Luxury Hotels in Rome, Italy

Well you are looking for exactlty the type of Europeon hotel I don't like. After 7 trips to Europe I much prefer the small boutique local type hotels down the little side alleys but that is me not you.
You might want to go to tripadvisor and start your hotel search there. Once you get some ideas come back and ask about them.Have you traveled to Europe before and if so what cities and what hotels did you stay at in those places that you really liked?

The Intercontinental De La Ville meets all the requirements you list. Plus, it is very quiet which is not always the case in Roma.

remote -I disagree w/uo.The Intercontinental is old, small rooms, very noisy if your room faces the inner courtyard-the bar/music blasts til 2-3 Am.complaining got us no-where! Very snooty to boot.
Apity because the location is great-at the top of the Spanish steps.

The Westin Excelsior may be exactly what you are looking for. When we stayed there our room was huge and beautifully furnished. The bath too was large and outfitted with marble walls and floors. Certainly one of the nicest places we've stayed. It's only a few short blocks to the Spanish Steps. One of the best meals I had in Italy was at the Excelsior.

www.westin.com/excelsiorrome

Hi

Try the Hotel de Russie - https://www.hotelderussie.it

Chapla- were you on the first floor? I know there are unrenovated rooms on the first floor but most of the hotel has spacious rooms with high ceilings, marble baths, large flat screens and double pane windows. We started staying there in 2006 because the Hassler was up to $700 and I didn't think the rooms were any nicer. I have used the parking, laundry service and congierce serveral times and was always extremely satisfied. I did join their Ambassador club for the late check out, but I don't think you get a better room, although you get a voucher for a free weekend night. I'm sorry you had a room with bar noise-- to me their is nothing worse. A good nights sleep is my most important criteria in a hotel and that is why I recommended the De La Ville.

Just as everyone's idea of "small" is different, so is the meaning of "big bucks." Please tell us what you're willing (or wanting) to spend.

Hi; We agree with the Weston on the Via Veneto. Good size rooms and in a good locarion. We don't spend a large amount for breakfast, but if you go to the bar for coffee, you also get some pastries. Richard

There are a lot of excellent hotels in Rome with large rooms, good service and everything you will want. They are not inexpensive.

Without knowing your budget it's hard to make recos.

Raphael Hotel was a recommedation we received but haven't stayed there yet.

Hey...thanks for all the replies. Much appreciated.

Some good points were mentioned...what is "small?" Well, for me, it's anything LESS than what you would normally experience at a Westin, Marriott or Fairmont property in the USA...what they would call their 'standard' room. I always have a King bed, small sofa/sitting area, desk area, flat-screen TV, and decent size bath room. Not a 'suite' but certainly a "comfortable" room to move around in.

"Big bucks" for one person is pocket change for another. For me personally, it's in the $400 USD per day range when I'm on vacation. It's my understanding that if you want to stay in the heart of Rome, with better access to the sites, you can expect it to be more expensive. Everybody wants to be where the action is and you pay for that.

A small family run hotel or a 'boutique'is just not my style on vacation. The hotel is "half the trip" for me...when I come in from a long day of being on my feet, seeing the sites, I want to come "Home" to my sanctuary with the friendly, welcoming staff and close the door to my nice, comfortable room with a great bed.

As I have read in several places (TripAdvisor, Expedia, Travelocity and other travel forums regarding hotels..."Rome is not a modern, American city...adjust your expectations....
think smaller."

>>>It's my understanding that if you want to stay in the heart of Rome<<<

In the heart of Rome, the buildings are hundreds of years old. Much older than in the US. You can't tear them down and put up a big chain hotel.

You will find many hotels that will meet most of your requirements (although $400 might be a little cheap for the area) up the via Veneto, but most of us don't consider it the heart of Rome.

Sadly, $400 ain't what it used to be, now "only" about 265 euros.

Try the Small Luxury Hotels group. You'll note several properties give the square footage info of their rooms. Depending on when you're going, you might find a property that fits your budget and other requirements. There may be a 4th night free after 3 somewhere.

http://www.slh.com/hotelfinder/country_destination/italy/rome/page0.html

If you have points with any loyalty/affinity programs, I'd use them.

