Hotel Apollo - Rome, Italy 

Stayed for five nights (May 2008) with my husband and college age daughter. Would definitely recommend and return to this small hotel. We stayed in the triple room facing the back. No view but quiet. The room was not huge but roomy enough. The bathroom with shower was nicely appointed and immaculate. Yes, their towels are like dish towels. Very thin, but large and absorbent. They were changed every day. No face towel, though,so bring your own if you use one. The upstairs breakfast room and deck were wonderful, as was the buffet breakfast. The buffet breakfast far surpassed the other three hotels we stayed in Italy on our trip. They served three types of juices, American coffee as well as freshly prepared cappuccino, rolls, warmed pastries, a variety of cheeses and meat spreads, cereals, yogurt, a variety of fruit from cans, and pound cake. Yum! As for location, it was very convenient to Via Nationale a major bus route (one block) and the Cavour Metro stop (walking distance of 2 blocks). And walking distance to the Coliseum/Forum and Trevi Fountain. The staff always made us feel welcome and communication was not a problem. As another reviewer pointed out the immediate neighborhood is quiet and not touristy. On the same block there are several very good small and reasonable restaurants (try the Due Colonne Ristorante/Pizzaria). Around the block on the next parallel street is a small well stocked grocery store. We also asked for a dinner recommendation from the staff and were very pleased with their recommendation. There is no internet access in the rooms; however they have a computer available to guests off the lobby. Also, there is an internet spot (with numerous computers) almost next door. On arrival we took a taxi from the airport. Make sure you agree on the set rate from the airport with the driver. There is a posted sign at the taxi stand. We left for Florence by train and took the metro to the station. Very easy even with rolling luggage. See my other reviews of Hotel Caravaggio, Florence and La Locandiera, Venice.

Really enjoyed the Apollo. Friendly staff and generally helpful,, considering my very basic 4 words of Italian and their limited English. Location was great, room clean and reasonable size. Breakfast good. It even has an elevator ( this is helpful for getting luggage up to 3rd floor). You can walk to Coloseum / forum in 5 min and the walk to Vatican is only 45min if you dont stop for too many gelattos. We organised taxi to airport and were told it would be E50. We were happy to find final price was indeed E50. Lovely spot and would go back again