Rome

Best and worst accommodations:

Best: Guest House Arco dei Tolomei
Why: Nestled in Trastevere, Guest House Arco dei Tolomei is far enough away from the main thoroughfares that you can appreciate the village-like atmosphere of this earliest Roman quarter and, yet, situated on the bank of the Tiber River you are literally only a stone's throw from the throng of Via Vittoria Emmanuele on the other side. We were greeted with warm and generous hospitality by Marco and Gianna who couldn't do enough to help us settle in. Our bedroom was large and elegant and opened out to a patio, perfect for a brief afternoon siesta. The bathroom, with bath and bidet, was large and well equipped.

Arrivaderci in Melbourne, Australia 06/17/2008

Best: Kiwi Bed and Breakfast
Why: The location, price and host's advice mostly. (We paid 69 Euros a night for a double room in the couple's home in centre of Rome).

ERIN in KAVANAGH, QC CANADA 06/17/2008

Best: n/a
Why: We were able to stay with frequent visit points at a Marriott.

Jean Hoffmann in Pleasant Prairie, WI USA 06/05/2008

Best: Hotel Paba
Why: Great location, but also you'll be wonderfully cared for by Alberta! She arranged for a driver for us the morning of our departure from Rome. Since we were leaving prior to breakfast hours, she showed me how to make cappucinos for us and let me know we could help ourselves to yogurt, etc. The super air-conditioner in the room & tidiness of the hotel are bonuses that will make your stay in Rome perfect in the warm months!

Amy in Wiesbaden, Germany 05/17/2008

Best: Hotel Nardizzi Americana
Why: Delightful experience 11 April - 13 April 2008. We had a very quiet room. We could hear the birds singing in the morning and no traffic noise. Its on the 4th floor, with a cute terrace for continental breakfast every morning. Best of all they gave us 10% discount for cash when we showed them the Rick Steves guide. They helped us book transportation to meet our cruise ship in Civitavecchia.

Worst: The cruise ship (Not in Rick Steves guide)
Why: I got seasick from all the rocking & rolling!

Julia in San Francisco, CA USA 04/28/2008

Best: Rome Cavalier Hilto
Why: The art was great and the people went out of their way on everthing

Mary Ann and Dennis Devitt in Lombard, IL USA 04/26/2008

Best: Hotel Giardino
Why: Great location, very clean, very helpful staff. Room 24 was really small, but it was within easy walking distance of everything so more than made up for it and the price was very good. Would definitely stay there again!

Sue in Newport Beach, CA USA 04/26/2008

Best: Hotel Paba
Why: I stayed at Hotel Paba, owned and operated by Alberta Castelli, during my week in Rome. I was served a delicious, filling breakfast (included in the price) every morning. My room was cleaned and the was bed made every day. In the evening, Alberta recommended great restaurants that were located relatively close to the hotel. The communications (e-mails) to set up a reservation were very professional and punctual in the months before my arrival to Rome. My room had a safe, a television with English programming, a telephone, a small refigerator, a private bathroom with shower, and air conditioning. I will DEFINITELY stay at Hotel Paba on my next visit to Rome! Grazie, Signora Castelli, grazie!

Joseph in Harlingen, TX USA 04/18/2008

Best: Guest House Arco dei Tolomei, Rome Italy
Why: Just returned from a wonderful Roman Holiday!!! We were 4 couples traveling together and spent 5 nights at the Guest House Arco dei Tolomei. We couldn't have hoped for anything better. The rooms - all with private bath - were clean, comfortable and spacious, 3 rooms had a private balcony. The location allowed us to walk just about all over Rome. Each morning we sat down in the beautiful dining room for a wonderful breakfast - it always included a daily fresh baked cake from Lena that we all looked forward to (she even shared the recipe for our favorite with us!). The 'living room' was supplied with a computer, (the house has wireless internet) books on Italy, maps, reading materials and a small fridge stocked with water. Our days with filled with touring Rome- thanks to Katia - we went out each morning with a new map - highlighted with tour tips, bus info and everything we needed for the day. Our days ended with wonderful dinners from local resturants in the neighborhood thanks to Marco - one phone call a night and we were all set - some of our favorites: Osteria - Le Mani in Pasta, Checco er Carettiere, and for the best pizza in all of Rome - maybe Italy - Pizzeria "Ai Marmi". We found the website most helpful - and corresponded with Marco frequently before our arrival. Our suggestion is to follow their directions to find them...they are a 'hidden jewel' that most taxis don't know about!!

You can be sure we threw several coins in the Trevi Fountain to insure a trip back to Rome and the Guest House Arco dei Tolomei!!!

Michelle Carli in Boston, MA USA 04/16/2008

Worst: Hotel Nardizzi
Why: Dismal experience in March 2008. Our first room's showerhead fell off when we turned on the shower (obviously not the first time it had happened either) and the "shower doors"--I use that term loosely--also fell apart. The second room we were moved to was marginally better with the bathroom but smelled like raw sewage constantly. I tried to run the WC, bidet, shower and sink and place a wet cloth over the floor drain with little relief. Both rooms had dirty floors, shabby patched linens and generally rundown condition.

In addition, we took the elevator up to the 4th floor reception, but our room was one floor down which was 3 long flights apart. They require you to leave your key when you leave thus necessitating a 3 flight hike up and back as well as the trips for breakfast. Older travelers beware! The elevator did not go to this floor.

We told them we wanted to checkout that first night after our first room experience after staying that night, but were told we could not unless we wanted to pay for our whole trip (3 nights at 120 Euros per night). We like the typical European pensione, but would have gladly paid a lot more to get a place I didn't dread going back to. We promptly cancelled the RS recommended hotels for the rest of our trip and used Trip Advisor and found great hotels. We won't be booking another RS recommendation unless I double check the reviews on other sources first.

Jenny in Highlands Ranch, CO USA 04/11/2008

Worst: Residenza Frattina
Why: Was looking forward to a really nice first trip to Rome with our family of 4. Arrived at Residenza Frattina-- with children-- exhausted from an overnight flight-- hiked up the 5 sets of stairs--carrying luggage- and they told us that they had overbooked the rooms and gave our room to another family!! I booked the large triple room 5 months in advance- held our reservation with a credit card & had a confirmation number & a copy of the confirmed reservation in my hand. They never contacted me in advance to inform that there was a problem. They said our room would be ready the next day. ...they booked a room for us at a Best Western outside of the city in a neighborhood covered with graffiti-where I did not feel safe. I was so tired I just started to cry. I searched so carefully for a boutique style hotel that was centrally located-- and we ended up at the Best Western!!! When we returned to the Residenza Frattina the next day -- our room was ready-- (it had a dead rose in a vase) but we had lost a full 1/2 day of vacation-- packing & travelling to the hotel, then un-packing, taxi, luggage up the stairs again...we spent 2 nights at this Residenza-- they did not make beds, they did not take out the trash from our room (there were soiled baby diapers that made the room smell) they did not provide fresh towels, the tiny shower stall leaked all over the bathroom floor-- and we had to sacrifice one of our (precious) towels to clean it up. The breakfast was nice and the hotel was centrally located, and the sitting room was very pretty. The room decor was very plain. However- the overbooking and lack of attention to our room ruined what could have been a lovely stay. On the upside-- we were out of the room most of the day and really enjoyed Rome. horrible hotel stay-- this hotel is not good for families. They also charged us full rate ($230E /$363 x 3 nights= $1089) -- even for the night we spent in the Best Western!! I will Never stay there again.

