Hotel Panda near Spanish Steps
 

Okay, WillTravel suggested that I look into Hotel Panda. I did, and they have availability at a good price. They are also right near the Spanish Steps. Does anyone who has been to this area, or to the Hotel Panda specifically, have a recommendation about it? Would we rather stay here than in Hotel Adler, near Termini? How do the two areas compare? Thanks!

If price and location are your criteria, Hotel Panda should be your selection. It has been reviewed periodically in the past (just type Hotel Panda in the Search Field) and it consistently gets good reviews.

I emailed them about rates because yesterday I couldn't get their website to download. They emailed me back the prices, which I thought were fine, about 75E/night. But then I went on their website and saw that the prices for high season were about 10E lower than what they had quoted me on email. Could this be because we are wanting to stay on New Year's Eve (and the following 3 nights)? Is it rude to email back, politely, that their prices differ from what's advertised and see if we can get the advertised prices?

No, it is not, it is a must; it is a business, after all. However, I am not surprised of the 10 Euro hike during that time of the year, I am actually surprised the rate is only 10 Euro higher.... If you don't take it, somebody will, especially the city, the location, the holiday.

Thanks. I did email them about it and they pretty much said, sorry this is the price. Which I'm ok with, considering the location and that its still cheap. Now I'm supposed to send my credit card number to them through email. Is this safe and secure to do?

You could probably fax the number if you preferred. However, I don't think sending a credit card number through email is any more risky than faxing. I've sent CCNs through email dozens of times, and so have many posters here.

There's a very slight potential that a nefarious criminal is out there intercepting emails and grabbing credit card numbers, but they have much more likely targets if that's what they're doing, like unsecured databases. If an employee at the hotel is untrustworthy, it doesn't matter what method you use.

I should say I haven't stayed at the Panda, but the reviews I have read on TripAdvisor and elsewhere are good for a budget hotel.

As for the rate, keep in mind that rates are usually raised at the beginning of every year, and the web site would not reflect the 2005 rates.

Saraallison11, I noticed someone is using my "nick" at the TripAdvisor Rome forums. I don't post at TripAdvisor. I know I don't own this pseudonym, but I didn't want you to think the other poster praising Hotel Panda from personal experience is me.

I've stayed at the Panda several times. The location can't be beat. DO NOT accept a "small" room if offered. Small IS small.

WillTravel, thanks for the clarification. I hadn't even seen the TripAdvisor thing. I did book at Panda, a room for 5 people, so hopefully it will be a decent size! Thanks for the tips!