I booked this hotel for a romantic getaway for me and my fiance as we have always wanted to see the sights of Rome. I had booked another hotel previously...Hotel Lirico...but I had some trouble with this (read my review on Hotel Lirico, Rome).
Anyway, we flew from Liverpool to Ciampino, where we got an airport coach (Terravision) to the main station in Rome, Termini Station. This cost us £10 each return but there are other airport shuttle services offering cheaper prices. From the station the hotel is a two minute walk. Unfortunately, we got ripped off by a taxi man who charged us 20 euros to get there by car, as we didn't know how close the hotel was. Warning! It is easier to walk, it is literally two streets away, so print out a map from Termini to Hotel Camelia before you go.
We arrived at the hotel to find friendly staff, and we were pleased that the hotel is right opposite a police station, which made us feel safer, and a big supermarket at the end of the street (you can see this as you turn left out of the hotel doors). This was good to know, we picked up a few snacks and some toiletries from here. They sell everything you need.
The room, although not huge, was spotless with modern furnishings. The bathroom was spotless. We had a hairdryer, safe, minibar, TV, two wardrobes and large double bed. The bed was huge and very comfy! They give you a key-card to get in, it felt very posh! Plus this meant we didn't have to lug a big key around everywhere we went. They have a lift, which was convenient for our heavy bags. The rooms were cleaned every day, the bed was made and fresh towels given (you just leave the towels on the floor if you want fresh ones). The mini bar was very reasonably priced, our mini bar bill was only 4 euros 50 when we left. Though this was partly because we bought drinks from the supermarket down the road!
After reading the reviews on this site about the continental breakfast we thought it would be awful. It was actually lovely! And we looked forward to it every morning. It is served from 7 til 10am and the last day we didn't get downstairs til half 9 and there was still plenty left, it looked as though it had hardly been touched. This free breakfast was topped off nicely with the hot drinks having been brought to our tables by the waitor. They had a variety of hot drinks to choose from, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cappuccino, hot milk etc. They also had fresh juice to help yourself to. The breakfast included fruit, croissants, bread, eggs, muesli, cereal, jam, fruit and lots more, we were spoilt for choice.
There was a computer in the lobby where you can use the internet for free. I didn't have to wait to use it once, I just jumped straight on.
The receptionists were all lovely, they helped us plan our sight seeing and gave us a map. We booked an open-top tour around rome for the last two days. We paid 25 euros each for 48 hours hop-on hop-off service. The bus takes you round all the main sites and you just jump off when you feel like it, then when you're done you wait for the next bus. They usually stop every 20 mins at each stop, traffic permitting. We went with Green Line Tours, but we noticed at least two other services and some were cheaper. You get free headphones that plug in by the seats on the bus, and you get a taped audioguide as you travel around the sites.
The first day we were there we walked to the collosseum and roman forum. We found them by accident! They're not far away, and we're both smokers so we're not exactly fit. The national museum of rome is also round the corner opposite termini station. We got discounts at the attractions because we were from the EU and were 18-24 years old. We just showed our driving licenses. I also got a discount at the vatican museum and sistine chapel with my student card. So don't forget to take some ID! It can be as big as 50% discount at some places!
I would like to warn people away from the tours for the colleseum and roman forum. We were told that we could pay 18 euros for entry and a full tour without having to wait in the queue, they told us we would get no information once inside. We decided against it, queued up for 5 mins at the most, paid 7 euros 50 to get in with our discount and they also had audioguides for 4 euros 50. But to be honest, if you go on the internet and find out about the sites beforehand you don't need a guide at all! Obviously, the tour operators want to make money out of you so beware!
Also, beware of the various people trying to sell you things. They are quite forward and we were grabbed a couple of times, we were almost forced to pay 10 euros for a piece of string that went round our wrists! Thankfully I managed to sweet talk the guy but he got quite irate when I didn't want to buy his bracelet!
Obviously because we went in November the attractions weren't too packed but I can imagine they are quite busy in the summer, so be prepared for queues.
Anyway, back on to the hotel! All in all it was nice to have a descent place to come back to at the end of the night. The surrounding area wasn't too scary at night either! The only downfall is that we booked bed and breakfast only, so we had to find our own food come evening. But the sister hotel Art Deco is round the corner from Camelia, even though this is relatively expensive compared to the other restaurants in the area. There were several other restaurants and pizzerias, some did take-out as well. There were tabacconists on virtually very street, and there is a cash machine just past the supermarket. If you are unsure, they have all this at Termini Station.
Oh and there are McDonalds' EVERYWHERE! (in case you get stuck for food!)
We really enjoyed our stay and we would definately stay there again.
