Stayed for 4 nights from 13th Oct 09. Booked through hotels own internet where we got offer of E493 instead of E600, and tripadvisors reports were all very good. Location wise it is excellent - half way between Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps, and just a stroll to good shops, restaurants and bars. The hotel is basically a narrow terrace building. Access to reception is up narrow winding marble stairs, and there you might have the pleasure of meeting 'the director' who has very little English. I though he was showing us to our room but instead he showed us the lift - as there was no way that any more than 2 people could have got into it. (or anyone bigger than normal size). You step into this 'box' close the outer metal gates and inner glass doors and then you ascend up a chute, seeing every floor on the way. Our room was at the very top of the house (probably because I asked for a room with a view - which it had of rooftops and a nice domed roof- and we had to walk the last small flight of stairs as the lift didnt go the whole way. Our room was straight opposite the roof top terrace where breakfast is served each morning, so everyone else had to take the lift up each morning. Therefore the noise of the lift starts before 7.00am each morning, so dont expect to be able to have a lie in. The roof top terrace is quite nice and must be really lovely when the weather would be a bit warmer. We had beautiful weather but early morning and evening was very cool, so you had to wrap up well for breakfast. This would have been fine if you were tucking into a big Irish or English fry, but breakfast consisted of juice, croissants, crusty roll, butter, jam or spreadable cheese, and yoghurts , tea,coffee or hot chocolate,which I thought was very meagre for the price of the hotel. I dont think that cereal /fruit and nuts would have broken the bank but it would have made it seem a bit better value.The rooms were very simple - I felt I had gone back in time 30 years. You certainly wont be stocking up on the toiletries as one usually does after an hotel stay - it was all little plastic sachets . however - the staff were very nice, the place was very clean, the bedlinen was crisp and fresh, there was a computer room with free access to internet which was very handy. Location was excellent. I liked to go to the terrace to read a book in the sunshine after all the walking about - (unfortunately I only discovered the deckchair tucked away at the stairs the day I left). I read another reviewer say that they brought back wine and snacks to eat on the terrace before they went out in the evening and I can see how this would be a good idea in the warmer weather. We found our room cold but that was probably because it was directly opposite the rooftop terrace and once the sun went down it was very cool but then it was October after all - I am sure the opposite is the case in the summer). We mentioned that it was cold at reception and the boy on reception explained that the director thought it was too soon to turn on the heating, but he did leave us in an oil filled electric heater which did the trick. I rely so much on tripadvisor for reviews before I visit or book anywhere and I therefore always leave a review of where I have been. I have had to think long and hard about my rating for this hotel as I would score it highly on location, cleanliness, service. I suppose I feel that for the price it was very basic and simple - however in saying that I had searched the internet for days and wasnt coming up with anything which sounded much better value. There is a very nice italian deli/restaurant just three doors up on the left - cannot remember the name = something like Os entorio - but you will see the newspaper clippings and reviews in the window and inside. They speak very little english but the food is good as it is packed with local people. We also called in for just a night cap, as the hotel has no bar. We found another very nice modern but comfortable restaurant /pizzeria/wine bar called 'Life'- address is 28/30 Via della Vite - good food and good value. Also ate in La Scaletta Via S.maria dell'Anima near Plaza Navonna which again was reasonably priced. Remember to visit Romes oldest cafe Caffe Greco on the Via Condotti facing the Spanish Steps. Whatever you do dont sit down, just order your coffee at the till and stand and drink it at the counter opposite - it is really lovely and inexpensive. If you are near the Colloseum there is a busy italien restaurant called Le Naumachie, on Via Dei Santi Quattro - it is really busy with locals so it must be good. We visited the Colloseum but we thought it was as impressive outside as it is inside so unless you really really want to go in, I would save the 14 euro entrance fee and buy a calendar with lovely pictures. On the other hand, The basilica, the vatican & museums (dont miss the tapestry 'the ressurection of Christ' where both the tomb stone and the Christ's eyes follow you as you pass by - a real optical illusion!), pantheon, spanish steps, trevi fountain, the building at piazza venetio is really worth seeing. In summary, we had a great time - the only thing that is making us score this hotel 3 is that we just felt it was a bit pricey for its simplicity and the breakfast, but other than that I would be happy to recommend it.