We have just returned from a very hot (35-39 degrees), yet enjoyable weekend in Rome, staying at the Donna Laura. Having read previous reviews, we were aware of some people's comments/complaints, but wanted to reassure future readers that our stay was trouble free and a relaxing break away. We found the service impeccable, from bar staff, wait staff through to reception, often going out of their way to be helpful (as we found when trying to watch a pay for view rugby game with the english speaking conceirge translating instructions from his younger techno friendly staff member), and the hotel facilities and air conditioned rooms very nice The roof terrace was open from 5-11pm every night we were there and we also stayed on the 4th floor but were not disturbed by any furniture moving...(maybe it was just too hot to be moving furniture around!).

We recommend using the Donna Laura associated taxi to airports as for a standard 50 euro, we enjoyed the stress free ride in a late model chartered Mercedes with a respectful and friendly driver. We recommend this hotel, but do be aware that you need to factor in taxi's to main areas, even the Vatican etc as the heat meant the normally enjoyable 20min walk was less than bearable. Be aware also, that the Vatican Museum closes at 12:45 on a Saturday, and is not open on a Sunday, so be prepared for every tour guide in Rome to turn up at 8:30...and the queue is a hot wait in the sun. The audio guide for St Peters is a well spent 5 euro and a must to easily explain some of the key features and block out the tour groups and disgruntled teenage school groups!!!!

Donna Laura Palace Roma
The place is located right next to the river Tiber. The rooms are clean and nicely furnished. Vaticano and Piazza del Popolo are within walkable distance (20 – 30min). Metro Station Lepanto is a 10 Minutes walk.
Anyhow in June 06 I had a weekend there with my girlfriend and I was very disappointed.
The main reason for us to pick this hotel was the roof terrace, that they are showing in each and every ad that you will find in the net. Only, that the breakfast is being served in the cellar and that in the evenings the roof terrace is only permitted to VIP Guests.
In addition to that you can hear each and every moving of the heavy cast iron furniture from the roof terrace above in the rooms on 4th floor where our room happened to be.
This is a major discomfort especially the rumouring when they clear up the terrace at 11pm and start to clean it up at 7:30am!!!
Donna Laura staff to us was inflexible, not at all service orientated not to say (partially) unfriendly, and not a tiny little bit supportive to our complaints. For 220 Euro/night you can expect more than that.
In short: Donna Laura Palace has all the potential that you are looking for in your accommodation in this beautiful city of Rome but it is the People that run this place that make it a “stay away”.

We stayed here for 3 nights at (thurs to Sun) just before the bank holiday.

The hotel arranged for a taxi to pick us up from the airport (called Angelo), he was brilliant. Everyone in Rome drives fast and he was no exception!! If you mail the hotel direct, they will give you a fixed price. Angelo drove out of his way to show us where to queue for the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, he also told us to get there by 8 in the morning , and are we glad we did. Some people queued for 4 hours due to getting there later. We arrived at 8.15am, the chapel opened at 8.45am and we were in by 9.20am. Allow yourself a day in vatican City as there is loads to see.

Back to the hotel, I have read the previous reports, we found no problems with the safe and the reception staff spoke perfect English and couldn't have been more helpful. However, I do agree with the bar closing early. The info at the hotel states 11 o'clock, but it was shut long before this when we stayed. The Terrace Restaurant doesn't open until June 01.

The rooms were clean and of a good size, as was the bathroom. The maids cleaned every day and always to a high standard.

The walk to Vatican City was fine, but consider the Metro for anywhere futher, the Metro takes you straight to the Colliseum. The hotel is a good 20 minute walk to Trevi Fountain etc, but quite a scenic walk

I stayed at this hotel for 4 nights in April 2005. It is located on a busy road but set back a little so the noise was not excessive. It is close enough to the Vatican but not much else (sightseeing wise)
We found the staff very unfriendly. We returned one evening from a long day of sightseeing only to be told at 10.00pm that the bar was closed! I asked the guy behind reception for a box or card of matches. He did look in a drawer and announced he had none. I asked him, had they no matches in the entire hotel and he said no they hadn't!!!
We found the room very very small and the bathroom was tiny and the air conditioning didn't work. I was glad I wasn't there at the height of the summer.
Having said the above, it was a day after the new Pope was announced and I guess hotel rooms were at a premium in Rome.
It served our purpose in the end as we left the hotel every morning after breakfast and did not return until very late each evening.
The choice of breakfast was good enough apart from the coffee and the room was clean and tidy.
But, would I go back? Not a chance. I think there is better value to be had elsewhere.