Kelly Myers in Saugerties, NY USA 04/03/2008

Best: Residenza Cellini, Rome
Why: My wife and I are in our seventies and we travel a fair amount. This is one of the nicest hotels/residences we have stayed in. It is a beautifully appointed hotel, very quiet and the management and staff are very kind and helpful. It is perferctly located for all sightseeing destinations and public transport is immediately available. We can recommend it without hesitation. We look forward to staying there again.

Barry Troy in Dublin, Ireland 03/04/2008

Worst: residenza cellini
Why: I was disappointed in this hotel. It's okay, but not for the price. Our "junior suite" , which means a somewhat larger room with a third twin bed and two armoires, was on the street side, and between the street noise, the hall noise, the breakfast room noise, and the upstairs noise, I had to wear my earplugs all night, every night. I found the staff aloof and the bed hard. Again, passable but not for this price. The Hotel Adler downstairs looked just fine for less than half the price. 6 of us were rudely kicked out of the breakfast room to make way for other guests. The shower head fell off and broke my toe and the hotel personnel couldn't have cared less. Turns out there is no word for "toe" in Italian. I wish we had stayed at the Santa Maria -- next time I plan to for sure, if only for the peace and quiet. I stuck my head in and walked around their courtyard, and it looks like a haven.

April Smith in Stonington, CT USA 02/24/2008

Best: Mecenate Palace
Why: Not a recommended hotel, but very well appointed, excellent breakfast, rooftop terrace and reasonable price. Near Santa Maria Maggiore

Liz Phelps in Pittsburg, CA USA 02/18/2008

Best: 58 Le Real de Luxe in Rome
Why: We are writing to say thank you for an absolutely great stay. The room was everything that we could have wanted, breakfast was superb, and your helpfulness really made a difference to our stay. We have already recommended 58 Le Real de Luxe to many of our friends, and will definitely be back to see you again.

L. E. in LANCS,UK,B, UK UK 02/18/2008

Best: hotel giardino
Why: A very clean and secure hotel near all major sites in Roma. Kate and Sergio were very accomodating and quick with tips for travel.

Rocco Curro in Newark, DE USA 02/14/2008

Best: Hotel Nardizzi Americana
Why: I had a quiet room/refuge, the staff were friendly, and the terrace was a nice place to relax. Plus it has a great location near bus and metro stops while remaining quiet and safe (All the Via Firenze hotels have this great location characteristic)

Brian Gulledge in Woodbridge, VA USA 02/11/2008

Best: Guest House Arco dei Tolomei, Rome
Why: The Guest House Arco dei Tolomei was a wonderful b&b. Our room was perfect, the bathroom was large, and the view into the courtyard was amazing. Marco and his staff were great. They arranged for our tours, helped us get around town, and provided wonderful travel tips. When we were scheduled to leave there was a taxi strike, so no taxi's were available to take us to the train station. Marco walked us to the bus stop and made sure we got on the correct bus to the train station. Rome was amazing, but Marco and his staff made it bellissimo!!

Dawne Driver in Orlando, FL USA 12/28/2007

Best: Hotel Nardizzi
Why: This was our first trip to Rome. The Nardizzi hotel was very clean, tidy, and reasonably priced, and the staff was helpful. We arrived on an early flight, and were able to get into the room early to clean up. They offered a map and advice on the city, restaurant recommendations, and booked us a ride to the airport when we left. The hotel manager, Mario, was so helpful and eager to please. We'll book there again when we return.

Chris in Darnestown, MD USA 12/16/2007

Best: Hotel Hideria on XXlv Maggio, #8
Why: Friendly staff with clean, bright, rooms ( appears to be recently renovated) and only 10 Euros more (11/27/07) then the Hotel Hotel Giardino which uses such low wattage light blubs that a book is difficult to read, much better breakfasts also. Contact www.hotelhiberia.it; email, hotelhiberia@travel.it, PH. +39-06-678-7560. This will be the first hotel I will contact whenever I visit Rome. Great location also.

Worst: Hotel Giardino
Why: Very friendly staff but dim lighted rooms, hard to read a book/guide, and a depressing atmosphere.

Bernie Francis in Palm Beach Gardens, FL USA 12/10/2007

Best: Residenza Arco de Tolomei
Why: My partner and i stayed at this guest house for 2 nights and we had a lovely time. The guest house is very clean and all the staff were very friendly. We enjoyed our stay so much we will be returning next year and we have also just recommended Rome and this guest house to our friends. Thanks to Marco and Catia who were so helpful and we shall see you next year!

Aisha USA 12/03/2007

Best: Residenza Arco de Tolomei
Why: My husband and I travelled to Rome to attend our sons wedding but it was a late booking as my husband has cancer and we needed medical clearance. Finding accommodation was difficult but I found Marco and Gianna and their beautiful guest house and it was like a home from home. This is a very special couple who will help and look after their guests. The rooms are beautifully clean, the breakfast so delicious and so much choice even the tea was excellent! This will always be my recommendation to family and friends and I welcome Marco and Gianna to visit us in Ireland anytime. Thank you ...you know what you did for us. Bless you both. Sean and Margaret. Dublin. Ireland

Margaret Carney in dublin, Ireland 11/30/2007

Best: nardizzi
Why: mario is great and helpfull mann.thanks for recomanding this place.

john in seattle, wa USA 11/21/2007

Best: Hotel Due Torri
Why: Great location. Mostly friendly staff. Got in very late and very hungry the first night and they graciously gave me a huge tray of fruit, yogurt, and pastries! The singles are tiny! But very clean and comfortable.

Stacie in Olympia, WA USA 11/04/2007

Best: Hotel Giardino
Why: Great location close to all the sights, plus right on the bus line to the Vatican. Kate and her son, Thomas, were delightful.

Michael Sherwood in Prescott Valley, AZ USA 10/29/2007

Best: Fellini Inn, near Trevi Fountain
Why: We truly felt at home here during our stay in Rome in September. Jean-Pierre and the staff took great pains to make my mother and I feel welcome. The staff were professional, yet made you feel like family after only a couple of days. The atmosphere was very relaxed; reception is located in a separate unit on the ground floor, and staff are unintrusive unless you need help. It's a great value considering that the facilities are equipped with the newest, most stylish furnishings. A big plus was the rooftop terrace where you could take your breakfast or just hang out. This is a place that I will definitely stay at on my next trip to Rome. Bravo!

