deedeedee

Would like to hear about any "recent" experiences at the Albergo Del Senato in Rome.

Also, The Raphael Hotel in Rome. Thanks

jamierin

One of the Fodor's posters recently stayed at the Albergo del Senato with her mother and loved it. Here is a link to her trip report.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rome-italy.cfm

hanabilly

It's been about two and a half years since we were there, but as I read Marcy's trip report (see above) I recognized the cast of characters, and doubt much has changed.

We loved it there! It's a splurge for us, but I would not hesitate to stay there again. We had a corner room I think on the 4th floor. I felt like I could reach out and touch the roof of the Pantheon (a building I am obsessed with - hence our splurge.)

The rooms are not large but large enough and beautifully appointed and spotlessly clean. What really shines in this hotel is the service. I felt like we were the favorite guests of every staff member.

ekscrunchy

Do you mean the Senato's sister hotel, the Raffaello, or the Raphael? I've heard very good things about the former from people with high standards. But the location is not as good, in my opinion.

The Raphael is in a higher price bracket; I tours it a few years back and thought it lovely; there are contemporary rooms and rooms with classic decor. I think a roof garden, too.

LowCountryIslander

Thanks hanabilly for referencing my trip report!

Yes, mom and I LOVED the Albergo del Senato. The staff, as mentioned above, was just terrific, they were always very accommodating to any/all of our needs!

We were there at the end of March and found the hotel and room to be spotless, very clean and comfortable. What we loved the most though was the location, it really is central to just about anything a visitor to Rome would want/need to see/do.

I would stay there again in a heartbeat!

deedeedee

Thanks for all your input. Loved the trip report

ekscrunchy ...The other hotel is The Raphael (Piazza Navona)

Also, I am looking for a hotel in Venice on the Grand Canal.

Any suggestions ?? As for budget ... maybe $400 per night ... ouch !!!

hanabilly

I don't know if the dates will work for you, but right now the beautiful Ca Sagredo is on auction on Luxury Link and the current bid would get you well under your $400 target. I was able to get three nights in a Jr. Ste. for around $300/nt., and then purchased an additional 3 nights for a little bit more. (It was jaimirin that brought it to my attention -so she's the one to thank if it works for you!)

deedeedee

hanabily & jaimirin

Thanks for the Ca Sagredo info. My dates are April 5 - 7 (2013) so it is little early.

The hotel looks so beautiful. How close is it to St. Marks Square ?

Also, I have not used Luxury Link in the past. What about cancelations ?

Thanks again ...

hanabilly

It is past Rialto going towards the train station. I don't know what that equates to in distance or walking time (I will know after October though!)

For the auctions, those are non-refundable. But, if you use the "Buy Now" feature, they are fully refundable with certain parameters.

deedeedee

hanabily & jaimirin

Thanks for the Ca Sagredo info. My dates are April 5 - 7 (2013) so it is little early.

The hotel looks so beautiful. How close is it to St. Marks Square ?

Also, I have not used Luxury Link in the past. What about cancelations ?

Thanks again ...

gh21

Stayed at Albergo del Senato last October and loved it. Great location, great staff, quiet rooms ( we had a room overlooking the plaza in front of the Pantheon and despite the crowds, the windows were very good in keeping the sound out). Wifi was very spotty but I would not let that stop me from staying there again. Rooftop bar was very nice.

cruiseshmooz

Iget e-mails from Luxury link, but have never used them. If you buy or bid, are youguaranteed to get the dates you want?

TDudette

DH and I stayed at Raphael in March, 2009 and loved it. I wrote them directly and got 3 nights for a total of 567 euros. They also upgraded us to a junior suite for no extra price--don't know why.

It is less than 5 minutes to Piazza Navona and has a rooftop facility (it was being repaired when we were there so I don't know if it's more than a bar).

raincitygirl

I stayed at the Hotel Raphael last April for 4 nights and loved it.
We had one of the Richard Meier suites, very modern and our room had a little Juliet balcony which looked over the front of the hotel.

In season you can have dinner and drinks on the rooftop. It wasn't open yet when we were there but we went up to sit there and look at the view.

We loved the location, the breakfast was good and the staff were great. I would stay there again.

deedeedee

I emailed the Raphael Hotel for room rates & they are a little pricey.
Starting at E320 + E28 (each) for breakfast and up. We will be there in
late March for 4 nights. At the Albergo Del Senato we are able to
get a room with a view of the Pantheon for E275 inc. breakfast.
Decisions ... Decisions

sushimomma

We recently returned from a trip to Paris, Venice, and Rome. Stayed at the Albergo del Senato and truly enjoyed our stay. Great service, incredible location, and nicely appointed rooms all combined to create a wonderful stay. Highly recommend it.

Also read that you were researching accomodations in Venice. We stayed at Ca'Angeli, which is on the Grand Canal. It was a nice B&B. Not sure how many (if any) have Grand Canal views, but our stay was enjoyable.