Luxury Hotels in Rome, Italy
 

The wife and I will be spending 4 nights in Rome this December ('09). We prefer full-service hotels, with good sized rooms, and comfortable King Beds; we are a little disillusioned about what we are reading about hotels in Rome (our first visit). Most of what we read is about the small rooms and baths.

We are not snobs but if we are willing to pay the big bucks, we expect clean, spacious, comfortable rooms with excellent service from the hotel staff.

Any suggestions and advice on which hotels to consider (and to avoid) would be appreciated. (Know of any little-know "gems" that would surprise us?)

Tks,
Rock

Well you are looking for exactlty the type of Europeon hotel I don't like. After 7 trips to Europe I much prefer the small boutique local type hotels down the little side alleys but that is me not you.
You might want to go to tripadvisor and start your hotel search there. Once you get some ideas come back and ask about them.Have you traveled to Europe before and if so what cities and what hotels did you stay at in those places that you really liked?

The Intercontinental De La Ville meets all the requirements you list. Plus, it is very quiet which is not always the case in Roma.

remote -I disagree w/uo.The Intercontinental is old, small rooms, very noisy if your room faces the inner courtyard-the bar/music blasts til 2-3 Am.complaining got us no-where! Very snooty to boot.
Apity because the location is great-at the top of the Spanish steps.

The Westin Excelsior may be exactly what you are looking for. When we stayed there our room was huge and beautifully furnished. The bath too was large and outfitted with marble walls and floors. Certainly one of the nicest places we've stayed. It's only a few short blocks to the Spanish Steps. One of the best meals I had in Italy was at the Excelsior.

www.westin.com/excelsiorrome

Hi

Try the Hotel de Russie - https://www.hotelderussie.it

Chapla- were you on the first floor? I know there are unrenovated rooms on the first floor but most of the hotel has spacious rooms with high ceilings, marble baths, large flat screens and double pane windows. We started staying there in 2006 because the Hassler was up to $700 and I didn't think the rooms were any nicer. I have used the parking, laundry service and congierce serveral times and was always extremely satisfied. I did join their Ambassador club for the late check out, but I don't think you get a better room, although you get a voucher for a free weekend night. I'm sorry you had a room with bar noise-- to me their is nothing worse. A good nights sleep is my most important criteria in a hotel and that is why I recommended the De La Ville.

Just as everyone's idea of "small" is different, so is the meaning of "big bucks." Please tell us what you're willing (or wanting) to spend.

Hi; We agree with the Weston on the Via Veneto. Good size rooms and in a good locarion. We don't spend a large amount for breakfast, but if you go to the bar for coffee, you also get some pastries. Richard

There are a lot of excellent hotels in Rome with large rooms, good service and everything you will want. They are not inexpensive.

Without knowing your budget it's hard to make recos.

Raphael Hotel was a recommedation we received but haven't stayed there yet.

Hey...thanks for all the replies. Much appreciated.

Some good points were mentioned...what is "small?" Well, for me, it's anything LESS than what you would normally experience at a Westin, Marriott or Fairmont property in the USA...what they would call their 'standard' room. I always have a King bed, small sofa/sitting area, desk area, flat-screen TV, and decent size bath room. Not a 'suite' but certainly a "comfortable" room to move around in.

"Big bucks" for one person is pocket change for another. For me personally, it's in the $400 USD per day range when I'm on vacation. It's my understanding that if you want to stay in the heart of Rome, with better access to the sites, you can expect it to be more expensive. Everybody wants to be where the action is and you pay for that.

A small family run hotel or a 'boutique'is just not my style on vacation. The hotel is "half the trip" for me...when I come in from a long day of being on my feet, seeing the sites, I want to come "Home" to my sanctuary with the friendly, welcoming staff and close the door to my nice, comfortable room with a great bed.

As I have read in several places (TripAdvisor, Expedia, Travelocity and other travel forums regarding hotels..."Rome is not a modern, American city...adjust your expectations....
think smaller."

