My wife and I stayed at this charming hotel located in Aventina, one of the 7 hills in Rome last August 21-25, 2008. Accomodations are decent and average, not a 5 star luxury hotel more like a 5 star B&B. On the plus, this hotel provides a wonderful breakfast spread & complete bathroom amenities, including robes & slippers.

The staff is warm, friendly and eager to please!

Tip: If you want peace & quiet, this is the hotel for you!

I have just returned from a 4 day stay in Hotel Villa San Pio. We had actually booked into one of the nearby sister hotels, Hotel Aventino (who had unlawfully deducted one night's fee from my account in JUNE with no explanation) - only to find the gate locked on arrival and a flimsy note attached advising people to go to one of the sister hotels. We went to Hotel Anselmo, only to be told to go to Villa San Pio - no explanation or apology was given for Aventino being closed and us not having been advised. In fact, the attitude was along the lines of 'what do you want here, we're a four star hotel, go down to the 3-star'. On arrival, we received similar cold and unfriendly treatment. No apology or explanation was given for the situation.

Perhaps its a taste thing, but I found the room - though a good size and with a huge balcony - quite gaudy and strangely decorated in an overly false ornate style. The breakfast was excellent. However, if you are someone who values good customer service, stay away from this hotel. The demeanour and attitude of the majority of the reception and bar/breakfast room staff was nothing short of hostile. Examples include asking for information on boat trips and the briefest of answers being given before the receptionist literally walked off; asking for change and a bag of mixed coins being emptied out onto he counter for us to fumble through.

Although some may value the peace and quiet of the neighbourhood (this was indeed why I booked it), this proved to give a false sense of security. Only around the corner from the hotel, on my second last day, I was mugged in broad daylight - money, phone, bank and credit cards and passport stolen. So you may well have a nice quiet hotel, but if you cannot step outside the door or walk into the city centre, I feel this utterly defeats the purpose. Note: no support was offered from the hotel staff in relation to this.

Incidentally, there are no shops, bar or cafe nearby, all residential, so there is nothing to do outside of the hotel at night.

I have never, ever had such a bad experience of a hotel and stayed in such an unsuitable area. The experience ruined my holiday in Italy.

This is a comfortable, clean and welcoming hotel in a peaceful and safe area. We chose it because of its proximity to the Caracalla Baths because we were going to a performance there, but would recommend it to anyone visiting Rome who wants to stay away from the noise and bustle of the city while being within reach of major sites. The restaurant is excellent, really good food and very quick service when we told the maitre d'hotel that we were in a hurry because we had to go to the ballet. Just make sure you book the parking space (if you have a car) in advance because it fills up quickly.

I come to Rome at least once a year - winter and summer. On business.

I chose only to stay at the Hotel Villa San Pio. Now stayed there4-5 times. Room rate is usually euro135 (single) and I believe twin/double would be the same. It is well worth the money !

This trip -I have a massive double room with 2 sinks in the marble bathroom ! The air-con is great as it is currently in the 30C s every day ! The beds are comfie and the rooms well appointed (pity about the small TV stations - but as an English-(only) speaker - Italian TV is kinda weird !)

The hotel is located on the Aventine hill - very quiet and secluded. You would not know you are in (busy and traffic-filled) Rome, apart from Sunday mornings when you can hear the beautiful bells from all the surrounding churches. Lovely !

The hotel staff are extremely helpful and courteous. And speak a whole variety of languages ! One concierge even speaks Tamil ! They are great at getting you a taxi -and explaining to the driver where you want to go - and NOT to rip you off !!! The breakfast (free) is "to die for"" - just eat the warm croissants with little pots of English jam (!). and the breakfast coffee (black, of course) is truly amazing - - really hits those taste buds !

One travel tip: If you are coming from the main Rome airport (Fiumincino) - do NOT get the "rip-off" Termini train. Get on the only other train that leaves form the Airport railway station (from the left hand platform as you enter the station from the Terminal). It is the local suburban train. Costs only 5.50 euros (half the Termini train) and is actually more comfortable. And get off after 5 or 6 stations at Ostiense station (the one after Trastevere) that is also the Pyramide metro station Then get a cab to the hotel (5 euros) from outside the station - or walk there up the Aventine hill and soak in Rome !

Enjoy ! Ciao.
C-for