. A plaque outside the entrance details the interesting history of the building.

Here's a map of the location:

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We've stayed at the Fontanella Borghese three times, first in 2002 and most recently for a week on October 2006. Although we paid the same rate in euros this stay as we did in 2002, the room was quite a bit more expensive due to the weakness of the U.S. dollar. In some compensation, we found the desk staff even more helpful than before. (We also had a lovely chat with the owner whom we'd met before.) Restaurant recommendations were outstanding.

The hotel has made some alterations since our last visit. There is now a very nice sitting room and an enlarged breakfast room. We thought both changes were nice improvements.

By coincidence, we were given the same room as we had on our first stay. This room overlooks the small street which runs behind the building in which the hotel is located. Unfortunately, this street is now used by evening walking tours and also includes a rather noisy restaurant, so there was quite a bit of noise until late in the evening. We will request a room facing the interior courtyard next time. And there will be a next time. We love Rome and we love this hotel.

As others have said the location is good. And it can be noisy, no question. I guess we would stay here again. If that sounds lackluster it is only because the cost of any hotel in Rome is depressing. The rooms of this hotel are very small but typical. The desk people are very good, especially Kallid. Follow his advice on restaurants. Breakfast is in a new, lovely room and the food is fine. The owner tries to make everyone feel special. You might want to check out her sister hotel Hotel dueTorri that is reportedly a step up from this one.

I am going to give this three stars. For budget travellers it is probably a five but there are sooooo many much better hotels in Rome; too bad they cost $500+.

Use the grocery store across the street for water, wine and snacks. Also the enoteca down the street is nice; take a right out of hotel, half a block. Mancini is a wonderful restaurant; five minute walk. Go late if you can; filled with Americans until 9pm.

Myself and my partner stayed at the hotel for 2 nights at the end of September. Our room was quite small and the shower was not the best - in wasn't very powerful but managed to soak the floor every time you used it. It must be a well known problem as there were extra floor towels provided for this purpose I think!
On the first day we arrived the window couldn't be opened due to scaffolding outside which we were told should have been gone a month ago. To be fair it was gone by the second day and we could enjoy the view of the surrounding streets.
The staff were very friendly and polite. We didn't need to use them very much but I am sure if you needed something they would help you out.
The streets were quite noisey at night but with the wndow closed the double glazing worked reasonably well.
Cannot fault the location for sight seeing, a couple of minutes walk from the Spanish steps and easily within walking distance of all the other main sights.
If you are looking for a base to explore the sights and aren't planning on spending too much time in the room then this hotel is fine. If you like a bit of luxury and space then you might want to look elsewhere.