Hi there, I'm looking for a nice, romantic hotel in Rome - I don't have a budget. It could be a 'little gem' or it could be a 5 star. I just don't want it to be a business style hotel. Location/views would be a real plus. I was looking at Sole e Pantheon right opposite The Pantheon but have been put off by the McDonalds right below. Bathrooms - i.e. big tub for 2 - are also very. Above all, I want it to be cosy and romantic. This is for a surprise birthday weekend. Any suggestions great appreciated!! Thanks, Ally

with no budget - I'd do the excelsior in Rome and ask for a corner suite - fireplace, incredible bathrooms, etc. other option would be the eden hotel just down the street. both are great

Try the funky Casa Howard--not your typical Rome hotel, but in a great location.

A junior suite at the Raphael, steps from the Piazza Navona, has a large bedroom, sitting room, immense bathroom with modern fixtures and large tub and a view of the surrounding churches. The rooftop bar/restaurant is one of the most romantic spots in Rome with unsurpassed views. The room costs about 500 Euro.

we really loved the del Senato,
over lookes the Pantheon
but it is in the sanme piazza as Sole , so that might be out.

Never stayed at the Raphael, but I did walk past it a few times and it looks LOVELY !! great, quiet location

We really enjoyed our stay at The Inn At the Spanish Steps last October. This is a very charming 4 star boutique hotel. It is a perfect location on the Via Condotti, a shoppers paradise. The staff is extremely helpful. The rooms are small, but stylish, as is typical for Rome.The rooftop restaurant/bar is lovely. You can check our the website www.atspanishsteps.com.

Well if you don't really have a budget then why not go for THE biggie..The Hassler..no better view of the infamous Spanish Steps..ask for a room that looks out in that direction. Oh, and by the way, it looks DOWN on The Inn at the Spanish Steps and a few other places, too, if that kind of power trip fits your needs.

ttt

I'd go to the Locarno if they have rooms available. It's a little art nouveau gem just off the Piazza del Popolo. It's been discovered by the people who write those books on little boutique hotels so it's prices have probably skyrocketed but the place couldn't be cooler--I suppose that's how it got into those boutique hotel books. It has a fantastic little bar and a lovely outdoor patio just off the breakfast room. It has one of those clackety old wooden elevators with the grates that you push to close and open. The rooms used to be the least attractive feature, but from the pictures I've seen in those boutique hotel books they've redone with the help of a trendy designer. If you want to feel like you've just blown into Rome as part of the Grande Tour, try the Locarno.

Thanks everyone! Checking web addresses as we speak!!!

If money is no object, maybe the Russie on Via Babuino? We had dinner in the garden last September; absolutely magic. We stayed in the Inhgilterra, off Via Condotti, and loved that; don't go for the smaller rooms though. Apparently they have some rooms with terraces at the top; that would be perfect. The Inghilterra is definitely more 'cosy' than the Russie, which is very modern.