Trilussa Palace Hotel & Spa - Rome, Italy     

I've just arrived from a short stay in Rome, and I can tell that it coudn't work out better. I have a long experiencie travelling in Europe and I know ery well Rome and its hotels (I've been a tour guid for almost 20 years) and this is, by far, one of the best places I have even been. Let's face it: Italian hotels have small rooms, and most of the places have nothing to do with, let's say, tourist hotels in the Caribbean or USA, but for me, this was a suprise: functional, quite new, and with excellente service (from the men at the front desk, to the laday manager or the lady at the breakfast room), good facilities for relaxing (if you go, don't miss the spa, ideal after a long walk in the city). I loved the location (I looked for somewhere away from the crowds in the historical center) in Trastevere: closed to many restaurants, the Sunday market, in front of the hotel, and the nice views fron the Gianicolo hill (a winner off the beaten track!), and the tram stop passing every 3 minutes and taking you to the center in 10 minutes. I loved the place, and now is one of my favourites in the city!

Great reception and advice on how best to see the city. Room clean modern, small but luxurious bathroom again impecably clean. Lovely barman on the roof terrace which gives lovely view on the city. In fact all the staff friendly and helpful with an excellent breakfast and breakfast room - set us up for each days activities. Simply jump on the tram outside and in 5 mins you are nearby Pantheon. Also a bus (no 3) outside that goes straight to Colesseum, about 5-7 minutes. Both frequent services. So it was great value, convenenient and would recommend it strongly to anyone. Beautiful city of course, double decker on off bus tours very good as is public transport. (4 Euro for a day pass on tram/buses.) Beware Rome taxi drivers however. The only thing that dented our stay was being ripped off and cheated by a taxi driver from central station to hotel. (Ask estimated price in advance watch meter, make sure they drop you at the door of the hotel so if they try anything funny you can get assistance from the hotel. When we were ripped off the staff could not have been more symapthetic - in fact offerred us complimentary drinks which helped restore our spirits) So, if you are flying in, I recommend you book a car / limo via the hotel in advance. Not cheap but a fair price ( wish we had done that on way in - we did of course on way back to airport.) With help of trip advisor have always found good value hotels for our trips. I have to say the Trilussa has been the best so far. You will not be disappointed!