>>>It's my understanding that if you want to stay in the heart of Rome<<<

In the heart of Rome, the buildings are hundreds of years old. Much older than in the US. You can't tear them down and put up a big chain hotel.

You will find many hotels that will meet most of your requirements (although $400 might be a little cheap for the area) up the via Veneto, but most of us don't consider it the heart of Rome.

Sadly, $400 ain't what it used to be, now "only" about 265 euros.

Try the Small Luxury Hotels group. You'll note several properties give the square footage info of their rooms. Depending on when you're going, you might find a property that fits your budget and other requirements. There may be a 4th night free after 3 somewhere.

http://www.slh.com/hotelfinder/count...ome/page0.html

If you have points with any loyalty/affinity programs, I'd use them.

I'm not sure that $400 would be considered 'big bucks' in any major european city. It'll probably get you a very nice place but not top of the line.

At the Grand Hotel de la Minerve in the historic centre, a Deluxe Room (if you want a king-size bed and a sitting area) is 380 Euro in December. There may (or may not) be a multi-night package.

You should also be aware that most hotels, whether large, small, boutique, in the center, etc. have different ranges of types of rooms. And they will never (at least in my experience) commit to giving you a certain room. So you may end up in a high-end expensive place/area and the room you get may not be up to par. Since most of these old-type places are also constantly renovating, you may be given an un-renovated room which is "waiting" for its renovation while others may be better.

I had the chance to book a room for a really really low rate (165 Euros I believe) at the Albergo del Senato right on the Pantheon square. I was so worried about the type of room they might give me for such a low price at such a highend hotel, that I passed.

There are those for whom luck always shines and even when reserving a regular standard room, get upgraded at the desk upon checking in. I have never been this lucky person but I guess it is great if you are. Good luck and have a great time.

Hi again

Mmmm..OK the Hotel de Russie is out. Maybe try the Mellini Suite at the Hotel dei Mellini - http://www.hotelmellini.com

I recommend the Hotel Splendide Royal. We stayed in their junior suite and was very happy with it. It has the king size bed you are looking for, a separate seating room, a tv in the bedroom and in the living room, a half bath off the living room, big master bathroom (it has a jacuzzi), a good size desk and a nice balconey. The hotel faces Villa Borghese Park, close to Via Veneto and 500 metres from the Spanish Steps. The location is great. The staff is very friendly. There is a good restaurant next to the hotel. Their cream cake is to die for.

The Intercontinental De La Ville is also one of my favorite in Rome and has a special place in my heart. I was lucky enough to get a room on the top floor with a balconey.

Have a great time. Rome is so beautiful!

I have stayed a half dozen times at The Minerve, a lovely hotel with a wonderful staff and great location. Lobby bar are roof top bar are great places for before and after dinner drinks.

Standard rooms are smallish but superior rooms are spacious and well appointed.

The Westin Excelsior is another good choice and I personally enjoy staying on or near Via Veneto as it is quiet. And Marriott Grand Flora has larger rooms in their premium categories and is a very nice hotel.

We also enjoyed Sofitel Roma and Capo d'Africa in Deluxe rooms, both solid 4 star hotels.

I think the problem is that you're looking for a luxury hotel and US$400 is only about 250 euros - which will give you a nice moderate place but really isn't enough for a luxury property. We have had wondeful experiences at several luxury hotels in Italy - but in major cities they're more in the $700 or so range.

We loved the Minerva in Rome - but the type of room you want would be about $600 per night in December based on their web site.

nytraveler is right. For $400 you'll not find what you are looking for...Full service,king bed,flat screen t.v., sitting area etc. Those type of rooms will start at about $600 and go up. Even a nice boutique hotel where you'll only get a queen bed, no flat screen and maybe a balcony will run about $450 to over $500.

You don't want to stay on the Via Veneto. That locale is way past its prime. It ain't 1966, buddy, and Anita Ekberg is long gone.

I suggest the Hotel Raphael near Piazza Navona, although I doubt you could afford it. My SIL is Roman by the way.

www.raphaelhotel.com

Tina from the Bronx

I also enjoyed the Westin Excelsior. It has a very nice location on the Via Veneto. It also has beautifully decorated rooms and luxurious marble bathrooms. Also, they have a fantastic breakfast buffet, complete with prosecco for mimosas.

