I was very reluctant to book a hotel that did not have a review on tripadvisor, but I decided to take a risk.

As I walked from the Termini Station following my mapquest directions, the neighborhood seemed to be getting more and more seedy (dodgy). And, yes, when I was only one block away, I was planning on turning around, losing the money, and moving on to a different hotel. I'm glad that I did not.

Though the Hotel S. Lorenzo Maria is in a bit of a rougher area than I might be accustomed to, I've actually grown quite fond of my roost for the past few days.

The hotel is immaculately clean, very nicely decorated, the staff was excellent, the cleaning staff was even more friendly. The pictures on the official website aren't fake. It's really quite that nice. True, you have to take a tram or bus to get here (it's not really walkable from the Termini--and certainly not recommended as the neighborhood between here and there isn't great), I really think that this is a great deal. For a very reasonable price, I've been able to stay a ten minute tram ride from the Coliseum and the amenities are quite nice... wireless internet, cable tv, plenty of hot water, good air conditioning, breakfast, and a charming property with lots of character.

If you're not comfortable with cities and a bit of grit is going to cause you alarm, this isn't the place for you. But if you're the sort of person who is comfortable with the realities of an urban setting (and can deal with taking the tram/bus), you could really like it here and save a lot of money.

I really liked it here and would certainly come back. Would I come back with mom? Hmm. Mom would probably like a bit more curb appeal.

We stayed in this hotel for 3 nights. The reception area was very nice as was the bar, Breakfast was ok but on the second morning of our stay we were a little late getting down, I asked the small female waiter if there were more cheese and was quite roughly informed thet the german bus party had eaten it all and there was only the processed cheese left.
The bedroom was a place to sleep only, the shower was a disgrace and mould all over it and lower part was a health hazzard.
My wife only wore her slippers in the bedroom and the soles were filthy which showed that the marble floors had possibly been swept but definatly now mopped down. Staff on reception were very helpful but I think they all have forgotten how to smile. The hotel is no way 800 metres more like 3 kilometres from Termini.
The area is very quiet but we didnt fell threatened in anyway. The Arancia Blu is a must just a 2 minute walk behind the hotel.

Located in a not very plesant residential area. Did not feel unsafe but would not recommend a single female staying there and walking in the late evening. There is only tram to the metro station - ok but need some time to go to the hotel.

Bathrooms are old and mine was stinky like a public toilet. It seemed that my bathroom was never cleaned during my stay. Furniture is not very cheap but is absolutely not functional and appears to be like a decoration.

Personnel (especially if compaired with other hotels I stayed in Florence and Milan) seems to be very unhappy that they work in this hotel.

In summary, do not expect something special. Definitely not worth paying more than 50 EUR for a single room. If you can afford paying 70-80 EUR, I recommend finding another hotel, cleaner and closer to the center.

We loved our stay at Villa San Lorenzo. In the San Lorenzo district, close to Stazione Termini, it is not walking distance from the sights, but the tram stop is literally just a 2 minute walk from the hotel. Given the excellent price of the hotel, it was worth the stay. The tram will take you directly to the Coluseum, and once you figure out the transportation system, everything is just a tram, metro, or bus stop away. The rooms are small, but nice. We had a room facing a small inner courtyard which was very peaceful and delightful. Breakfast is your ordinary European breakfast, but the coffee was so good. There's an Internet cafe just around the corner with a friendly staff and cheap prices, in case you want to check in with family and friends back home. If you get a chance, for dinner dine at Arancia Blu. Excellent and a short walk away!