I'm not sure that $400 would be considered 'big bucks' in any major european city. It'll probably get you a very nice place but not top of the line.

At the Grand Hotel de la Minerve in the historic centre, a Deluxe Room (if you want a king-size bed and a sitting area) is 380 Euro in December. There may (or may not) be a multi-night package.

You should also be aware that most hotels, whether large, small, boutique, in the center, etc. have different ranges of types of rooms. And they will never (at least in my experience) commit to giving you a certain room. So you may end up in a high-end expensive place/area and the room you get may not be up to par. Since most of these old-type places are also constantly renovating, you may be given an un-renovated room which is "waiting" for its renovation while others may be better.

I had the chance to book a room for a really really low rate (165 Euros I believe) at the Albergo del Senato right on the Pantheon square. I was so worried about the type of room they might give me for such a low price at such a highend hotel, that I passed.

There are those for whom luck always shines and even when reserving a regular standard room, get upgraded at the desk upon checking in. I have never been this lucky person but I guess it is great if you are. Good luck and have a great time.

Hi again

Mmmm..OK the Hotel de Russie is out. Maybe try the Mellini Suite at the Hotel dei Mellini - http://www.hotelmellini.com

I recommend the Hotel Splendide Royal. We stayed in their junior suite and was very happy with it. It has the king size bed you are looking for, a separate seating room, a tv in the bedroom and in the living room, a half bath off the living room, big master bathroom (it has a jacuzzi), a good size desk and a nice balconey. The hotel faces Villa Borghese Park, close to Via Veneto and 500 metres from the Spanish Steps. The location is great. The staff is very friendly. There is a good restaurant next to the hotel. Their cream cake is to die for.

The Intercontinental De La Ville is also one of my favorite in Rome and has a special place in my heart. I was lucky enough to get a room on the top floor with a balconey.

Have a great time. Rome is so beautiful!

I have stayed a half dozen times at The Minerve, a lovely hotel with a wonderful staff and great location. Lobby bar are roof top bar are great places for before and after dinner drinks.

Standard rooms are smallish but superior rooms are spacious and well appointed.

The Westin Excelsior is another good choice and I personally enjoy staying on or near Via Veneto as it is quiet. And Marriott Grand Flora has larger rooms in their premium categories and is a very nice hotel.

We also enjoyed Sofitel Roma and Capo d'Africa in Deluxe rooms, both solid 4 star hotels.

I think the problem is that you're looking for a luxury hotel and US$400 is only about 250 euros - which will give you a nice moderate place but really isn't enough for a luxury property. We have had wondeful experiences at several luxury hotels in Italy - but in major cities they're more in the $700 or so range.

We loved the Minerva in Rome - but the type of room you want would be about $600 per night in December based on their web site.

nytraveler is right. For $400 you'll not find what you are looking for...Full service,king bed,flat screen t.v., sitting area etc. Those type of rooms will start at about $600 and go up. Even a nice boutique hotel where you'll only get a queen bed, no flat screen and maybe a balcony will run about $450 to over $500.

You don't want to stay on the Via Veneto. That locale is way past its prime. It ain't 1966, buddy, and Anita Ekberg is long gone.

I suggest the Hotel Raphael near Piazza Navona, although I doubt you could afford it. My SIL is Roman by the way.

www.raphaelhotel.com

Tina from the Bronx

I also enjoyed the Westin Excelsior. It has a very nice location on the Via Veneto. It also has beautifully decorated rooms and luxurious marble bathrooms. Also, they have a fantastic breakfast buffet, complete with prosecco for mimosas.

The Westin Excelsior is an excellent hotel but out of the $400 price range.

I have to agree that $400 in Rome is not big bucks. Not even close.

We have stayed twice at the Hotel Hassler and enjoyed it very much. Both times we had newly renovated rooms and king sized bed. Last time we enjoyed a fabulous dinner (and view) at their rooftop restaurant. I also had an amazing massage in their small but lovely spa. We like this location and pay the ridiculous price to have it and a nice room and very helpful concierge. But, I believe our room was at least $800 per night.