The Westin Excelsior is an excellent hotel but out of the $400 price range.

I have to agree that $400 in Rome is not big bucks. Not even close.

We have stayed twice at the Hotel Hassler and enjoyed it very much. Both times we had newly renovated rooms and king sized bed. Last time we enjoyed a fabulous dinner (and view) at their rooftop restaurant. I also had an amazing massage in their small but lovely spa. We like this location and pay the ridiculous price to have it and a nice room and very helpful concierge. But, I believe our room was at least $800 per night.

Good luck and please let us know what you find... I need a less expensive place to stay in Rome - every trip isn't an anniversary...

gruezi

I disagree with Tina and personally quite like the Via Veneto and also the area near the Borghese, far more so than Piazza Navona which is generally mobbed with tourists.

I have been to Rome over a dozen times and stayed in a range of hotels and areas; these days we stay at Sofitel or Capo d'Africa, both nice neighborhoods and good hotels for the price.

To each his own.

Hi; The Weston in December, starts at 290 euros.[close to 450US] As for the Via Veneto, the city has done much work replacing the sidewalks with cobblestone. Still a great area and for us, not to far from the Spanish Steps. Plus many other sights. I agree, not right in the center, but a nice hotel. Richard

All of you have given me some great insights and education on the European market and of course, Rome. Very grateful for your replies...THANKS!

(A special thanks to those of you who sent me links..I will definitely check them out.)

I'm going to increase my room budget up to $500.00, plus add on taxes, breakfast and a few misc. items each day. So, if I can keep everything to around $600 - $650 USD per day, in the hotel, I'll be happy with that.

I'm thinking that for my first trip to Europe, I might want to stick with the familiar, ie, Westin, Marriott, Intercontinental. Since I am a regular customer with each of them here in the U.S., if I should have an unfortunate experience with them in Rome, upon my return home, I can get on the phone and 'maybe' get some type of amends. A property exclusively and indigenous to Rome would only be able to offer an apology. Having said that, I'm still going to give serious consideration to all recommendations that have been shared with me.

Oh, well...enough rambling from me. I'm a 'big boy'...I'll go with what feels right and take the plunge with one of them and I'm sure it will be fine. After all, as important as accommodations are to me, (and they are), I'm not going to see a hotel...I'm going to see "ROME."

I assure you, I will have a BLAST!

In your budget stratosphere, I doubt you'll have an "unfortunate experience" in any hotel, chain or stand-alone. As far as hoping for "amends" from a U.S. chain after you've return to the States, good luck with that.

Anyway, don't the U.S. chains you mention offer some sort of loyalty program? If you're a regular customer, can't you ask a sales office here for an upgrade, airport pick-up, or some other amenity to compensate for your repeated business? I do this for my boss all the time.

Many of the larger chain hotels in Europe are independently owned and operated and just pay a fee to be represented by that chain in the USA - don't expect "amends" rather choose the amenities and location you prefer.

Hi; If your a regular customer of Westin,you should consider having an American Express, Starwood CC. www.starwoodhotels.com For Marriott, a Chase Marriott CC. Our last trip to Rome, staying at the Westin, we used points. Pay for four nights and get the fifth free. Every dollar I spend goes on a CC. Our trip to D.C. next May, we are using points for five nights at a W Hotel. Richard

Take a deep breath and go to the Hassler. Worth every blessed penny. Check the website for specials that include breakfast. We had a marvelous room overlooking the Spanish Steps with a small balcony....gorgeous, comfy bed, beautifully decorated room, huge bathroom. While it's a very lively spot the noise was never an issue up on the 6th floor. Service was extreemely good. Public spaces are lovely. It's a 5 minute walk to the Pinco/Borghese Gardens and a terrific restaurant Casino Valadier.
Just do it. You'll love it.

Sorry - Pincio, not Pinco!!

