Does anyone have any experience with either of the Hotel Richmond or the Hotel Smeraldo in Rome? I'm looking to go in early November, and these seem to be good values. <BR> <BR>thanks

We stayed at the Smeraldo in July. It's in an excellent location and the staff is friendly (and speaks English). Our room was adequate -- no-frills, but clean. I think some of the rooms are nicer than others (renovated). I would stay there again.

Walt - We stayed at Smeraldo this past June and were pleased with the staff, location,room and price. Would stay there again. Regards Tom

Just got back from Italy and stayed at Hotel Richmond. The staff was very good, and with a bunch of cancellations from Sept. 11, they gave us a *huge* room so we got great treatment. Don't know about Smeraldo, but we were pleased with Richmond.

Thanks for the quick replies. Very helpful. They both sound like they will fill the bill. I'm leaning toward the Richmond, for its rooftop view, but is there nice street life around there -for walking and restaurant shopping/bar hopping?

Anyone has e-mail address for Smeraldo and Richmond? Thanks

I don't have the Smeraldo's email address here at work, but you can contact them through their web site at www.hotelsmeraldorome.com--OR it might be www.hotelsmeraldoroma.com ("a" not "e"). Looks good for the money.

our group of 8 stayed at Smeraldo in June and it was clean, neat, and people there very helpful and friendly. Rate was very good, for Rome, and location great near Campo De Fiori. We also made extensive use of roof garden each evening for wine, etc before going to dinner each night in Rome. We will be back to Smeraldo next trip to Rome. they also own the Hotel Picolo, just around the corner.

Joe, what was the rate in June? <BR>Thanks a lot.