Good luck and please let us know what you find... I need a less expensive place to stay in Rome - every trip isn't an anniversary...

gruezi

I disagree with Tina and personally quite like the Via Veneto and also the area near the Borghese, far more so than Piazza Navona which is generally mobbed with tourists.

I have been to Rome over a dozen times and stayed in a range of hotels and areas; these days we stay at Sofitel or Capo d'Africa, both nice neighborhoods and good hotels for the price.

To each his own.

Hi; The Weston in December, starts at 290 euros.[close to 450US] As for the Via Veneto, the city has done much work replacing the sidewalks with cobblestone. Still a great area and for us, not to far from the Spanish Steps. Plus many other sights. I agree, not right in the center, but a nice hotel. Richard

All of you have given me some great insights and education on the European market and of course, Rome. Very grateful for your replies...THANKS!

(A special thanks to those of you who sent me links..I will definitely check them out.)

I'm going to increase my room budget up to $500.00, plus add on taxes, breakfast and a few misc. items each day. So, if I can keep everything to around $600 - $650 USD per day, in the hotel, I'll be happy with that.

I'm thinking that for my first trip to Europe, I might want to stick with the familiar, ie, Westin, Marriott, Intercontinental. Since I am a regular customer with each of them here in the U.S., if I should have an unfortunate experience with them in Rome, upon my return home, I can get on the phone and 'maybe' get some type of amends. A property exclusively and indigenous to Rome would only be able to offer an apology. Having said that, I'm still going to give serious consideration to all recommendations that have been shared with me.

Oh, well...enough rambling from me. I'm a 'big boy'...I'll go with what feels right and take the plunge with one of them and I'm sure it will be fine. After all, as important as accommodations are to me, (and they are), I'm not going to see a hotel...I'm going to see "ROME."

I assure you, I will have a BLAST!

In your budget stratosphere, I doubt you'll have an "unfortunate experience" in any hotel, chain or stand-alone. As far as hoping for "amends" from a U.S. chain after you've return to the States, good luck with that.

Anyway, don't the U.S. chains you mention offer some sort of loyalty program? If you're a regular customer, can't you ask a sales office here for an upgrade, airport pick-up, or some other amenity to compensate for your repeated business? I do this for my boss all the time.

Many of the larger chain hotels in Europe are independently owned and operated and just pay a fee to be represented by that chain in the USA - don't expect "amends" rather choose the amenities and location you prefer.

Hi; If your a regular customer of Westin,you should consider having an American Express, Starwood CC. www.starwoodhotels.com For Marriott, a Chase Marriott CC. Our last trip to Rome, staying at the Westin, we used points. Pay for four nights and get the fifth free. Every dollar I spend goes on a CC. Our trip to D.C. next May, we are using points for five nights at a W Hotel. Richard

Take a deep breath and go to the Hassler. Worth every blessed penny. Check the website for specials that include breakfast. We had a marvelous room overlooking the Spanish Steps with a small balcony....gorgeous, comfy bed, beautifully decorated room, huge bathroom. While it's a very lively spot the noise was never an issue up on the 6th floor. Service was extreemely good. Public spaces are lovely. It's a 5 minute walk to the Pinco/Borghese Gardens and a terrific restaurant Casino Valadier.
Just do it. You'll love it.

Sorry - Pincio, not Pinco!!

To avoid disappointment - even with the name brans you're talking about - do pick your type of room carefully. I think you're find the basic rooms are not what you want - they'll be too small and probably won;t have a seating area - for that you will have to go for an upgraded room in many of these hotels. (Even if under the US brand, most of these hotels are in very old buildings, with smaller rooms that you find in new purpose built brand names in the US.)

Hotels in Europe are like NYC - real estate and taxes are so high that you just get way less room for your money than in much of the rest of the country.

If you like American chains you will be staying in far off areas then. The Sheraton is a shuttle bus out of Rome as is the Hilton. While I appreciate that this is your first trip to Europe and you want certain "American style" rooms on your vacation I would strongly suggest that you rethink boutique/old world hotels in Rome.
Rome is old, dirty,loud,busy and a wonderful place to visit.(I am there at least once or twice a month for work and still have not seen half of the things there.)You must learn to appreciate the history,accept the way Italians think and act and love their food and culture as it is given.

