Based on the great reviews here and on Trip Advisor, I'm interested in staying at the Albergo del Senato in Rome in May. Many of the reviews rave about the views from some of the rooms. How did you book a room with a view at the hotel? Did you book a regular double room and then call to request a room with a view? Or do I need to book a room in a higher class (such as a junior suite) in order to get a view? Thanks so much for your advice!

Ally

When I made the booking I simply asked for "a Room with a View". We actually took one of the the Junior Suites. It certainly had a fantastic view, but to be honest I don't think it was worth the extra money. I believe there are some great rooms on the 6th floor. Do some more searching for this hotel on Fodors threads and you will find some more info, probably exact room numbers with great views, which you could then request. Good luck,
schnauzer

Yes, the rates are higher for rooms with a view. We booked a superior room, called that ONLY because of the view.

I love the Del Senato but they have priced themselves out of my zone. I love the views but am so rarely in my room it simply it not worth the cost.

On the reservation request form I asked for a room with a view of the Pantheon. The reservation confirmation we received stated requests could not be guaranteed but we did get a room with a view of the Pantheon. It was pretty amazing.

I have always booked with the hotel directly and they have always confirmed for a higher price.

Booking agencies will not do so and it is the luck of the draw.

If I am remembering this correctly, all of the 6th floor rooms have that view, and a few of the second floor rooms; I asked them this when we were there a few weeks ago.

We were on the third floor, room 306. The Pantheon was so close it felt as though we could reach out and touch it. Also, I booked directly with the hotel, fyi.

Any room in the front will have the view, no matter the floor. We stayed in a junior suite (can't remember which floor, but it was one of the lower ones). Friends stayed in a double, maybe on the 5th floor? Their view was excellent, too.

I don't think I would pay to stay there given how the prices have risen, unless I got an off-season deal. Come to think of it, I wasn't the person paying when I stayed there before. However, if your budget can easily accommodate this, then by all means book. Great little hotel.

Reading this again I realize that I was talking about rooms with balconies being on the 6th and 2nd floors; we were on the 6th floor and had a small balcony facing the square and Pantheon. It was large enough for 2 people to sit, but not much bigger than that.

lucky duck!

Thanks! The hotel's reservation system says they are booked for the dates we'll be there. But several of the travel web sites are showing availability and at much lower prices. So perhaps I'll book through them, and then call to request a front room. It does sound like the hotel has gotten pricier as word has gotten out about this gem. Since we'll only be in Rome for 2 1/2 days, we're willing to splurge a bit. If there's another hotel people recommend that's also nice and in a great location, let me know.

Thanks,
Ally

I've been fortunate to have stayed on two trips at del Senato. I love it! We had rooms on the 6th floor with the small balcony & incredible view. I booked through sending an email directly to the hotel. Yes, it was costly, but worth every euro to us. Good luck...

That is a great hotel. If you've been to Rome alot and have seen all the tourists sites and just want to wander around that part of town it's perfect. But if it's your first time there it's sad to get a room there and not be there most of the day.

There is also a live webcam from the hotel.

Hi, I'm trying to decide whether to book here in May. My other option is considerably less money, but I just don't know how much time I'll spend in my room. Any recent Rome traelers in warm May, does it pay to have the "fancier" hotel or are you gone all day anyway?

Mary, from your other posts it appears you are traveling with your sister, are in your 20s and are considering a hotel that is much less expensive than Del Senato. I think your other choice sounds great for you two. My sister and I, mid-30s and fairly decently traveled, stayed in an apartment off Campo dei Fiori in May a couple of years ago. It was HOT while we were there and my sister was pregnant, but we still spent very little time in the apartment.

I've also stayed at Del Senato and it was indeed quite nice. However I wouldn't consider it the only game in town by a longshot. Go and enjoy Rome! Spend your money on museums and restaurants and wine and clothes. Given a choice, that's what I'd do.

Thanks, Leely! You read my mind. For the difference in price we could have more food, wine, and bring home the Pucci scarf I've been wanting! I think I will go with the cheaper hotel (Hotel In Parione). I'm glad to hear you were two girls and felt safe in the same area. Like you said, I imagine we won't be in our room much at all, anyway. I'm sure Albergo del Senato would have been lovely...maybe next time. Thanks for the help!!

I tried to book Albergo del Senato, but only the highest priced room was available. I decided to book at Raphael, if I was going to pay that much. How do the two compare to each other? Appreciate the input!