Mike in Denver, CO USA 10/24/2007

Worst: Gulliver's Place
Why: After having made a reservation for 2 double bedrooms last January, we were notified about 3 weeks prior to our arrival that the rooms were double-booked (I'm sure they got a better rate and canceled ours of 90 euros). They gave us accomodations at another place whose rooms were unacceptable (the couple traveling with us was able to view them; they were on par with Gulliver's House), so we found a very nice apartment instead, with great difficulty at that late date. The folks at Gulliver's Place are unreliable at the very least.

Mary Passeri in Oakland, CA USA 10/24/2007

Best: Hotel Paba
Why: Very comfortable, convenient and reasonably priced. Owner Alberta, who speaks excellent English, was especially helpful and gracious. Breakfast delivered to the room was a nice touch, with additional cups of coffee no problem.

Ron in DeWitt, MI USA 10/17/2007

Best: 58 Le Real de Luxe: a little bit of luxury in the centre of Rome
Why: High quality fittings and furnishings B&B- very comfortable. Well placed for main tourist sites. Hotel staff were very pleasant and helpful. We did have a great time !

Heather in Lake Forest Park,, WA Wa, 98155, USA 10/11/2007

Best: b&b Gianicolo's Home
Why: We spent five days in Rome and we booked a room in this beautiful b&b close the center of the city. The room was very clean and the hostess was very helpfull. Another thing: the breakfast is very good... We discovery a part of Rome very interesting, just 10 minuts from Trastevere, with a lovely neightbours. We raccomended this b&b!!! www.gianicolo-bb.it

Charles in Ohio, USA 09/30/2007

Best: Gulliver's House
Why: We went to the B&B, and it was GREAT! Sara is just great, as is her staff. The rooms are beautiful, there's AC, a computer right there, a phone and fax for local calls, there are safes in each room, and it's conveniently located.

julie pasqual in Jersey City, NJ USA 09/09/2007

Best: Hotel Oceania
Why: The location was great and the staff (Stefan) was excellent! We found everything we needed close by and the fact that the public transport was around the corner was best of all. The hotel was clean and our greatest surprise was hearing an opera singer in the building practicing every day. We liked being on a quiet street and being able to walk to good restaurants close by. I highly suggest this place for those with children,

Christine Morrissey in Campbell, CA USA 08/23/2007

Best: pensione rosetta
Why: great location. felt very central being near the coliseum. plus, we walked a lot in rome and saw wonderful sights on the way to the actually central part of town.

paige woodman in los altos, ca USA 08/11/2007

Best: Hotel Sonya
Why: All new building added with beautiful renovations,furnishings and flat screen TVs. Staff is helpful and the location is a 5 minute walk to the train station.

P.Whisenhunt in Carlsbad, CA USA 08/10/2007

Best: Hotel Oceania
Why: The location was 10 min from Termini Train. Roberto was helpful and pleasant to tell us some suggestions-- getting around, a restaurant etc. They have free internet access which was helpful. Morning breakfast was pleasant---great coffee abd fresh muffins and juice.

Jan Nugent in Pennington, NJ USA 07/28/2007

Best: Aberdeen
Why: clean, quiet, and friendly staff

Brian in Cleveland, OH USA 07/26/2007

Best: We don't use the recommented accommodations
Why: I can always find a better and less expensive Hotel than the ones in the guide. It takes some work on the net and reading the blogs for reviews, but I've been happy with them. I think the books actually inflate the prices make them harder to book. I can always find Double rooms with bath for near 1/2 of those recommended.

Worst: Hotel Nice in Sorrento. Thats another guide though.
Why: Its central, its cheap, Alfonzio was a great host and did his best, but take this place off your list. I had to fix half the things in the room just to make them work. The bath flooded everyday because the floor traps were loose. And they never bothered to fix that. The breakfast was kind of a joke. And the upper terrace, was filled with laundry drying. No tables, chairs or anything....

Francis Saffell in Springfield, OR USA 07/22/2007

Worst: Maryelen B&B
Why: I was traveling through Europe with my brother and made reservations here. I confirmed with the owner that there was air conditioning (a priority for me). Confirmed by owner that there was but we found that to be untrue. We checked out a day early due to the lack of air conditioning and have just recently found out that the owner Loredana, has charged my account for the night we didn't stay even though we never were given a cancellation policy regarding early check out. She now won't respond to any emails. Unprofessional proprietor who will rip you off. Stay away!

Logan Henderson in Austin, tx USA 07/15/2007

Best: Hotel Spring House
Why: Best bang for the buck. The minibar is well stocked. Breakfast offers variety andfthere is a small bar where you can order light snacks or semi-heavy meals.

Marsh Mendez in Fremont, CA USA 07/12/2007

Best: Hotel Montreal
Why: This was the only one we stayed in and it was very nice with a quite convenient location. It might be worthwhile to note for this (and presumably other hotels) when internet service is available but has a charge. This was not clear either from the book or the hotel's web site and resulted in some confusion and a little disagreement on site. But overall the staff were courteous and the hotel suited our purposes just fine. They seemed to treat us with extra care because we had your book and made it known that this is how we found them - although that is really speculation on my part.

Kevin Masters in Syracuse, NY USA 07/06/2007

Worst: Gulliver's Place
Why: The manager had an accident and no one was present to let us in. No back up plan and room wasn't prepared for three even though the reservations had been made four months in advance. Not a bad place, just not reliable.

Dave Schleh in Stillwater, MN USA 07/02/2007

Worst: Hotel Oceania
Why: While conveniently located and pleasant English speaking people, it was not "spotless" as indicated. The carpet in the guestroom we had was greatly in need of replacing or at least a good cleaning (the rest was clean and bathroom was new). The walk up to the 3rd floor was like going through a tenament, drab desparetly in need of a coat of paint and a bit scary (not well lit and the big automatic doors at the entrance stay open for a disconcerting length of time). Next to the elevator is the trash. Overlooking the rail is not pleasant. The leather sofas in the lounge had the stuffing coming out. The rate listed in the guide book is only if paid in cash. Cash in Euros only, not US and not Travelers Checks, otherwise the 178 Euro rate is 200 Euro/per night if by credit card.

Carol Berning in Naples, FL USA 06/16/2007

Best: Casa di Maryelen B&B (near Termini)
Why: The room was spacious and very clean, with high quality wood furnishings. Although the B&B is situated near Termini railroad station, with all the noise that its location entails, once the windows were closed it was extremely quiet in the room. In fact, even with the air conditioning running, the room was more quiet than in my own suburban home. Loredana, the proprietress, was extraordinarily helpful in getting us settled and making sure that everything we needed was available and in order. She clearly takes great pride in the quality of her B&B, and went out of her way to provide us with breakfast 30 minutes earlier than the ordinary breakfast time because we had to catch a train. The only downsides were the slightly seedy neighborhood (which was more than compensated by the convenience) and the drab stairwells typical of most Roman buildings. My wife and I would love to return to Casa di Maryelen next time we're in Rome.