Take time to savor your coffee at a cafe;enjoy your waiter as he brings your different courses for dinner and people watch while you finish your gelato cone on the way back to the hotel at night.
Its magical and more fully appreciated if you stay within the actual city center.
Personally, I would go with the Hassler,Excelsior or the Hotel Raphael.Haven't stayed at any of them but pass them all of the time while walking around. The only trouble with the Excelsior is that is across from the American Embassy and all of the bigwigs in the world stay there. I saw some famous people last week on the Via Veneto while they were there for the World Food meeting-scary with all of the security ie,helicopters overhead and sharpshooters.

This is a bit from left field but there are two super monasteries in Rome which accept paying guests. One is owned and run by the Vatican (http://www.monasterystays.com/index.php?show=venue&id=lar206. The other is build inside an ancient roman temple (http://www.monasterystays.com/index.php?show=venue&id=lar125) They are within your price range but out of reach of mine. I found the website after a friend recommended staying in a monastery on my next trip to Italy. Check out www.monasterystays.com but the links above will take you to the really best places.

Jean said..."As far as hoping for "amends" from a U.S. chain after you've return to the States, good luck with that."

Kfusto said..."Many of the larger chain hotels in Europe are independently owned and operated and just pay a fee to be represented by that chain in the USA - don't expect "amends" rather choose the amenities and location you prefer."

Hey, Kfusto, you know your stuff. Just out of curiosity, I called customer relations at the Westin and Marriott and they said your were 100% correct..HOWEVER..they also added this: "Even though they are independently operated by someone else, it is still our name on the building. If a guest has a legitimate complaint regarding one of our named properties, we will definitely make amends in some form or fashion. We are not in the business of losing you as a customer especially when someone else dropped the ball."

I was also told this by a Marriott representative: "We check on our independent operators around the world by sending Marriott employees "incognito" to the property for a short stay. Detailed reports are filed. If our standards aren't consistently being met by the property owner, they run the risk of losing the rights to our name."

Anyway..good to know.

I agree with dutyfree. You're more likely to enjoy Rome and what it has to offer if you abandon from the start your wish that everything including hotels be the way you are accustomed to in the US. It won't be: not the hotels, not the restaurants, not the streets, not the traffic. It's simply *not* the way it is in America. If you accept that and go with the flow, you'll have a great time. If you don't, you'll likely be miserable.

One more thing...don't be like my passengers on the plane home to the states complaining that:
"I couldn't get decaf coffee"
"Italian coffee is terrible"
"I cannot believe that they think Italian food is good"
"Pizza in Italy?-ours is sooo much better back in the states"
"I couldn't believe that they didn't have sweet and low over there"
"I couldn't find sweet tea anyplace-what do they drink?"
"how do they expect people to walk on those cobblestones?"
"our hotels rooms were so small"
"our hotel rooms were so expensive for what we got"
"we had to take a taxi everyplace because Rome is so dangerous and I don't want to get near anyone"
"I thought sure that they would take US dollars"
"I couldn't get ice in my drinks anyplace"
"their beer isn't that cold"
"the waiter got mad when I asked for ice cubes in my white white at the piazza"
"why can't they speak English?"
Well,you get the idea-be a good traveler and make America proud!

I LOVE those comments, Dutyfree!

I agree that even in your updated price range, you are not going to find the ultimate Roman luxury hotel room. (To me, "big bucks" in Rome means 600 euro a night and up--in the $900US and upward range; I do not stay at these places on my own dime!!!)

But you can be assured of a lovely room at the (Relais & Chateau) Hotel Raphael, for example. In December, both their deluxe rooms (the second least expensive room category) would fit your budget. (495US$ with breakfast buffet)

I took a tour of their rooms two years ago to help out a friend who conducts very high-end trips for small groups of curators. She had been very pleased with the hotel in the past and wanted me to take a look for a future trip.

The rooms vary in price and style; you can see the range on their website. It gets stellar reviews on TripAdvisor.

http://www.raphaelhotel.com/en/Raphel-hotel-generic-rooms.htm


The Raphael has a near-perfect location just off Piazza Navona.



