Joanne

Anyone have first hand experience with this hotel (pros and cons on rooms and service) and surrounding neighborhood.Very little on forum.May be travelling solo and want to feel comfortable walking around late at night.It's located on Largo Fontanella Borghese and is written up as overlooking the palazzo borghese.Supposed to be a book/print flea market in the area.thanks.

Surlok

Joanne, <BR> <BR>Not with the hotel, but the area is OK, you'll be pretty safe there, and is handy for sight seeing, shopping, waking distance from almost all you'd probably want to see/go. <BR> <BR>OTOH, beware, Italian men are very upfront when they want to make you know how much they appreciate you, or the way you look or carry yourself. So, don't let this bother you or scare you. It's just the way they are, no harm at all. <BR> <BR>Surlok

Maria

Joanne-- <BR> My two daughters and husband and I stayed here this past May. We thought it was a lovely hotel and the location was excellent. On a quiet street, but not too deserted for a single, and just a few steps away from stores, outdoor cafes, and gelato(mmmm!). There's several ristorantes just outside the door, one has the same name as the hotel. We ate there our first night. The food was very good, although rather expensive. You can walk to almost everything--Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Coloseum, although I do think we took a taxi to the Vatican. The service at the hotel was excellent, the front desk spoke English and gave us excellent directions and recommendations. We liked the hotel because of its European charm, it's certainly not like a large chain hotel. We would definitely stay there again, in fact we're already planning to go next year. The book market is directly across the street from the hotel, but I don't remember when it's hours were. I think you would be very comfortable staying at this hotel.

joanne

Surlok and Maria, thanks for response. You say that area is pretty safe.Is there a "safer" neighborhood? Also, on map it looks like hotel is right across the river from the Vatican so easily walkable.Am I seeing this wrong?

Surlok

No, it's not far and is walkable, but it also depends on your walking capabilities. You sound young and active, so, you'll easily do it to the Vatican. <BR> <BR>Also, if you want to shop, and want cheaper stores than the ones at the Piazza di Spagna, have a look at Via Cola di Renzo. Not as appealing and sophisticated as are Piazza di Spagna boutiques, but cheaper. <BR> <BR>As to the "safety" aspects, you'll be safe. Rome is not a jungle, but I hope, as I said before, that you won't be bothered if Italian men, or Romani show their appreciation for your "female" assets. They often do. I couldn't care less, and in fact, I sometimes like. Makes feel good, at least, when they refrain themselves and don't go further then simply saying "bella"... <BR> <BR>Surlok

xxx.xxx

Oh, Surlok take the plunge, you may like it "Italian Style".

carol

Joanne, <BR> <BR>Surlok has a point. Although Rome is a much safer city than, for example, my hometown of NYC, women walking around alone late at night(IMO, after 11:00 pm) ANYWHERE in Italy are often taken for prostitutes--that's just the way it is. Now this may not be an obstacle for you, if you're good at fending off unwelcome advances.

Joanne

Would be nice to hear bella, frankly.It's been a slow year!We will be walking after 11pm This may sound stupid but are there streetlights everywhere.Travelling companion is concerned that the charming narrow winding alleys become scary at night.Someone suggested staying on or close to a popular piazza (Spagna,Navona or Populo)because because wide open and <BR>no need to worry about travelling solo.Is that overkill?

Surlok

Joanne, <BR> <BR>If you think you'd feel safer by staying in a piazza, as far as you don't mind the noise, do it. I don't think it would make a big difference, but if it frightens you, I imagine you coming back to the hotel late at night, and getting stressed if you hear someone's steps. Why to do this to yourself? <BR> <BR>There are hotels like the Colonna Palace, or even the Trevi which is right in front of Fontana di Trevi, and is not expensive, so give them a thought. <BR> <BR>I can suggest you the Mozart, too. It costs about 150 US$ per night, breakfast included. You'll feel safe there (beware, I'm not saying that is safer, I'm saying that you'll FEEL safer). <BR> <BR>Surlok

Joanne

Surlok, thanks for your time and information!