The Relais le Clarisse is located in an area of Rome called the Trastevere. We chose the area because we believed it would be the most "local" in feeling. Once there, we found out it is notorious in Rome as being the most heavily littered and grafitti-ridden section of a town that suffers universally from litter and grafitti. The surrounding area was, frankly, disappointing to us upon our arrival.

Having said that, we still had a good time. We were able to walk all over the city, but there is a bus that takes you into the heart of Rome which stops right near the hotel. The staff were warm, if a bit forgetful. We asked for an iron on the first day we arrived, were told it was broken but that a new one would be forthcoming the following day. It wasn't. Soon it became the ritual to return to the hotel, exchange our "bona sera"s and ask for the iron we knew would not be there. Okay, so on the plus side, we were asking for an iron in Rome. How much can you complain? In their defense, they did help us quite a bit with reservations for various activities. We enjoyed them quite a lot.

The room was comfortable, but weirdly laid out. The bathroom was large enough, the shower was large, the bed was very comfortable. The room was wonderfully quiet, as well. Breakfast was very adequate, and there is a very cute little patio area onto which all the rooms open. It is an oasis for a weary traveler who might enjoy a sip of wine outside.

The staff were very friendly and recommended the most delightful restaurant just a few doors down from the hotel. It was perfect!

All in all, if we return to Rome, we will stay in the area just to the east of the Vatican and across the Tiber from the Vatican. It is clean, quiet, and lovely.

After looking long and hard at Tripadvisor - there was always a snag somewhere along the line (and I do appreciate the honesty of the reviews) - I went with gut feeling of the hotel website. It turned out to be just what we wanted. Small, quiet, newly refurbished and a very helpful young lady on reception. On arrival we were unsure as the hotel was in a side street and the area looked a bit run down, but it all turned out very well indeed. Evening meals are not provided and breakfast is typical continental hotel style but very adequate. The best things were - it was newly decorated, very clean, good shower, and in a good spot for catching buses etc. We are very light sleepers but it was quiet despite being in the city. Just round the corner was a network of backstreets with lovely small restaurants. We had a fantastic time in Rome and the staff at the hotel helped as much as they could. We would definitely stay there again! Be sure to take the open top bus tour!