On a related note, can you explain to me why you, and others, place so much importance on the size of the room?

The Albergo del Senato, for example, is an excellent hotel in a prime location. Why would the relative smallness of the rooms matter for a couple of nights, or for a week? For 305 Euro (460 US$) in December, you can book the Senior Suite, the largest room at the hotel.

For a bit more, you can book the grand Seminario Penthouse Suite.


http://www.albergodelsenato.it/rooms.htm

sorry, Rock--the Seminario Suite is the same price, 305 euro. the Penthouse Suite is also the same price...you have quite a selection to choose from at the Senato! In May, those rooms would cost in the 700-800 USD range.

Zerlina....sage advice. I needed to hear that, as I am accustomed to NY, LA, Chicago, San Francisco, Vancouver, etc...modern cities. Other sources I've read confirm everything you've said, so I'm "getting it" and I intend to appreciate Rome for its incredible history and for what it "is" and not for what I think it 'should be.' As you say..."go with the flow"...and I will do that

dutyfree....your 'passengers on the plane home' comments...the more I read them, it started to become comical. I certainly don't want to sound like that...I WILL NOT be the 'ugly American'...and I WILL make you proud.

RocksStone, you do have the right attitude and I know you'll enjoy Rome. One note...There is a lot of graffetti in Rome which some people really find obtrusive. My advice, and what I did, was simply to view it as the people's art. My husband who does not like large, noisy cities was surprised at how much he enjoyed Rome. Walk the streets, have a gelato (the best anywhere) and savor all that Rome offers which is much.

Thanks Rockstone! I absolutely howl with some of the things that come our of their mouths in the back galley or even up in business class on the way home to the US.
I try to have fun on my flights and have been known to tell people in economy who ask for icecubes for their "white zinfandel" wine that I will act like I don't know them if I run into them in Rome and they are doing that(which seems to happen alot while I am out and about).
I love Rome-the smells,noise,indifference at times,hours that they keep,etc. Next to Cape Town South Africa-my favorite place to fly to! You will love it.

By the way, keep your white tennis shoes and fanny pack wearing to a minimum...just kidding!

dutyfree,

But would you hang out with an American in America who puts ice cubes in their white zinf?

Seriously...Some people don't behave well no matter where they are.

Funny story, my daughter made a Swiss friend at college in Boston who is pretty homesick (first long stay in the US, but she is actually 1/2 American). At any rate, she felt since my daughter lives in Switzerland too, they would have a lot in common.

She spends a lot of time complaining about the US and my daughter is distancing herself a bit at this point.

The best complaint:

"Why do Americans put so much ice in their drinks and why do they fill the water glasses so high that it spills on you when you try to drink it???"

Well, we loved this as we are still missing ice and free water after three years.

Other big complaint:

"Why don't Americans speak other languages. It's so boring speaking English all the time. And, why do they pronounce Cartier so wrong???"

We don't think she'll be staying for sophomore year...

gruezi

I spend most of my time working in the economy section asking,"ice or no ice". Seriously, need to get flipcards.Americans think I am nuts for asking and Europeans think that I am nuts for asking-but if you don't...

Rockstone -

Just returned from Rome and stayed at the Raphael - where I have stayed 4 times. I like it very much. Like you, hotels matter to me ever though, as some say, you're not in the room that much. I just love hotels... I really like the location of the Raphael - at the Piazza Navona - and in December, I wouldn't worry about "tourists". I was supposed to stay at the Splendide Royal and was glad I didn't, although it is a lovely hotel. It's way up near the Borghese Gardens just off the Via Veneto - which can be quite an uphill climb. The Raphael is very quiet since it is a block off the Piazza. The rooms can vary in size so it's important to get that straight with the hotel. But, in my experience, all are beautifully appointed. I also find that it's a good idea to talk to the hotel directly if you want to make your requirements known.

Enjoy Rome! It's a fabulous city...

