Hotel Louis - Ciampino, Italy     

I booked this hotel as it was in a convenient location and price band. Positives: Amazing friendly service, secure gated property, clean & functional rooms, only 10 minute walk to the train station and a ?30 cab (max) from Ciampino airport. Good shower (v. important!) Fair value for the price we paid. Negatives: Breakfast is cereal and a croissant - no fruit, cooked food or toast, 2 rooms (from 8 we reserved for our group) smelled a little damp and were a little on the small side. Beds 6/10 for comfort. Would I stay here again? I'd be tempted to look around for somewhere a little more refined (with restaurant for example), but I wouldn't hesitate to book again if I needed a room at short notice and wanted a 'does what is says on the tin' bed for the night. The family service needs mentionning again, they were super friendly and seemed genuinely pleased to see us and serve us - something which was in contrast to the airline (no names - Ryan-mare) and so many other 'service' industries!

My family of four drove to Rome to meet some friends in June 2007. Against better judgement and advice, we had taken a stab at driving through Florence to reach our hotel. While there were no problems, I did not intend to repeat my performance in Rome, so we choose a hotel outside the city center. Hotel Louis II seemed to fit the bill. Finding the hotel was easy enough with a navigation system. Its a nice little place tucked away from the main road. The family that runs the place is very nice and at times hilarious. One of the sons called a pizzeria for us and ordered some pizza and drinks for delivery upon our request. The family is very helpful and can give you different directions to different locations as necessary. The room we had was on the top floor, relatively large, but with a low ceiling. The room was clean, neat, but no frills. It accommodated us and the children well enough. The breakfast is typical Italian fare: coffee and pastry. You can have as much as you'd like and there's also juice, fruit, or yogurt upon request. Getting to the train station is not much of a problem, but is a bit of a walk down a busy street, especially with a stroller containing two children. You could probably drive and park your car or take the bus, but we walked. The train station gives you a straight shot into Termini. Alternatively, you can buy a bus/metro pass at any Tabacchi in the neighborhood (there's one just up the street). This was the method we used to take a bus from the hotel area to the metro, then the metro to the Vatican. You do have to lean heavily upon public transportation, though, when staying at this hotel. Overall, Hotel Louis II was a good experience and I'd recommend it to anyone driving to Rome and willing to commute to the city using public transportation.