Hello, I have found the following rates in euros on four hotels... Duca d'Alba (130), Genio (140), Valadier (150), and Mascagni (155). Having read through the website here, and perused guide books, these look like the final choices. Traveling w/ my mom who is 82 and need to "feel safe" and cut down walking when possible. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. You all have been so much help on so many issues. Sandy

Hi Sandy. I know you could always use taxis. But if any of the hotels you mentioned are close to subway stops, I think it would be a big help.<BR>Rome's subway is not really extensive, but a lot of the main tourist areas are located close to stops, Colliseum, Vatican, Spanish Steps. And sometimes taxi stands are far apart.<BR>People always say you can walk anywhere in Rome, but that isn't always easy to do for everyone. <BR>This would be my suggestion if you are concerned about cutting down on the walking at times.

We stayed at the Valadier. Be careful of the room. The first one we saw was really dirty. Filthy carpet, cigarette holes in the furniture and bedspread. I fussed and was shown to a larger room (we paid for an upgrade, hmmm... did they see a sucker coming? We are inexperienced European Travelers) Our second room was really great. Marble, art, fresh flowers, I loved it. It was certainly a safe neighborhood area and fairly close to public transport. That first room sure was creepy tho.....

Although I have not stayed myself, I have a very well travelled friend, whose opinion and standards I value, who loved the Duca d'Alba. He did note that the rooms are quite small, but the location was wonderful.

We stayed in Hotel Valadier too, but our room was very clean. The hotel is very well situated near the Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps. I can recommend it to anyone who visits Rome.

The Muscagni has gooten good reviews here..we passed by it when we were in Rome this May..near the della Republica Metro stop and not far from Termini...a &quot;boutique&quot; style place from what I could see. You might want to read the reviews before you decide.

This post is old but in regards to Hotel Genio, a coworker did not like it. They visited a couple of weeks ago and being so hot now a/c is really needed. However, their unit was broken, they had to ask to have it fixed, and ended up being moved to another room. But she would not recommend this hotel.

Hi francophile,

What was the problem?

The hotel moved them to another room because the A/C unit wasn't working. Isn't that what one should expect?

Ira, that was my coworker's opinion that she wouldn't recommend this hotel. All she said was that she didn't care for it. I am not that close to her to really question her about it. She did stay at other hotels and this was her first time visiting Europe. I got the impression that she is accustomed to American hotels. That may be the reason why because she said what she said about the Genio. She said that she didn't care for the other hotels either except for a pensione in Vienna.

Just for the record, I have seen a lot of negative reviews concerning the Genio. It is probably fine when the weather is nice, but during a heat wave, you really do need a/c, because it will be too noisy outside to leave your windows open. The rates there are good, but I've seen too many negative reviews from other travellers who stayed there in hot weather. Better to go with one that has a working a/c - just in case..