Dona

hi rockstone,

well i like my creature comforts as much as the next woman but I can't for the life of me se how anyone would not find the rooms at the Raphael good enough!

for the week in February that we'll be in Rome, we could have the "classic" [ie bottom of the range room] for €200 per night for a stay of 5 nights or more ie €l400 for the week, including breakfast, wifi, and that fabulous terrace. that compares very favourably with some of the apartments we were looking at, though the one we have booked is only €800.

if it was just me and DH, [we're taking our 19 year old son with us] I'd have been VERY tempted, though it's quite a lot more than we've paid anywhere before.

good luck in your search for the "perfect room", rockstone!

The view from the top of the Raphael is gorgeous! Too bad that it will be possibly cold as it is heaven up there sharing a bottle of prosecco and enjoying the surrounding views.

The rooftop may not be open in cooler weather but Raphael is lovely. Not sure about your budget but the jr. suite was plenty large for 2. I'll check my notes-we were there in March 2009. Walk-in closet, sitting area with 2 huge chairs, large bath with tub and sep shower, king bed with plenty of lighting. A hand-written thank you with snacks was a nice touch by the management.

A hand-written thank you with snacks was a nice touch by the management.>>

Tdudette - I'd prefer a kettle with tea-making [or coffee] facilities. this is standard throughout the UK even in the meanest hovel, but very rarely found "abroad". we were lucky on our trip to Austria this year - kettles in our hotels in Bratislava and Vienna. I doubt you'd get one in Rome though.

Now, Rockstone...... nobody has advised you on crossing the street in Rome. Best thing to do is either: follow an older person using a cane... or follow a woman pushing a stroller in front of her. Otherwise, you simply have to screw your courage and walk into the crosswalk looking neither left nor right. Occasionally you can hold up your hand like a policeman halting traffic -

annhig, A Briton lamenting the lack of tea-making facilities is not unlike an American lamenting the lack of heavily iced drinks.

Neither is Italian. Britons and Americans should accept it.

Hi zerlina,

I'm not sure that that's a valid analogy. After all, a minibar is hardly a traditional italian item in a hotel room, is it? ditto slippers and bathrobe. anyway, doubtless the ice-starved american could go down to the hotel bar and procur some ice whereas getting a decent cup of tea is far less easy. [actually, strange as it may seem, Venice is the best place in Italy that I've found for tea].

it just seems odd to me that hotels in other countries, not even 4 and 5 star ones like the Raphael [dragging this thread screaming and kicking back to the original subject] don't provide kettles. i would be more likely to return to a hotel that had one. hence the Hotel Austria in Vienna gets my vote.

luxury hotels in rome are $800 and up, easy. forget the US, totally different.

annhig - I think you don;t find tea making facilities in many places since people from most countries don;t drink tea in the am - they drink coffee. And the coffee made in those lieelt machines is truly awful -esp in comparison to the excellent coffee in Italy.'
(I must admit I find that tea/coffee making gear a pain- takes up room I wold use for other things - and of no use whatsoever).

(It so happens that I do like tea - but real tea with real milk - not fake :creamer" stuff.)

LOL! It was a bottle of wine! We don't need no stinking non-alkie drinks in bella Italia! HAR!

Rocks, please don't refer to your loved one as "the wife"-it sounds like she's a thing. Sorry, it's my all time pet peeve.

TDudette I agree with you totally, 'the wife' is an awful expression. The house, the car, the dog, the cat, the wife! A wife is not a possession. You are one of the only people I've ever seen comment on it.

annhig - I think you don;t find tea making facilities in many places since people from most countries don;t drink tea in the am - they drink coffee. And the coffee made in those lieelt machines is truly awful -esp in comparison to the excellent coffee in Italy.'>>

NYT - i like coffee in the morning too, so long as i've had my cuppa in bed first. we take our own tea-bags [the stuff sold abroad is never strong enough] and buy fesh milk from the supermarket which we keep in the minibar - i agree those little cartons are vile.

did you know that you can also get coffee bags which are supposed to be like tea bags? I've tried them but confess I wasn't too impressed. but a kettle and some hot water ought at least to be able to give you a decent cup of instant coffee - not the same as a cappucino or expresso i know, but easier to drink in your room!