Charles Rosenblatt in Cleveland, OH USA 06/13/2007

Best: Hotel Italia
Why: We stayed there for 4 nights overall, but the fourth night was in the annex across the street. Avoid that if at all possible. Strange smells over there. Staff like Sabrina and Nadine for example couldn't have been nicer. Rooms are a bit on the small side, but on a very quiet street with numerous fine restaurants within 2-3 blocks. We would easily stay there again.

Dan Bertellotti in Foster City, CA USA 06/12/2007

Worst: Hotel Oceania
Why: We were told by the Hotel Oceania that a room was available for 4 nights in May, and to send an e-mail with our credit card information and authorization to use the card for a deposit. One full week later, a few days before we were leaving the U.S.A. for Rome, Oceania sent an e-mail saying that the room in fact was not available. This caused a frantic last minute dash to find another room. It was fortunate we had not yet left on the trip otherwise we would not have known until arriving at the Oceania front desk that we had no room. It is apparent they were overbooking and then cutting loose any hapless travelers without the slightest effort to remedy the situation.

This is a very poor and unethical way to run a business, and for this reason we would definitely not recommend the Hotel Oceania.

Mike Klepinger in San Francisco, CA USA 05/27/2007

Worst: Hotel In Parione
Why: It was hot as could be in Rome when I went. I insisted that my airconditioner did not work and the front desk kept telling me to keep trying to get it to work, they would not even look at it. 3 days into my stay with them they had a technician fix it with only 2 days left. They really didn't seem to care, even though temps topped the higher 80's. Last time I stay here!

Rob in Tampa, FL USA 05/23/2007

Best: We only stayed at Residenza Cellini.
Why: We spent four nights each in Rome, Venice and Florence. All hotels were mentioned in Rick's city guides. All were great accommodatons (La Calcina in Venice and Hotel Davanzati in Florence), but moderately-priced Residenza Cellini is a gem! An easy walk (about 3 1/2 blocks) from the train station. You can easily pick your way through traffic and no concern about theft along the way. Easy access to all modes of public transportation. Residenza Cellini is clean, bright and well-appointed, but the capstone is the gentle, gracious and friendly hospitality by Barbara De Paolis and her staff. We must return !!!

Terry J. Uyeyama in Deming,, WA USA 05/15/2007

Best: Hotel In Parione
Why: Great location. Room was small but clean and quiet enough. No breakfast included but a friend staying at Hotel Smeraldo said breakfast was not worth extra Euros we would have to pay. With Antico Forno Roscioli next door and several cafes nearby, there is no need anyway. Staff were usually pretty gruff. However, considering the location, the price, and the condition of our room, we did not care about the unfriendly reception. We would stay there again.

Marissa Borromeo in Atlanta, GA USA 04/26/2007

Best: Gulliver's Lodge
Why: Simon and breakfast in our room! Simon was so informative and fun to talk with about Italy, Italians, restuarants, and Rome. The breakfasts were huge and tasty (the BEST cornflakes). Great location too; mid-way between Termini and the Coliseum; plenty of varied eating close by; and two grocry stores.

Michelle Garcia in Tacoma, WA USA 04/19/2007

Best: Hotel Nardizzi
Why: We had a geat trip to Rome, and the Hotel Nardizzi could not have been a better choice. My husband and I brought our two boys - 9 & 13, and the staff was friendly and helpful and the location was perfect. We got great restaurant recommendations and we had a blast.

Maggie in Saint Paul, MN USA 04/10/2007

Best: Hotel Nardizzi
Why: You will not find a more lively or hospitable hotel in all of Roma: at the very least, you will have an adventure! The proprietor, Fabrizio, and manager, Mario, are gracious and helpful above and beyond the "call of duty"! The hotel (at a very reasonable rate, Rome is extremely expensive) is comfortable, charming and excellently located in the center of the city. The staff, available any time of day or night, is friendly and infintely helpful. I highly recommend the Hotel Nardizzi (and, don't forget to ask for Mario!). Buon divertimento!

maria smith in middletown, ny USA 04/10/2007

Best: Hotel Aberdeen
Why: We have just returned from another trip to Roma and, as always, stayed at the Hotel Aberdeen. Frankly, I wonder why anyone would stay anywhere else. It is perfectly located a block away from a bus stop on via Nazionale, a walkable distance from Termini, good grocery stores, a shopping mall where you will find an electonics store, a camera store where you can have your digital pictures put on disk, and excellent restaurant with good take-out, Santa Maria Maggiore and even more. It is owned and operated by several cousins and sisters who are lovely, charming and very knowledgable for first time or long time travelers. I suppose we could afford the Hassler or other more expensive hotels but why? The Aberdeen have everything you need, including an internet room, and the rate is more than reasonable. My wife and I would not stay anywhere else.

Charles M. Luther in Katy, TX USA 04/04/2007

Best: Hotel Oceania
Why: My daughter and I enjoyed a couple of peaceful, quiet nights at this fine establishment. The staff was most pleasant, the breakfast excellent, nice amenities (computer, plasma tv, where we watched some Rick Steves' episodes), and Armando an excellent host. I would certainly stay there again. Thank you!

Janet in Caille, GA USA 04/03/2007

Worst: Hotel Nerva
Why: Rooms clean and quiet and fine. Found the owners unfriendly- they told us how much business the Rick Steves book gave them but didn't seem to care about showing any TLC to Rick's readers! we were scowled at one morning when we missed breakfast by a few minutes(end time 9:30 which was early for us) and just asked for a cappucino- got a rude remark about how the kitchen closed at 9:30- the nice lady running machine made us one anyways and rolled her eyes at the owner but still, we were made to feel uncomfortable-esp considering we had to wait almost 2 hrs for our room to be ready when we arrived- we were perfectly gracious about that---then the night before leaving on our way to dinner we were told he wanted us to pay bill in cash (despite not being noted as a cash only hotel nor were we getting a cash discount) we let ourselves be bullied and said we'd go visit a few bancomats where the attempt to pull out 250 Euros(the max there) from 3 different machines caused my bank to put a fraudelent activity freeze on the card (even though we had advised them we'd be using the card in Italy)- then we had asked specifically for a regualar taxi that would accept 40 Euro for cab ride to airport which we had to argue about on the way in but achieved- the hotel called private service that told us as we were getting in that the fee was 50-- when we turned to the hotel owner for help - he shrugged and practically slammed the door in our faces and THEN he came running out demanding 3 Euro from us as we had made 3 local calls while in our hotel room- felt very "scammed"-- wouldn't go there again

anne in abingdon, MD USA 03/27/2007

Best: Hotel Nazionale a Montecitorio
Why: Stayed only here - Hotel was GREAT - close to everything, friendly, helpful, great room on the square, good breakfast, hotel not cheap but worth it! February rates helped. When my wife asked for a "bowl of freddo" they understood and brought a bowl of ice!!!!

