If you want to avoid a noisy, anonymous city-centre hotel, try the Arco del Lauro B&B in Trastevere (www.arcodellauro.it).

We stayed there for 4 nights at the beginning of May 2009. During the whole stay we only took one bus as all the main sights are reachable on foot.

The room was well furnished and comfortable and importantly, absolutely quiet at night. In the hall, there is a PC with Internet access, a small fridge containing juice, a selection of yoghurts and a bottle of Limoncello. There is also a kettle and the wherewithall to make tea or coffee. Just what you need after a day pounding the cobbles!

Lorenza and Daniela will look after you, giving you all the tips and tourist information you need.

Trastevere has all the restaurants you will need for a great evening meal.

We stayed at Arco del Lauro in June 2008. We arrived very early in the morning having been picked up by a car recommended and booked by Lorenza. First tip, do this, so easy, gentleman waiting at the gate with a sign with your name. Comfortable car, typical Italian speedster. Straight to the door and this place is not easy to find unless you've been before. Our room was not ready as it was so early, but we checked in, left our bags and went walking. It was very hot, +40 during our stay and we had an issue with the air conditioning in the room. Everyone tried to fix it but it was also the weekend. Eventually on monday is was fixed. Lorenza also kindly gave us a discount due to this but we felt they had done everything they could and it was just bad luck. It certainly would not stop us recommending the place or visiting again. This B & B is acutally in 2 buildings. Our room was a good size with a private ensuite with shower. Everything was clean and well laid out. There was a computer in the common area but the internet connection was too painfully slow. There was also a fridge with complimentary orange juice, yoghurt and limoncello. No one seemed to abuse this and there was always plenty there. Some people also stored their personal drinks in there. Tea and Coffee making facilities were also available. Lots of information available. Breakfast was a voucher for a local cafe, coffee and cornetto, the usual Italian fair. We would have a yoghurt and juice while getting ready and then head off for our coffee. Enough for us, maybe not for some, but at least you know what to expect. The Trastevere area is old and lovely. You can get lost easily but in a good way and find yourself again. Lots of good eating around. Easy to walk into the main toursity areas but nice to be staying out of them too. Daniella looked after us to start with and we only met Lorenza on the last day. Both of the ladies do everything they can to ensure that you have a great stay in Roma. We will return. Grazie mille Lorenza and Daniella.

Our first trip to Rome, and we found this charming Bed and Breakfast in the Frommers guide book of Rome Day by Day. It was lovely, tucked in an alley, across the river from the hustle and bustle of Rome, in charming Trastevere. Plenty close to walk to all the major attractions in Rome, we saw everything in the 2 days we were there, only a 45 min. stroll to the Vatican, and 15 min. to Colloseum. It was very clean, and quiet, with comfortable bed and linens, nice bathroom. We had internet access, small refrigerator with water, juice, and homeade Limoncello, it was lovely. We met Laurenza and Daniela and they were both very helpful and nice. I would highly recommend it! We hope to go back!!

There are places you enjoy so much that you want to keep them your own secret, but on second thoughts you also want others to share them. B&B Arco del Lauro is one of them, four rooms in a quiet part of Trastevere, with breakfast served in a bar round the corner.

The owner, Lorenza Sardo, kindly offered to arrange a taxi transfer from the airport, very convenient as we came four persons together, and a real pleasure being brought right to the doorstep by a very sympathetic driver. We felt welcome from the start, and during our stay we enjoyed the self-service opportunities just outside our rooms, - coffee, juice, bisquits, yoghurt, even home-made limoncello. Reaching different parts of Rome was easy on foot, and besides Trastevere itself is a good place for a relaxing evening meal.

Back home in Norway we realized once more the service level of Arco del Lauro. One of us missed his reading glasses, sent an e- mail explaining where he might have left them, and immediately they were returned to his address. Grazie mille!