The perfect location while in Rome!

Posted by travelgirl_67 from Charleston, SC on 12/17/07

Rome was the last leg of my Italian birthday celebration and I could not have picked a more perfect hotel or location. I spent 6 nights here and loved every minute of it. First let me say that I did book this under the Marriott Friends & Family rate (248 € - breakfast not included) so some may say I'm a little biased but I will say, from my experience, I would have been comfortable paying up to 450 € for my room. I did receive an upgrade to an Executive Room overlooking Villa Borghese which my friend with Marriott did arrange for me...fabulous view! Upon my arrival to the room, there was a bottle of wine and a fruit display compliments of my friend...felt like royalty. Later that evening, I also received a box of chocolates and a welcome letter from the General Manager (this was in addition to the turndown service for all guests). Again, I realize my experience may have been due in large part to my friend's efforts prior to my arrival. I found the staff to be exceptionally friendly and helpful...especially the concierge. The housekeeping staff did a wonderful job. I did leave a note on my wine and fruit asking them to leave (learned my lesson when the fruit our hotel in Florence sent up was taken away the next day) and the fruit/wine remained until I finished it. This was the first hotel which had a/c and heat -- our other hotels had heat only in November (Westin in Venice, Hotel Helvetia & Bristol in Florence & Hotel Novecento in Pisa). This was a big treat for me as I do like it cooler when I sleep. I didn't eat in the restaurant -- only went up there for the view -- as I knew the prices were high plus I try as a general rule to not eat in the hotels where I stay unless breakfast is included as I like to experience the city as the locals do. I actually found a wonderful bar for breakfast just around the corner from the hotel where I went every morning for my cafe and pastry...each day my greeting became more and more familiar from the owners and the bartender would start my "usual" when he saw me walk in. I was so sad to say my final "ciao" to them my last day...but I will return if the coin toss in the Trevi Fountain holds true as it did 20 years ago when I first visited Rome. Another plus to the hotel was the complimentary internet access – just had to get a code from the front desk each time. This is definitely a plus as most full service hotels charge you for internet access. I was also not charged for calling card calls from my room – again most full service hotels charge at least an access charge. Our hotel in Venice actually charged a per minute € rate even when using a calling card. My only complaints for the hotel were the drain in the shower was a little slow and the bed was softer than I would have preferred. Other than that, I was very pleased and would stay again on my next trip to Rome. Again, I truly enjoyed my time at the hotel and do realize I received some special treatment with regards to my room but do believe the overall service I received was the same as other guests.

Bad Deal

Posted by Kevin_Patrick from Orlando on 3/9/07

The Flora, Savoy, and Victoria are within 100 yards of each other; they offer comparable amenities; and the Flora charges four times as much. The Flora is a very nice hotel but you are paying for the Marriott name. The Victoria offers comparable rooms and a free breakfast. The Savoy offers comparable rooms, free breakfast, and about five English speaking TV channels. The breakfast at the Victoria is better than the Savoy, but if going to sleep with Jay and Conan on the TV matters then the Savoy is your best choice.