Anyone stay at Hotel Italia in Rome? Comments regarding location, rooms, meals, sights nearby?<BR><BR>Thanks!

Can anyone help Tracy?

Hi Tracy,<BR><BR>I've stayed at Hotel Italia twice. It's located several blocks from Termini Station (main rail station)on a side street by Via Nazionale. It's not really walking distance to the historical center of Rome but it's close to Metro and bus stops so you can get to anywhere you want pretty easily. We have had a car those trips so I can't give you specifics on routes. <BR><BR>Via Nazionale is a busy thoroughfare with lots of mid-range clothing shops, bars, tabacchi etc. My husband and I have enjoyed browsing in the area, stopping in the bars for pizza or gelato. We'd usually go someplace more atmospheric for dinner though. There's a little grocery/bar across from the hotel and also a restaurant on the street that I've never tried. <BR><BR>I wouldn't call the area charming but it felt safe and is generally cheaper than hotels closer to the center. For us it wasn't a problem; in fact it was better because we saved money for restaurants and sights and could have our car parked on the street. <BR><BR>As for the hotel itself, not full of character either but very clean, comfortable, and efficiently run (i.e. quick response to emails, hold the type of room they said they would, arrange taxi service to and from airport if you need it etc.) and they offer a good buffet breakfast. Rooms are small to medium with modern bathrooms (I think one room doesn't have a private bath), ceiling fans, tvs. Some rooms have a/c but you have to specifically request it and there is a surcharge. The picture of the room on their website is a fair representation of what the rooms look like. (They have an annex across the street which I've never stayed at so I don't know how those rooms compare)<BR><BR>They offer special rates for Rick Steves readers but you have to pay cash to get that rate. Overall, I would say a good value if you are looking for clean, comfortable accommodations and don't mind having to hop on the metro or a bus to get to the sights. <BR><BR>You might also want to do a search of Rick Steves Italy guidebook message board as I'm sure it has feedback from his readers about the hotel.<BR><BR>Maddy

Thanks for the reply, Maddy! Can you tell me how much you paid for a room? We were quoted $180, but for 6 people. Perhaps I should e-mail back and mention Rick Steves to get a discounted rate.

We paid about $90 last year including breakfast - that was for a double without a/c. Do they have a room for six or are they giving you two rooms? I would think the the Rick Steves rate might save you some money if you can pay cash. Worth asking for sure.