Caprice - Rome, Italy     

We booked the Hotel Caprice after their sister hotel, Hotel Diplomatic, gave our room away. When we got there and the staff was very accommodating and made us feel welcomed. Our room was ok and was a nice size. The breakfast was pretty standard--meats, cheeses, breads, and a toaster--but it was good. The location, however, could not have been better--walking distance to the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and even the Borghese Gallery if you wanted a longer walk. Overall, it was a good stay after a somewhat chaotic experience with Hotel Diplomatic.

I can admit that the awe inspired by Rome greatly overshadowed the flaws of the hotel, so maybe if I separate it into positive and negative qualities it would be easier to give it a fairer review. There were many positive things about the Caprice. It's an old hotel conveniently located near the Spanish Steps, and as such its charm is just that of an old hotel. It even smells old. The staff is great, nobody can really speak English but they're veterans at talking without words. They were very helpful, just persist and you, too, will become a veteran in sign language. One of the people at the front desk gave us chocolate for kicks, and we were always greeted going in and out. Sometimes I felt they were going to break into song and dance. The room was cozy. I was in a triple and didn't feel too crowded. Yes, it's shabby, but if you're in Rome you probably won't spend much time awake in it to notice. The beds are pretty stiff, depends on how you're used to sleeping. I liked it, though. It was quiet for the most part, the only noise we heard were the neighbors coming in after a wild night out. In the mornings, breakfast was continental: bread, salami, cheese, ham, butter and jam, along with baked goods. And of course, juice, milk, coffee or hot chocolate. Location was amazing, of course. It's 5-10 minutes from the Spanish Steps and 10-15 from the Trevi Fountain. From there it's easier to walk to the Pantheon, which would then be easier to walk to Piazza Nevona. It's close to the bus stops and underground system. There weren't a lot of negative things about the Caprice, just the kind of negative that makes you laugh. For example, the tiny elevator smelled like goat and the cultural exchange via sign language between me and the staff was a lot of fun. I don't think our bathroom door closed all the way, and one person at a time could see the TV. Like it matters, really. Why watch TV in Rome? Others have said it lacked style, but I felt it had a certain kind of charm to it that most modernized hotels don't have. A great, friendly staff and a cozy hotel beats a lavish hotel with temperamental receptionists. All I can say. I'm only giving it a "neutral/above average" because the facilities were average, and when you think about it, it is an average hotel. Or it's what an average hotel SHOULD be, rather. The room was cozy but my mother found it cramped, and yes, there was plenty of shabbiness to go around. Their internet was also down. Helpful hints? To get there from the FCO Airport, take the train to the Termini and then the metro (Linea A) to Barberini. You can then take a bus from the stop "Tritone" (a stone's throw from the metro exit) to Via Veneto, or you can bum a map from tourist information and walk it if you don't have a lot of luggage. From the bus stop, climb up the steps and it should be to the right next to... la dolce vita lap dancing. Careful of pickpockets and people trying to short-change you. If you get short-changed, kick and scream until you get what you're supposed to. The last thing they need is someone scaring away other potential customers. Other than that, enjoy your stay! The hotel is pretty shabby, but Rome and the great staff should make you forget about it in no time.