My husband and I recently stayed at the Centrale Hotel for one night while awaiting a flight home from Fiumicino Airport to the States, following extensive travel in Europe. This was our third trip to Rome and by far, the BEST hotel in Rome that we have ever stayed at, given the price.
What can I say but "location, location, location." This great little hotel, which provides the best in personalized service, is situated in one of the best areas in Rome. The hotel, which is on the Via Laurina, is sandwiched between the Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps. The Centrale is also within walking distance & close proximity to many of Rome's finest attractions including the Piazza del Popolo, the Borghese Gardens, the Villa Borghese, the Trevi Fountain, the Via Veneto, the Via del Corso and many other Rome attractions. Additionally, as mentioned above, the Centrale is less than a 5 minute walk to the Metro stop located at the Spanish Steps.
The hotel is small and personal, appearing as little more than a double-door glass entrance off a very narrow side street between the Via del Corso and the Via del Baubuino in the north end of the historic city center. Our check in went smooth and easy, as we were allowed to enter our room several hours early upon returning to Rome after a long journey.
Our room was a HUGE surprise, as it appeared to be a small Roman studio! Our room was quite large by any standard with space for a queen size bed, a small table with 2 chairs, a setee that converted into a twin bed, several side tables, a few decorative tables, an armoire and even a fireplace!
Our room was on the 5th floor, which could only be reached after taking the little lift to the 3rd floor and walking up two flights of stairs. Our unit had its own private patio, which had a great view of Rome facing east. My husband and I couldn't believe how warm and cozy our room was upon entering.
The bathroom in our room was HUGE by Roman standards and included several toiletries and added ammenities. The bath tub included whirlpool jets and was appointed with a hand held shower attachment that worked very well. One touch I really liked was that the bathroom had a HUGE window that opened to the outside, allowing lots of fresh air to move in...it was great!
The staff was beyond the best! From Franco (the day clerk) to Jean Francois, the evening clerk...to the housekeepers and porters...everyone was friendly, accomodating, helfpul and friendly. One couldn't ask for more, in my opinion!
Despite our brief stay, the staff gladly made transportation arrangements for us (for the airport in the morning), gave us several suggestions for dinner reservations, offered to make us early morning coffee and chatted for long periods with my husband and I, tolerating my horrible use of the Italian language!
While my husband and I needed to leave the next day way before breakfast was served, the staff offered to make us a fresh pot of coffee before we left for the airport...I couldn't believe how sweet & kind that was!
Finally, I just loved the location of the Centrale Hotel. While the area is a bit pricey, my husband and I ate dinner at a great little Trattoria on the Via del Corso with our meal costing around $40 Euro. After dinner, we strolled to all the main sites in Rome and settled down at the Spanish Steps with gelato, just as all the local Romans do after their busy days.
Without a doubt, my husband and I will definitely stay at the Centrale Hotel when we return to Rome in the future.