Worst: Hotel Nazionale restaurant
Why: expensive and not very good

Gary Carson in Aransas Pass, tx USA 03/24/2007

Best: Hotel Giardino on Via Ventiquattro Maggio
Why: Great location, very gracious helpful staff, good price, loved our room because it had a balcony. Just a note--after reading the hotel's information, we thought it would not be very far and we walked from the Termini station to the hotel. Although we walked all over Rome with no problems, it was quite a hike with two small suitcases, two backpacks and a five year old who wanted to be carried. I would recommend taking the bus to the hotel if you just have a little luggage or kids in tow, and save your feet for sightseeing.

Rhonda in Dallas, TX USA 03/19/2007

Best: Due Torri
Why: Located close to everything, from the Colosseum to the Spanish Steps. Breakfast was very good, and the staff is friendly.

Desiree in Clarksville, TN USA 03/14/2007

Best: The Spring House hotel
Why: Numerous amenities, got a discount of about $25 for naming your book, great location, wonderful staff. (We had the spring room number 64 for the nights of Feb. 28 and March 1, and we had slippers and robes, fresh fruit and breakfasts (served in our room at our request), a minibar that was included, a balcony, free use of a fitness center, and beautiful fresh flowers. We paid, after the discount, €110 for the 28th and €125 for the 1st.

Christine in Sacramento, CA USA 03/03/2007

Worst: Hotel in Parione
Why: We traveled to Rome in October 2006 and made a one night reservation in Hotel in Parione. When we got there, we were told we could not stay at the hotel because of plumbing problems and we're moved to another close by (don't know the name but its not Hotel Smeraldo). We saw a couple coming down the stairs as we got our explanation from the front desk. We did not like the other hotel whose staff was very rude and what bothered me was that Hotel in Parione was not even geniunely apologetic and was wondering if they was telling the truth.

Luis Balcita in Naperville, IL USA 02/26/2007

Best: Hotel Giordino
Why: The rooms were clean, the location was great, but most of all it has a great staff, who were willing to help at all times. I would, however, recommend asking for an interior room when the weather is nice, as there is a lot of noise in those that face the street when the window is open. The windows are double-paned, so that there is no noise when they are closed.

Dan & Aggie Mannix in Waterloo, Belgium (formerly of Pennington, NJ) 02/17/2007

Best: Hotel Paba
Why: Others have said this, but I wanted to stress how much we enjoyed the Hotel Paba and its hostess, Alberta Castelli. After each day of sightseeing, we felt we were returning home. She is a lovely and very helpful person, the rooms were superb and extremely clean, the breakfast wonderful, and the location ideal. We had a balcony that overlooked the busy Via Cavour, but could not hear a sound once the windows and shutters were closed. We felt the room price was a bargain. In short, we highly recommend the Hotel Paba!

Robert in Annandale, VA United States 02/11/2007

Best: Albergo Santa Chiara
Why: We loved the Albergo Santa Chiara. The room was great and they made us reservations at some of the museums.

Nancy Otto in Austin, TX USA 01/24/2007

Best: Residenza Cellini apartment
Why: The apartment was large, well-equipted and cheaper than two hotel rooms. In a wonderful, non-tourist area we started to feel semi-native. The staff at Residenza Cellini were always very helpful.

James in Biddle, OH USA 01/12/2007

Best: Residenza Cellini
Why: Fantastic tip! Barbara De Paolis, Francesca and all the staff at Residenza Cellini were absolutely wonderful. They couldn't be more helpful. They made our stay so comfortable and gave us multiple tips that allowed us to see more in our time and enjoy the time in Rome even more. Thanks, Rick and co., for recommending that hotel!

Colleen Salomon in Claremont, CA USA 01/10/2007

Best: Hotel Nardizzi Americana, Rome
Why: We stayed there from December 23-27, 2006. I booked online seversl months earlier, requesting their limited offer "Overbooking Special", which only cost 55 EUR per night. The deal was that we had to agree to be taken by taxi (at their expense) to another comparable hotel in central Rome is they were overbooked. After reading a favorable review about this special on Tripadvisor, we took this offer. The hotel was not full (or even close)so we got to stay there. It was very nice, in a old buiding that also housed several churches, another hotel and many apartments. The breakfasts consisted of all the cereal/juice/coffee/croissants/rolls that you wanted (great for my hungry teenagers). The rooms very very comfortable and nicely faux painted. We had a VERY good experience there, especially for only 55 EUR per night for a double with bath. I would stay there again.

Terry in Bend, OR USA 01/10/2007

Best: Hotel Aberdeen
Why: Great location with easy access to Metro, Termini station, and all bus lines. Room clean. Staff friendly. Breakfast always ready. Quiet location. Felt safe after dark in the neighborhood. Only one block to main thoroughfare.

Pam Blough in Grand Haven, MI USA 01/06/2007

Worst: Hotel Nardizzi Americana - Rome
Why: FYI: We went to their website first, to check availability. Before I booked our room, my wife remminded me to email them, per your suggestion, requesting the "Rick Steves discount". Though their website, and Verene (later), showed availability, they were sorry to inform us that they were fully booked. This has been our only negative booking experience using your guidebooks. Thank you again for years of happy travels.

Richard Salisbury in Broadview Heights, OH USA 12/31/2006

Best: Hotel Oceania
Why: Everyone spoke English and were friendly and helpful. Lovely rooms. Reasonable rate.

M. E. Sofield in Belle Mead, NJ USA 12/18/2006

Best: Hotel Sonya
Why: Excellent location, excellent price (80 EUR for a double), clean rooms, big for Italian standards (even comparable to US hotels), only the shower is so narrow that if you drop something, you have to step out to pick it up. Huge breakfast (cereal, rolls, pastry, butter, jam, eggs, cream cheese) - enough to be comfortable from 8 till 3. We then took a tramezzini and were able to wait for late Italian dinners. Warning: if you are a light sleeper bring ear plugs. Whenever a neighbor opens the door, you feel as if it is your door. Also: Francesca tried to convince us that Borghese was closed on Tuesday. Fortunately, we had Rick's book.

John Petrovic in Portage, MI USA 12/01/2006

Best: Residence Adler
Why: Convenient to metro, Needed a room for 2 people on May 4-6, and another room for friends May 5-6. They had no problem understanding this. I emailed credit crd info for 5 night. Our friends are staying there again n March'07.

