My 13-year-old son and I just returned from eight days in Rome, staying seven nights at Albergo Giusti, operated by Suore di Sant'Anna della Provvvidenza (email:---). We paid 78 Euro per night for two, including breakfast and private bath. The room was simple, but spotless, with high ceilings and ceramic tile floors and bath. A roomy wardrobe provided more than adequate storage. Large windows facing the street let in ample fresh air and sunlight. The room was not huge but neither were we cramped (we had a little more room than a standard 2-person cruise cabin and a much bigger bath although the shower stall was small).

A simple breakfast was served from 8 to 8:30 am: coffee and hot milk, bread, butter and jelly, pre-packaged breakfast pastries, assorted fresh fruit, yogurt, and mineral water.

Via Giusti is a very quiet street, two blocks west of the Vittorio Emmanuelle metro stop and one block east of Merulana. The location is convenient both for trips by metro and for walking to Sta. Maria Maggiore or the Colliseum area. Because we were on a very tight budget, we especially appreciated the SIR supermercati at the nearest cross-street, where we could buy fruit, cookies, beverages and bottled water for far less than the prices at the tourist sites. There were many reasonably-priced trattoria, bars, and other eating establishments nearby.

Albergo Giusti has a 10:30 pm curfew. Because we were up early for an active day, my son and I never found that a problem. And, since we were heading home while the neighborhood was still actively enjoying the late Roman supper hours, the neighborhood seemed safe. Lovers of nightlife will want to look elsewhere.

There was no evidence of air-conditioning. This could be an issue for those planning a summer trip.

Although most did not speak English, the sisters were friendly and welcoming. We truly enjoyed our stay at this quiet haven in bustling Rome!