You cannot get a more perfect location, close to everything, within walking distance of anything in Rome. Hundreds of restaurants, bars, gelato, fast food, gift shops all on the same block and nearby area. The front desk was very helpful, very nice and spoke good English. From the view of the street you can see the forum. The shower was a bit small, the room was huge in standards of European rooms.

I'm going to keep this review short and sweet. My brother and I walked from the train station to the hotel in approximately 15-20 mins (all downhill). Was a fine walk as long as you aren't lugging too many bags.

I booked this hotel strictly due to location and cost (knowing we wouldn't be spending any time in our room other than to sleep and shower.) Perfect location! Less than a five minute walk to the ancient ruins and the Colosseum. We only spent two nights here so we wanted to be able to avoid cabs and walk.

As far as the hotel...my brother and I are NOT picky and can handle "okay" accommodations. Our room was tiny with two twin beds pushed together. (a little too close for comfort) I easily pushed the beds apart and put the single end table between the beds to give us a bit of space. There was really no room for our suitcases but we managed. Housekeeping was average at best. The bathroom was a decent size with the exception of the shower which was quite small by our US standards.

All in all...while I wouldn't go back to this hotel....it worked for us on this trip. I travel extensively and feel this review is fair and accurate. If you are a stickler for comfort and cleanliness...you may want to look elsewhere. If you are a budget...are looking for a perfect location and can "rough" it....This place is perfectly fine.

We booked a weekend stay at the Hotel Solis (Sat & Sun), our choice was influenced by other (mostly positive) reviews and it's central location.

The hotel is small, and a little dated (let's itself down with an unattrative worn / dirty carpet on the staircase), however the rooms, although smallish, are clean & comfortable with an adequate toilet / shower.

The breakfast room comprises a few small tables with a "help yourself" basic buffet bar. Breakfast consists of a selection of cereals, pastries, tea coffee & fruit juice, perhaps not what you are used to in England but adequate.

The hotel's redeeming feature is it's location and reasonable room price. On arrival at the termini station (bus & train station) it's very easy to locate and only a 15 minute steady walk. From the hotel you can walk to the Colosseum within 10 minutes, and most other attrations and shops are close by (the hotel has a very good free pocket map at reception)

Tips -

Purchase a return bus ticket at Ciampino airport for the Schiaffini Shuttle bus, it is only 8 euros return, the bus stop is No. 1 directly outside the airport main building, no problems with getting on, they are very frequent and reliable. A taxi one way will set you back around 40 euros.

At the termini staion, cross the road and stop at McDonalds for a quick coffee etc. (2 coffees, 2 cakes & 2 burgers only 5.90 euros). Normally I don't frequent McDonalds but the coffee is very good and the prices very cheap compared to most eateries in Rome! Leaving McDonalds turn left and walk up the road, turning left into the Via Cavour, the Solis is No. 311 on the right hand side of the street.

Purchase an all day metro ticket from the kiosks in the stations, at only 4 euros each they are good value for money and will save you blisters on your feet!

Check prices for coffees before ordering, most Italians drink coffee at the bar inside as they are much cheaper, a coffee in a tourist location seated outside can cost you up to 5 euros!

The Sistine Chapel at the Vatican is only open on the last Sunday of the month, although open on all other days of the week. An excellent eaterie near the Vatican is the Tavola Calda Pizzeria on the Via Otaviano (53) - fantastic roast meats & potatoes.

Ladies - wear sensible flat shoes or you will suffer, walking boots would be better as many of the streets are cobbled or of uneven surface, maybe not fashionable but you will be thankful at the end of the day's sightseeing !!


Enjoy your stay, it's a beautiful city, very safe and interesting if a little pricey in places. For a freebie call into the Louis Vuitton shop on the Via Condotti - they give browsers in the shop glasses of wine & fruit juices & a sample chocolate!

If you want to see ancient Rome, this hotel is in the perfect location. It is a 2 to 5 minute walk to the beginning of the Forum (at the end of the block) and a five minute or so walk to the Coliseum. Trajan's Market is right there too. Also, Saint Peter in Chains Church is basically next door. Two metro stations are very nearby which lets you get to attractions further away very quickly and cheaply. Also, several restaurants and places to get a quick sandwich are around the hotel.

It is not the Ritz, but the room was big enough and clean. The room we were in had a nice bathroom, and space for three to sleep. The TV was small, but we didn't care since we were there to see Rome. The breakfast in the morning was good and the staff were helpful and polite. The hotel faces a busy street (all the streets seem busy in Rome), but once we closed the windows and curtains we could not hear a thing. The decor in the room was somewhat dated, but once, again, we didn't care since we were in Rome to see the sights.

Overall, it was great.