Sue Hall in Wilson, WY USA 11/29/2006

Best: Hotel Smeraldo
Why: Just like one of your other readers has said. The location was great. Hotel is clean and remodeled and staff was very helpfull. We seemed to be able to walk everywhere.

Jim Punches in Aptos, CA USA 11/20/2006

Best: The apartment we rented for 2 weeks.
Why: We shopped at the local stores, fixed many of our own meals in our kitchenette and had elbow room. This was not a Rick Steves recommended accommodation, but we think you should include apartments (aka: Residenzia) in your list of recommendations

Worst: Hilton Cavaleri
Why: Again, not on Rick's list and for good reason. Went there only because of a conference. What a rip off.

Glenn Stokes in San Diego, CA USA 11/14/2006

Best: Hotel Aberdeen
Why: We stayed 9 days and walked from there to every place we went in Rome. Great location and it was very clean and comfortable. The hotel staff were great and we loved them all! Fabrizio in the breakfast room made us great mocha cappucinos!

Ted Moore in Tigard, OR USA 11/14/2006

Best: Hotel Smeraldo
Why: The location was great. Our room was very clean; almost too much so. There wasn't even a hotel book in the room. Upon our arrival, I noted that the hair dryer was broken. We left for the evening. When we arrived back, there was a brand new dryer installed. The staff was not overly friendly, but were courteous, and answered questions. There was a wonderful pastry shop around the corner (I wish I could remember the name to recommend). Our 1st morning, the owner was a little crabby because of a cold. By the last morning, he was putting a heart on my cappuccino!

K. Zednick in Frankfort, IL USA 11/02/2006

Best: Residenza Cellini
Why: Good location, large room, an extremely helpful staff,(George and Francesca.) A very good value.

George Kemptner in Laguna Niguel, CA USA 10/24/2006

Best: 58 Le real de luxe B&B, Via Cavour 58
Why: Made reservations for four nights after reading prior comments on this web site. Only about 7 rooms. Two are larger, have more amenities and cost more. Very clean and modern. Light continenetal breakfast included. Lucca is very helpful. More like you are staying in an apartment than a hotel. Very close the Terminini, Santa Maria Maggiore. Walking distance to other sites popular sites. Great location. Would stay there again.

Dorothy Green in Orlando, FL USA 10/13/2006

Worst: Rome apt booked at www.cross-pollinate.com
Why: Miscommunication with owner and cross-pollinate on taxi/shuttle cancellation to airport. We were "yelled at" and wrongfully charged on our Visa account used for booking apartment. Apartment was unclean and had mice. Contacts at cross-pollinate seemed unconcerned about customer relations and deemed us "at risk." Amy passed us on to Steven who states we should be aware of their policy when in fact none is posted... in regard to cancellations, refunds or charges. We took a chance with this company and we are not pleased with the results.

Dale Harwood in Danville, CA USA 10/05/2006

Best: only stayed at Smeraldo and it was excellent
Why: Beautiful marble bathrooms 1/2 the size of the rooms. We were on the top floor and we only had to walk up one flight of steps to go to the roof garden and eat breakfast. There was an incredible grocery store a block away that sold wine, cheeses, olive oils, and everything else you would ever want. We loved to go there and see what the Romans were buying.

Michele Mahan in Burbank, ca USA 09/16/2006

Best: Hotel Aberdeen
Why: Good clean rooms. Hotel Staff very helpful. A/C felt awesome in August.

Jeff Kane in North Tustin, CA USA 09/06/2006

Best: Hotel Sonya
Why: We stayed at this hotel because of your guide book recommendations. What a treasure. The price was great, the hotel spotless, comfortable and the service was excellent. It was the excellent service that made the trip so very easy and reduced travel stress. The hotel's location was great and the hotel was very secure. Thanks for the recommendation

Bob and Geri Rooks in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl USA 09/01/2006

Best: Hotel Smeraldo
Why: Our family stayed here for 3 nights in July 2006. The Smeraldo is in a great location for walking to many of the sights and is just a few minutes walk to Campo di' Fiori. The rooms are small but very nice and talk about powerful air conditioning! We were extremely comfortable and slept so good here. We would stay here again.

Janet in Maple Grove, MN USA 08/29/2006

Best: Hotel Sileo Rome
Why: Anna and her mother and father at the Hotel Sileo were amazing. I arrived with three of my four children, ages 8, 10, 12 yrs. We were to leave the next day for Venice. But during the night I got very sick. After going at both ends all night, I ended up dehydrated and couldn't think clearly. I called my husband in Texas and he called the hotel back. Alexander, the father, came to check on me. Long story short, they treated us like family. They called an ambulance that got me to the hospital. They cared for my children while I was in hospital for about 5 hrs. They arranged a cab to bring me back. They cared for, entertained, and fed my children that entire day and part of the next. Brought me tea to help and helped me rearrange my train tickets. They were truly guardian angels. I felt like I was with family because of the Rick Steve's connection. We have been watching you for at least 20 years. THANK YOU!!!

carolyn leach in austin, tx USA 08/20/2006

Best: Hotel Italia
Why: As described in the book - clean and friendly. The staff were excellent, cheerful, helpful and resourceful - they even mail your postcards for nothing more than the price of the stamp. One note about the freen internet - you have to use their computer... they won't give you access to the wireless network on your own.

Sam Hunter in Simi Valley, CA USA 08/08/2006

Best: Hotel Gerber
Why: excellent location near the Metro A line, one stop from the Vatican and three or four from other major attractions. Super clean, great beds in up-to-date rooms. Family run-the owner is the host at the excellent breakfast, his daughter and nephew are at the front desk. A nice small patio, a roof deck, and a small bar in the lobby. This is a quiet residential neighborhood in the evening.

Phil WI USA 08/05/2006

Best: Hotel Smeraldo
Why: Small but comfortable and spotlessly clean, air conditioned room. Staff friendly and helpful. Absolutely GREAT location for walking as well as access to public transportation. Dozens of options for food within a short distance: you may not need to get the hotel breakfast. As an unaccompanied female, I felt very comfortable staying there and walking all over the area. (Keep your eyes open and travel smart, as always, of course.)

Joanne Fritch in Hayward, CA USA 07/29/2006

Best: Hotel Aberdeen
Why: Great location (easy walk to and from train station), very helpful staff. Only downside was that the beds were really hard.

Julie in Santa Barbara, CA USA 07/25/2006

Best: Hotel Nardizzi
Why: Good location near the train station and many area restraunts. Helpful staff. Received 10% discount by paying with cash and Rick Steves guidebook.

T. Koons in Forest, VA USA 07/22/2006

Best: Residenza Cellini
Why: The hotel staff were extremely helpful and friendly. The rooms were very clean and perfect for our 3 night stay in Rome. The Cellini provided an excellent breakfast in the morning and made excellent cappuccinos whenever we needed a little pick me up.