Sorry -

IMHO there isn't any instant coffee that's even close to drinkable - coffee bags or anything else. To be drinkable coffee needs to be freshly made from just ground beans - the reason I will only stay in hotels that provide room service breakfasts. (It's true in many hotels in the US you can;t drink the coffee -I ask how they make it - and often just do juice if I know it;s going to be bad.)

And agree that "the wife" is extremely rude. She's a person with a name and an identity - not a piece of furniture. Do you also call your admin "the girl" - I thought that stuff went out about 30 years ago.

Annhig-its too bad that you and others have not seen the American show DATELINE as they did bacteria tests on those kettles and coffee pots in the room. You will NEVER use one of those again after seeing that segment.

I do laugh on Tripadvisor when someone doesn't like a room and brings up the kettlemaking facilities-I look at the country and it is always the UK.
There are some great portable coffee makers with the plungers built in and all you do is add hot water and coffee and the stuff tastes like brewed.
My new thing is just bringing canned Starbucks expresso in my suitcase and drinking that on the run in the morning if I cannot get a cup of coffee before my airline pickup-I know,truly and American thing!

sorry should have said "truly an American thing".

hi dutyfree,

I can believe what you say about the coffee pots, but I'm a bit surprised about the kettles - after all, they are constantly sterilised by the boiling water.

you don't need a coffee or tea-pot - just a kettle, a tea-bag and a cup. AND some fresh milk.

Annhig-in a very nice hotel in Den Haag (Dorint) I went to use my tea kettle and someone had used it to heat tomato soup.Yuck! I am always amazed that there is water still left in some of them too-maids never empty.

in a very nice hotel in Den Haag (Dorint) I went to use my tea kettle and someone had used it to heat tomato soup.>>

OK, i give up. I never even check the inside of a hotel kettle - I'll definitely be doing so in future.

thanks for the tip!

dutyfree, you have just made my day by " I love Rome.... next to Cape Town RSA " We are planning our first and most probably our last trip to Italy in Sept 2010. As a born and bred Cape Town girl I just know that our Rome experience can only great. Very much tongue in cheek about the " Ice in wine" comments. we have the same thing in South Africa and it truly gets my back up.

RockStone, If you are still in search of a hotel I can recommend The Majestic, also on the Via Veneto. The rooms, while of varying sizes, were all lovely (I saw 4 of them) and the baths were all marble and quite large. A small party of us were there in late September for 5 nights and had nothing but charming service and a delightful stay. Breakfast was included and it was tasty, well presented and served in a beautiful room. Good luck to you!

staying in expensive hotels are sooo convenient and great. But I am a cheap traveler. So I preferred hostels and inns. I hardly have time to stay in my room. All I need is a place to sleep, bathe and store my stuffs. So I don't need fancy rooms in my travels. Recently, I've been enjoying Sardinia's hostels. It's cheap, clean and the staffs are so accommodating. just sharin'

Perhaps the Majestic has been refurbished since I stayed there, but based on my room, I wouldn't recommend it. The room was a decent size and did overlook Via Veneto, but that's about all I can say about it. I would definitely choose the Westin Excelsior (similar location) any day.

I stayed 4 nights at the Grand Hotel Plaza in July 2007. Thoroughly enjoyed the hotel. Excellent buffet breakfast which was included in our room rate.

On Via del Corso just a short walk to Piazza del Popolo and Spanish Steps. We used this as a starting point and walked to all major sites: Vatican, Pantheon, Colosseum and Palentine, etc.

http://www.grandhotelplaza.com/

Rock, I don't know if you're still looking but here's my two cents. I stayed in the Westin a few years ago using Amex points and it was fabulous. I just returned from a business/pleasure trip and for the business portion stayed at The St. Regis, which was also fabulous but the location was a bit out of the way. For the pleasure portion I moved to the Albergo del Senato and it was nice but, of course, no comparison to the The St. Regis so I don't think I can really judge it fairly but it's just not of the same caliber hotel that it sounds like you want.

Rock has been absent for some time.

Try http://www.hotelbooking-worldwide.com/

Check this hotel.
http://www.hotelsinrome.net/4-star-hotels/kolbe-hotel-rome.html
It is really good.

There are information about other hotels available at this site:
http://www.hotelsinrome.net

I think he's there, already!