Josh_MacDonald

I will be traveling to Rome as part of a honeymoon vacation (holiday) through Europe. My Fiancee and I usually stay at Starwood properties when we travel. Not to sound snobish but she travels a lot for work and is a loyal spg member. We originally planned on staying at the Excelsior, but we were told that the area isn't safe. We also aren't too keen on spending 600+ USD a night for a hotel room just to sleep, so we have found other smaller hotels around the same area. We have settled I hope on the iQhotel, the time frame is the end of June, so hotels are really expensive, there was also some talk about the NH hotel property closer to the Spanish Steps, but I wasn't too thrilled with that. Does anyone have any thoughts?

ellenem

If you are referring to the Westin Excelsior Rome, it is not really near Termini. In fact, it is on a posh street near the Borghese Gardens.

The iQhotel is indeed closer to Termini than the Excelsior, but not on top of it. It is in a charmless busy modern area with many hotels.

The areas near Termini that are usually deemed unsafe are the streets directly to either side of the station and its extensive rail yards.

I'm not a fan about the Spanish Steps (I don't see the allure since I don't care about high-end shopping) but I'd much prefer staying near the Spanish Steps than either of the locations you propose--much better location for access to the charming strolling streets and sights.

charnees

I will raise the usual question: have you considered an apartment? There are tons of them in Rome and you can get a very nice one for much less than the hotels you are describing. Three days or more makes staying in an apartment possible. Look at sleepinitaly.com, for one.

StCirq

I think the hotels you're looking at are both overpriced and in so-so areas. Rome has a vast selection of less expensive, more charming hotels in more interesting locations. For example, I love the Hotel Modigliani (which IS fairly close to the Spanish Steps), but if you're committed to Starwood, I guess your choices are somewhat limited.

Josh_MacDonald

We're not limited to just SPG properties. We're open for ideas.

Josh_MacDonald

also we'll be there for only three nights so we'll probably skip the idea of an apartment.

Jean

I hate shopping, but I like the Spanish Steps area. The NH property, however, is not in what I would call "the Spanish Steps area." It's across the street from the Villa Borghese gardens but on an unattractive "island" surrounded by busy streets.

If your choices are the Excelsior (on Vittorio Veneto), iQHotel and NH Vittorio Veneto (not on Vittorio Veneto), I'd pick the Excelsior, hands down. You've been told the area around the Excelsior isn't safe, likely because the U.S. Embassy is across the street. That wouldn't deter me in the slightest.

But I'm not clear. Are each of these choices free to you using points? In other words, are they equal from a cost point of view?

Josh_MacDonald

We had originally planned on the Excelsior but it's not available for the time we are going so we have to look elsewhere. I am leaning towards the iQ just because of price.

kfusto

I would not stay near Termini and especially not on a honeymoon. As mentioned, it is charmless and mostly popular for travelers with a smaller budget.

I like the area near the Borghese Gardens and also the Colosseum.

You do not mention a specific budget which makes recommendations difficult but check Hotel Lancelot, Hotel San Anselmo, Albergo Cesare and Albergo Santa Chiara. All moderate and well regarded.

Josh_MacDonald

Ideally we would like to stay under $250US per night including tax...we're also going to be in Amsterdam, Venice and parts of Spain, I don't mind that the area isn't that romantic for the three nights...we can make our own romance really

wayfinder45

For a honeymoon, seriously consider Hotel Campo dei Fiori, especially the rooms on the top floor (one has a lovely balcony). High end experience at a reasonable price (room prices fluctuate quite a lot, so whether it's within the budget you stated or not may depend on the exact dates you are planning to stay). Campo dei Fiori is an excellent location if you like being in the midst of things, with a more authentic feel than the Spanish Steps area.

elnap29

Take a look at Hotel San Carlo also. We are about to stay there for a second time, as we liked it very much previously. It is very clean and comfortable and quiet with modern ensuite bathrooms. We enjoyed the fact that it is on a very narrow quiet street with no cars, only a block off Via del Corso, also about 3 blocks from Spanish Steps (we were not impressed with that) and we were able to walk everywhere. I have been dreaming about their cappuccinos ever since.

Kswl2

I've stayed near Termini, about six or seven blocks away and it was not at all unsafe. Not a starwood, but a best western and a nice one, on Via Vincenza. It's called Hotel Canada, it is not in a charming street but it's a block or two from a metro station, very quaint and comfortable, great breakfast and wonderful bathrooms. You should be able to stay within your budget there. It's been several years since i stayed there but the trip advisor reviews are up to date and very good (with the odd dissenter now and then).

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...ome_Lazio.html

tuscanlifeedit

I had some dealings with the Hotel Canada for clients who cancelled their stay, and the Canada people were very nice to deal with.

However, I too think you are making a mistake by not staying in a more charming area of Rome.

I'm actually a fan of the Spanish Steps area, and stayed there last spring in an apartment. I think the Hotel San Carlo would be a good choice for you.

St Cirq recommended the Hotel Modigliani, which would also be a good choice.

I'm not sure why you seem to want to stick with the Termini area. It is my absolutely last choice in Rome, for myself or clients, unless a train is reason for being there. Am I misreading you?

fmpden

We have stayed in the Termini area - south side towards the Vatican - for total of three weeks, five trips, over the past six/seven years. Have used the Aberdeen and Sonya - both three stars. Sonya is nice setting across from the Opera House and within four blocks of Termini. At no time have we ever felt the area was unsafe. Has some great local restaurants. It is a busy area which I think adds to the safety. Also like the area for the convenient access to the transportation hub of Termini.

Josh_MacDonald

I am not focused on Termini by any means, we would stay at the Excelsior but it's sold out, and the other two SPG properties are $$$$, I am sure they are fantastic hotels, but I'd rather not drop 600+ a night just to sleep. I thought the iQhotel looked nice (modern and new), all the hotels I am looking at have the old world charm that I am fine with, but the other half doesn't really approve of.

kelsey22

I stayed at the Hotel Canada as a solo traveller - the staff was great and very helpful, the room clean and actually charming, and the area, although not "honeymoonish" was fine. I felt safe alone, even at night. I was able to walk almost everywhere from there. I have recommended it before for all the reasons above. Have a great trip.

kelsey22

I stayed at the Hotel Canada as a solo traveller - the staff was great and very helpful, the room clean and actually charming, and the area, although not "honeymoonish" was fine. I felt safe alone, even at night. I was able to walk almost everywhere from there. I have recommended it before for all the reasons above. Have a great trip.

KarenE

This one is nice and modern, reasonable for Rome and in a good location: http://www.fortysevenhotel.com/

CYESQ

Before you write off Charnees' suggestion about an apartment, do a little research. There are lots of sites such as the one suggested, you could also try Ownersdirect.com. Most of these places have a minimum stay of three nights which would fit your schedule. And they are a fraction of the cost of a hotel. They are scattered all through Rome, are generally quite comfortably furnished and decorated and you can pick from old or new style according to your taste. These are often a good alternative to a hotel.