Tony & Allison Pass in Issaquah, WA USA 07/14/2006

Best: Hotel Smeraldo
Why: The location of the hotel is perfect; from here we walked everywhere in Rome, including both train stations, Vatican City, and the Borghese Gardens. Nothing is more than a 45-minute walk away. There are plenty of grocery stores and alimentari nearby to pick up an inexpensive lunch. The rooms are simple but clean, and the roof garden is a nice place to relax and enjoy lunch.

Summer Trentin in Cedar Rapids, IA USA 07/12/2006

Best: Hotel Montreal
Why: Very helpful staff. A.C. worked well. Clean room. Good location to the train station so no need for a taxi. Good price.

Lauralee USA 07/09/2006

Best: Hotel Giardino, Via XXIV Maggio 51
Why: First is the owner and staff. Every morning at Breakfast we would discuss our proposed itinerary with Kate, She would help us fine tune the day, it was always helpful. The staff was always friendly and came through with travel assistance when a taxi strike threatened our trip back home. Second, location. The Hotel Giardino is close to almost all the major sites.

Evan Steinberger in Merion Station, PA USA 07/07/2006

Best: Hotel Italia on Via Venezia
Why: You recommended this hotel. Gabriel was most accommodating. The hotel is most clean, breakfast superb, staff was very kind in recommending what we need to know about Rome. Their arrangement to have meet at the airport was great.

Norman F. Weber in Mount Juliet, TN USA 07/05/2006

Best: Casa Olmata
Why: Great people, breakfast was very useful, and location can't be beat.

Patti USA 07/04/2006

Best: Hotel Alimandi
Why: It was everything the guide book said and more. Breakfast was the best we had in Italy and our wonderful waiter Francesco brought cafe latte to our table every morning. The somewhat remote location was no problem for us as we love to walk and when we didn't want to walk the subway was a block away. It was ideally situated for touring the Vatican. We would definitely stay there again.

Karen Proft in Pleasantville, NY USA 06/19/2006

Best: 58 Le Real de Luxe B&B in Rome
Why: This hotel was excellent and the staff was even better. It has very good location and very nice facilities. The breakfast is substantial. The staff provided good tips for restaurants that were not always the most expensive but good food and for things to see within walking distance. The hotel is also able to get reservations to get in to the Vatican Museums without having to wait in the long lines,a huge plus given the heat.This is one of the longest lines I have ever seen..

Marie in Boston, Ma USA 06/14/2006

Best: Hotel Duca d'Alba
Why: On our recent trip to Europe we stayed at Duca d'Alba Hotel in Rome. Everything was the way we expected it according to what we've read on Rick's guide. Perfect location, small hotel but very cute, extremely clean, very very professional staff, but the most unbelievable thing happened to us. The day we left the hotel, my husband left some money in the safety box of our room. We feel embarassed for this unforgivable mistake, that's why I don't provide our names. Anyway, when we realized that we left some money we were already in Florence. We called the Rome hotel from Florence (Beatrice Hotel, also very nice and owner Constantine was very helpful). So we called the Duca d'Alba and they went to the trouble to change our US dollars to Euros, send them to us, and made sure we received them on the same day! I think the staff in this hotel is exceptional! We will come back to this hotel and we will keep on recommending it to all of our friends. All of the hotels we used from the book were excellente choices but we were especially impressed with the Duca d'Alba in Rome, the Beatrice in Florence, the Duomo in Siena, and the Adornes in Bruges.

[Editor's Note: As Rick always says, the best place for cash is in your moneybelt and the best place for your moneybelt is on YOU!]

Anonymous in San Diego, CA USA 06/06/2006

Best: Residenza Cellini
Why: This small hotel was very charming and lovely. The bedrooms and bathrooms were spacious and newly remodeled. It was convenient to all the sights. But most of all, the staff was very pleasant, attentive and most helpful. I would highly recommend it.

Joan Perry in Jupiter, fl USA 06/05/2006

Best: Hotel Italia Rome
Why: Rome was our first stop in a 2 week trip to Italy. Everyone at Hotel Italia was very nice and helpful. The room wasn't fabulous but it was clean. Breakfast was good and the coffee was great. Free use of the internet was awesome because we had to pay for it everywhere else.

Melissa D. in Issaquah, WA USA 06/05/2006

Worst: Casa Olmata
Why: Although I had made a reservation a month earlier by e-mail, and dropped by at noon to confirm the reservation (and pay a deposit!), when I returned again at 5:00 (as requested), they told me that I could take a shower but not to unpack, because I "might not have a place." When I protested and said that I had a confirmed reservation, the desk clerk got upset and told me that if I didn't like it, maybe I should "just go away and go somewhere else." I did, after a fight to recover my 5-Euro key deposit for a key I never received, and found a nice (but far more expensive) room the next street over on Via Sforza, at the Hotel Colosseum.

John in Dallas, TX USA 06/02/2006

Best: Hotel Paba
Why: Location was perfect--down the block from the Colessium and withing walking distance of just about around everthing. Alberta was very helpful with buses and recommended a wonderful restaurant. She also helped us find a room for one night when the Paba was full--Hotel Fennaro which is on the same floor. For 1 and 2 star hotels, we got excellent service!

Sue in New york, NY USA 06/01/2006

Worst: Casa Olmata
Why: They put us in a second building,a 15 minute walk (with luggage). The place was extremely noisy, smelly, very dirty, shower didn't work, not vacuumed, dirty sheets, dirty bathrooms, no cushion on chair, etc.Not worth the 60 euros for a "private" room.I definitely don't recommend this place.

dorothy avondstondt in miami, fl USA 05/31/2006

Best: Hotel Oceania
Why: This hotel was everything you said it would be. The staff was wonderful: friendly, helpful and available. The rooms were large and clean. The location was perfect for getting easily to almost any place in Rome. And the small size of the Oceania made it so much more comfortable. A great valus.

Dave MA USA 05/28/2006

Best: Hotel Sonya
Why: Clean, quiet, and safe. Your book noted the "somewhat impersonnal" staff, but I found them very helpful. I wouldn't hesitate to stay here again.

Charles Long in lawrenceburg, tn USA 05/27/2006

Worst: The Aberdeen
Why: I know many people really like this hotel. It does not have a three star feel to it at all. The walls are paper thin--could hear guest in next room using the toilet. Outside noise was a factor as well as we got Via Nazionale vespa noise from our window which overlooked a very derelict empty space. The twin beds were very odd in the fact that they were several inches more narrow than usual twins--similar to what one would have in a college dorm room. Breakfast was basic with okay coffee. As to whether the staff was helpful, well, that depended who was on duty. Most were totally unfamiliar with any restaurants outside of the surrounding area of the Aberdeen and the selections in that area were meager. Also our bathroom was dark and drab--poor lighting. We will never stay in this area again.

