Just returned from a fantastic trip to Rome. Can highly recommend the Hotel Farnesina at Ponte Milivio. We had booked the hotel's limousine service which cost 55 Euros one way from Ciampino airport. The driver was there to meet us when we got off the plane despite a 45 minute delay from Glasgow. The journey only took 30 minutes.

On arrival at the hotel the staff were very friendly and helpful. There was no language barrier and the check-in was quick. The room was very clean and modern, very boutique style. Facilities were excellent, air-conditioning, telephone, mini-bar, TV, and hairdryer, power shower, nice clean fluffy white towels. The view from the room was of the church which is a landmark in the area. Breakfast was served from 7.30am-9.30am and was the usual continental style. However one bonus was the delicious cafe lattes and the view from the rooftop terrace.

The area surrounding the hotel was lovely. Lots of great restaurants, bars and ice-cream shops. Plenty of authentic Italian atmosphere.
Getting into the centre of Rome was no problem either. Get a ticket from the local newstands for the bus/metro it costs 1 Euro and this lasts for 75 minutes. Catch a No 32 bus the last stop takes you straight to the Vatican or get off at Ottaviano which is the nearest metro station from there you catch the underground train to Spagna (three stops down from Ottaviano) which lets you off near the Spanish steps or go on further to Barberini (four stops from Ottaviano) which is near the Trevi Fountain and Via Veneto for the Hard Rock Cafe. All the major sites are of walking distance once you are in the centre. Must say the Vatican was the highlight of our first trip to Rome. You must see the Basilica, Sistine Chapel and climb to the top of the Cupola (Vatican Dome) the view is awesome. However you must be quite fit even if you do take the lift up part of it. The open top bus tour is great value at 26 Euros they even stop at the Bocca Della Verita (mouth of truth) made famous in the film Roman holiday with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck which is a must too!

Not impressed. Their web site says 'minutes' from St Peters, but we found it took a 5 min walk to the bus stop, a 10 min wait for bus, a 15 min bus ride, a 10 min walk to St Peters. Not exactly as close as it sounds!

Also, we arrived back late one night, to find the maid had left our door open (not just unlocked, but open!) all day. The receptionist on duty was far from apologetic and didn't seem at all concerned. We alerted a different receptionist in the morning, who at least apologised.

Finally, we'd booked a twin room, but on arrival were presented with a double. We had to rearrange the room ourselves after the surly receptionist had given us the sheets.

We felt let down by the whole experience...

Was a bit outside the city center - 15 mins with tram - then 3 min walk across Milvio brigde - but nice area with little restaurants and market each day, hotel staff friendly, room small but clean and newly done - breakfast for italian standards good! Good deal for the money!

First time in Rome, arrived at Airport and the taxi we had booked from the Hotel did not turn up. Flight arrived in at 9pm, and we had to then fight our way through a queue to get an airport bus to the Terminal Station. The bus journey took about 30mins. At Terminal Station, we struggled to find a taxi that would take us to the hotel, due to it being "too far away".

We eventually found someone willing to take us, not a licensed taxi though! He was a star and it cost us 30 euros to get to the hotel. At nearly 10pm we just wanted to get to the hotel!

Hotel was set off the road, you wouldn't notice the entrance. The room was quite small but very clean. Staff very friendly and apologised when we asked where our taxi was - they had booked the taxi so it wasn't their fault!

Quiet location, no noise, in a residential area. Not central - but okay when you get the hang of the transport. No 32 bus was great - bus stops on the main road, near the bridge. Approx 20mins on bus to Metro Ottaviano (line A) to take you into Rome.

Take the 32 bus to the last stop, and you are right at the Vatican - so very handy for that!

There did not appear to be any room service available, and the breakfasts were okay - nothing fancy - cereals, hard bread rolls, croissants and cheese and ham.

We ate locally and there were a number of restaurants near to the Hotel. The hotel staff recommended one only 5 mins away and it was fantastic, excellent food and the staff were great in translating the menu for us.

There is a lot of walking about involved - so be prepared!

Oh, and there was a great local market at the square selling all sorts of fish, veggies, clothing - it was good to wander around with the locals buying and selling - this was on the Saturday morning.

Tip - Vatican museums are free to get in on the last sunday of the month - it was mobbed and we didn't get in, even though we got there early (9am) - the queue was unbelievable!

Would probably go back now we know the buses - but it was very confusing at first and taxi drivers are not forthcoming at taking you to the hotel!