azuregirl62

I think I have narrowed it down to one of these two hotels, has anyone stayed in either recently? We will be staying for two nights next October before a cruise, thanks.

Man_in_seat_61

I stayed at the Victoria Hotel in Pretoria, South Africa.

But as this is the Italy forum, I'm guessing this particular Victoria Hotel is at a secret undisclosed location somewhere in Italy?

clausar

Both hotels are in Rome

Debs

We enjoyed our stay at River Palace in June 2013. Metro stop is about 2 blocks away, so very convenient to get just about anywhere on the Metro. The rooms can be on the small side, so we upgraded to a larger room and glad we did. The staff are very helpful, speak fluent English and go out-of-the-way to help. Hotel has a 6-10pm happy hour nightly, and found this a relaxing way to be out of the room, enjoy a drink or two (most drinks are 1/2 price) and make our decision as to the next days activities. Very nice breakfast room and serves a nice breakfast. We didn't take advantage of room service so cannot comment on that. I wouldn't consider this hotel to be in 'Central Rome', but rather Northern Rome. Plazza del Popolo is steps away, which offers numerous dining options. We enjoyed our stay and wouldn't hesitate to return.

azuregirl62

thanks Debs

rineurope

azuregirl62, I've been to both hotels to meet folks... Both are fine hotels but I would give the edge to the River Palace. They have an excellent staff and each time I showed up, they were quite helpful and attentive.

The River Palace is in more of a working class neighborhood (Via Flaminia)so there are plenty of "local" cafes, grocery stores, etc. (We looked at multiple apts for rent in this area when considering what part of Rome to live in). It's also quite easy to get to the center of town on the #2 tram, or simply walk a few blocks to Piazza del Popolo. And it's FLAT - heading home to the Hotel Victoria each night would be an uphill climb and there are fewer transportation options up Via Veneto then there are to Piazza del Popolo - including a metro connection AT the Piazza.

The Hotel Victoria sits adjacent to the Aurelian Walls, but there is a 4- lane highway just on the other side of the wall. Neither is "centrally" located and they are probably almost equidistant from the center - it's just an easier "walk" from the River Palace.

The folks I worked with who stayed at these hotels were generally happy with their accommodations, although the primarily complaint was about the size of the rooms. Perhaps go one step up from the "base room" to be more comfortable - Good Luck!

azuregirl62

thanks, very helpful