Susan Jennings in Atlanta, USA 05/26/2006

Best: Aberdeen Hotel
Why: Spent four days at the Aberdeen, May-06, using Rick's Rome book. Would definitely recommend this Hotel,good value. Rome is like London, good accommodation at a resonable price is difficult to find. A few negatives, rooms,44,45,46 are next to the breakfast room, you will not sleep after 06:30,guaranteed!!, the kitchen staff create a racket preparing breakfast!!. Reception staff are extremely helpful and the use of two computers plus internet at no cost is a bonus. If you are thinking of staying at the Aberdeen you better book well in advance. Rick has a tour group staying every week throughout the season. The continental breakfast is OK. Would definitely stay again. John & Rosalind Sidney,BC. May-06

John Calder in Sidney, BC Canada 05/24/2006

Best: Hotel Italia
Why: Great Rick Steves cash rates, great location near Santa Maria Maggiore and short walk to Forum, and good size rooms Good service at desk,too.

Alan Scott in Missouri City, TX USA 05/11/2006

Best: Residenza Cellini
Why: My wife and I spent an outstanding 3-night start to a longer European trip at the Cellini. Everything from the central location, taseteful decor, spacious room, and friendly staff far exceeded our expectations. Friends travelling with us stayed at a highly rated, similar priced hotel, but one which turned out to be much worse on all counts.

Jack Chapman in Laguna Beach, CA USA 05/10/2006

Best: Hotel Nardizzi Americana
Why: Upon arriving in Roma with no place to stay my mother and I quickly found that finding accomodation would not be as easy as we'd originally hoped. Most places were booked up and could offer nothing to us. Hotel Nardizzi was the same...booked up. However, the kindly and resourceful Mario was able to work out a solution for us. Offering up an apartment space directly below the hotel's main floor at a more than reasonable price. It was an unexpected guesture of kindness and an excellent example of guest service that is not often seen. Bravo, Mario! We ended up staying for 4 nights and were blown away by the level of kind service and aid the entire staff provided for the duration of the stay. I would encourage anyone coming to Rome to definately consider staying here. The combination of value, location, and service go far beyond the hotel's 2 star rating. Ciao.

Jordan in San Francisco, CA USA 05/05/2006

Best: Casa Rabatti - Florence
Why: Marcella is absolutely wonderful. Even though she spoke very little English, she knew how to get across what she wanted. She made us feel so at home - She was like a little grandmother, always worried if we were having fun. She even took us in to her kitchen to try some vegetables she was eating late one night when we arrived there after a long day of sight seeing. Everyone should try to get at least one night here just for the experience.

Heidi York in Skowhegan, Ma USA 05/01/2006

Best: Hotel Nardizzi
Why: We only stayed there and it was great.

SHANE LARSEN in HOLLADAY, UT USA 04/18/2006

Worst: Hotel Giardino Rome
Why: Two reasons. 1. My single room was by far the smallest I have ever stayed in, and I've been in some small ones. 2. The rooms that face the street have double panes but don't stop the rumbling sound of the cars that pass over the cobblestones.

Jan Ligon in Atlanta, GA USA 04/12/2006

Best: B&B Villa MariaRosa, Piano di Sorrento
Why: What a find that needs to be added to Rick’s book. This historic, totally refurbished, and reasonably priced B & B is located in Piano di Sorrento, just two train stops (10 minutes) from Sorrento on the Circumvesuviana train. The B & B is only a 2-3 minute walk (about 4 blocks) from the station and Piano is a nice town, less costly, and not so touristy as Sorrento.

Jan Ligon in Atlanta, GA USA 04/12/2006

Best: Hotel Aberdeen
Why: A good find, but hard to locate from the train station on arrival. Nice staff, very thin walls; rooms clean and adequate. breakfast unimaginative but sufficient. Easy to walk to central transportation that gets you all over Rome.

louise Phillips in staten Island, ny USA 04/01/2006

Best: Residenza Cellini
Why: Our group of five stayed in their 3 bedroom apartment near Piazza Cavour. It was very elegant with a full kitchen, dining room and 1 1/2 bath. Barbara met us at the apartment. She gave us several detailed street maps and took her time suggesting sights to see and places to dine. They also arranged for a mini-van to pick up at the train station when we arrived, and drop us off the day we left. Barbara also left the phone number for the hotel so we could call if we wanted a taxi ordered or anything else. The price was less than we would have paid for a triple and a double. It was a wonderful place to stay and I would definitely stay there again.

J in HONOLULU, HI USA 03/30/2006

Best: Hotel In Parione
Why: It's located in a great location. You can walk to pretty much all of the major sights in Rome. A great bakery is right next door. We got breakfast there every morning. Staff was helpful. Room was very clean.

Eva Tai in Ellicott City, MD USA 03/28/2006

Best: Hotel Aberdeen in Rome
Why: Clean, quiet, good breakfast

H Gellis in Brookline, MA USA 03/10/2006

Best: Excellent B&B in Rome !
Why: We had a very pleasant stay at the excellent B&B „Finestre sul Vaticano”. The B&B is perfect in term of comfort and location. Max and Lavinia are great host. They both are always ready to help for arrangements and transportation. They demonstrated a great hospitality. (few meters from the Subway station and nice Italian restaurants). We will strongly recommend friends to stay there. It was a real pleasure! Visit www.romabandb.it

Kris F. in Bridgeport, CT USA 01/24/2006

Best: Hotel Aberdeen
Why: Nice rooms and everybody at the desk was so helpful. And the breakfast is great!

mary wilkening in river falls, wi USA 01/17/2006

Best: Hotel Sonya
Why: In Rome my family stayed at Hotel Sonya just before Epiphany. The staff was wonderful. Unfortunately our family room had a leaky toilet. They immediately moved us to a smaller room (no other rooms were available). The following day we were moved to a larger room. We forgot to set our clocks for the one hour time change from England to Rome. As a result, we showed up half an hour after breakfast had closed. To my amazement, they insisted that we sit down for breakfast and brought out bread and milk. I especially loved their morning capachino with a heart drawn in the foam. The kids got hot chocolate with smiley faces drawn in the foam. We had a great time in Rome. We visited the Piazza Navona and picked up a Christmas witch. On Epiphany (January 6, 2006) all the museums were closed. We walked to the Piazza del Populo and watched the people.

Alana in San Francisco, CA USA 01/11/2006

Best: hotel smeraldo
Why: The best location. we were within walking distance to all the major sites. The staff was very friendly and helpful and spoke enough english to answer our questions.

anthony oh USA 01/08/2006

Best: 58 Le Real de Luxe in Rome
Why: Fantastic Rome ..Fantastic Romans !!My husband and I enjoyed a week's stay at 58 Le Real de Luxe in late December 2005. Very quietacomodation. Beautiful rooms and very, very nice staff. Highly recommended. We would stay there again.

L.M. Ma USA 01/02/2006