To avoid disappointment - even with the name brans you're talking about - do pick your type of room carefully. I think you're find the basic rooms are not what you want - they'll be too small and probably won;t have a seating area - for that you will have to go for an upgraded room in many of these hotels. (Even if under the US brand, most of these hotels are in very old buildings, with smaller rooms that you find in new purpose built brand names in the US.)

Hotels in Europe are like NYC - real estate and taxes are so high that you just get way less room for your money than in much of the rest of the country.

If you like American chains you will be staying in far off areas then. The Sheraton is a shuttle bus out of Rome as is the Hilton. While I appreciate that this is your first trip to Europe and you want certain "American style" rooms on your vacation I would strongly suggest that you rethink boutique/old world hotels in Rome.
Rome is old, dirty,loud,busy and a wonderful place to visit.(I am there at least once or twice a month for work and still have not seen half of the things there.)You must learn to appreciate the history,accept the way Italians think and act and love their food and culture as it is given.

Take time to savor your coffee at a cafe;enjoy your waiter as he brings your different courses for dinner and people watch while you finish your gelato cone on the way back to the hotel at night.
Its magical and more fully appreciated if you stay within the actual city center.
Personally, I would go with the Hassler,Excelsior or the Hotel Raphael.Haven't stayed at any of them but pass them all of the time while walking around. The only trouble with the Excelsior is that is across from the American Embassy and all of the bigwigs in the world stay there. I saw some famous people last week on the Via Veneto while they were there for the World Food meeting-scary with all of the security ie,helicopters overhead and sharpshooters.

This is a bit from left field but there are two super monasteries in Rome which accept paying guests. One is owned and run by the Vatican (http://www.monasterystays.com/index....enue&id=lar206. The other is build inside an ancient roman temple (http://www.monasterystays.com/index....enue&id=lar125) They are within your price range but out of reach of mine. I found the website after a friend recommended staying in a monastery on my next trip to Italy. Check out www.monasterystays.com but the links above will take you to the really best places.

Jean said..."As far as hoping for "amends" from a U.S. chain after you've return to the States, good luck with that."

Kfusto said..."Many of the larger chain hotels in Europe are independently owned and operated and just pay a fee to be represented by that chain in the USA - don't expect "amends" rather choose the amenities and location you prefer."

Hey, Kfusto, you know your stuff. Just out of curiosity, I called customer relations at the Westin and Marriott and they said your were 100% correct..HOWEVER..they also added this: "Even though they are independently operated by someone else, it is still our name on the building. If a guest has a legitimate complaint regarding one of our named properties, we will definitely make amends in some form or fashion. We are not in the business of losing you as a customer especially when someone else dropped the ball."

I was also told this by a Marriott representative: "We check on our independent operators around the world by sending Marriott employees "incognito" to the property for a short stay. Detailed reports are filed. If our standards aren't consistently being met by the property owner, they run the risk of losing the rights to our name."

Anyway..good to know.

I agree with dutyfree. You're more likely to enjoy Rome and what it has to offer if you abandon from the start your wish that everything including hotels be the way you are accustomed to in the US. It won't be: not the hotels, not the restaurants, not the streets, not the traffic. It's simply *not* the way it is in America. If you accept that and go with the flow, you'll have a great time. If you don't, you'll likely be miserable.

One more thing...don't be like my passengers on the plane home to the states complaining that:
"I couldn't get decaf coffee"
"Italian coffee is terrible"
"I cannot believe that they think Italian food is good"
"Pizza in Italy?-ours is sooo much better back in the states"
"I couldn't believe that they didn't have sweet and low over there"
"I couldn't find sweet tea anyplace-what do they drink?"
"how do they expect people to walk on those cobblestones?"
"our hotels rooms were so small"
"our hotel rooms were so expensive for what we got"
"we had to take a taxi everyplace because Rome is so dangerous and I don't want to get near anyone"
"I thought sure that they would take US dollars"
"I couldn't get ice in my drinks anyplace"
"their beer isn't that cold"
"the waiter got mad when I asked for ice cubes in my white white at the piazza"
"why can't they speak English?"
Well,you get the idea-be a good traveler and make America proud!