When looking for places to stay in Rome, I was amazed at the prices for hotel rooms. Most hotels were in the $500 to $600 a night range, and this was simply beyond our budget.
I was unfamiliar with the neighborhoods, and therefore, somewhat concerned that less expensive places were somehow in less desireable neighborhoods.
The reviews for this little place set my mind at ease. Now that I have been, I can safely assure other travelers that this B & B (as it's not at all a "hotel" in the conventional terms)... is located in a wonderful little neighborhood. The local cafes are less expensive than in the heart of the city (and some of the best food we had), the Vatican is less than a 10 minute walk, it's safe, and it's as clean as any other part of town.
You have to cross the river to get into the city (a 10 minute walk), but from there, everything is within walking distance. If you are of the mind to take taxis, resist... they are pricy, and the buses and trains are right there (no need if you ask me either, as walking is the best way to see it all).
The B & B is the 3rd floor of a nice building, but it is small, a bit on the "overdecorated side", and small (did I mention small). None of this will matter, as your room is merely a place to rest your head, and your weary legs. What you will find, is that it is clean, and quiet, and that will be enough to make it a comfortable place to rest.
Be aware that there is a lift, but it, like our dear B & B, is small (seems to be a theme here), and a bit tricky with large suitcases. My husband found it charming, so it depends on the way you look at it. A minor fact, given you'll only need to negotiate it twice with your bags.
The staff was friendly, if also, a bit confused about bookings (didn't realize we were booked for 2 nights at first). They aren't there in the early morning (odd), so no one was there to check us out. There is a tiny little breakfast nook, with pastries, crackers and machine coffee (not bad).
Overall, I would recommend this place to travelers who don't want to spend a mint on accomodations, and for those who like to explore.
A few tips on Rome; try not to schedule your trip to the Vatican and the Colisseum in the same day (we did), and you won't have enough time to explore the museum if you're worried about getting all the way across town in the same day. Get up early and get to the Vatican Museum. Spend as much time here as you can, but don't expect to see it all. Avoid the early morning line for the Basilica, as you will see it at the end of your day in the museums without having spent the morning in the sun, on a never ending line.
Eat on the outskirts of the city. Less expensive, less touristic, and much better food. Try not to go to the restaurants in the English guide books, unless you want to eat with a bunch of other, loud, complaintive, Americans. Do the audio tour at the Colisseum, as you can move ahead of the lines, and you'll have a bit more insight into what you are viewing.
Watch out for pick pockets around all the major sites (we saw one in action at the Pantheon). Drink lots of wine, eat lots of pasta, and HAVE a wonderful time!! Book at this establishment for less, and you'll have more to spend on the other stuff. You'll be glad you did!
