Jean

Greetings, <BR> <BR>I am looking for some advice from anyone with info regarding the Inter-Continental at the top of the Spanish Steps and the Crowne Plaza Minerva. Specifically, which is the better location (Spanish Steps v. Pantheon) and which is the nicer hotel with better amenities? Assume that the cost for each is the same. <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance.

Debra

We stayed at the Intercontinental in May and loved the location. It was great to be so close to the Spanish Steps and all of the activity around them. The hotel service and accommodations are wonderful. Try to get a room higher up and overlooking the courtyard. Have fun!

Ed

Price equal, I'd take the Minerva in a minute. <BR> <BR>Location is arguably (much) better, though many would like the de la Ville's at the top of the Spanish Steps. We find the latter inconvenient for a location because of the relative isolation and being on a dead end (effectively) street. <BR> <BR>Both excellent hotels. Haven't been the de la Ville lately but it'll be a bit older in appearance I think, though pretty much first rate. Minerva is relatively quite new. <BR> <BR>If it matters, Minerva is (literally) almost within arm's reach of the Pantheon and quite near Piazza Navona, a very desirable location, and quite central between Vatican and Colosseum. <BR> <BR>De la Ville is nearer a subway, but generally speaking somewhat less close to most important sights. <BR> <BR>All that said, it's danged near a toss-up, though, again, I'd opt for the Minerva quickly. <BR> <BR>Ed <BR>Rome.Switzerland.Bavaria <BR>www.twenj.com <BR>

Jean

Wow, now I am confused! Perhaps this will be the tie-breaker. I am arriving into Roma Termini on a Sunday night around 9:00 p.m. After checking into either hotel, what is there to do around either of these hotels for a short introductory evening? We are thinking that we may like to walk around a bit, and have dinner in a restaurant outside of the hotel. Also, which hotel is easier to get to from Roma Termini via local transport? <BR> <BR>Thank you for your help!

Lori

Already posted to your other message, can't speak to the Inter-Con, but we liked the location and the amentities in the room at the CP--Okay, it may not be important to you, but I really like having a hot drink when I want it, without paying for room service or having to greet anyone at the door (there's a hotpot in the room)and after staying at several 4/5 star Italian hotels that would not provide an iron and board to my room to touch up my clothes quickly before going out, ("strict fire codes") I was glad to have one quickly sent up by the CP staff) I also liked having the latest copy of the "Economist" on the table as well as a very nice (and heavy) book on the Rome attractions. <BR> <BR>(Don't mean to sound prissy, or demanding etc, but these were just some nice touches that you don't always get even at very nice hotels) <BR> <BR>Hope you have a good time! <BR> <BR>

Ed

Jean, re your most recent question on 10/17, there's no big significant difference. <BR> <BR>In any event by the time you collect luggage and get to the city and check in it may be a bit too late to be served in most restaurants in any event. Nor are you likely to find too much happening at that time, unless you're interested in nightclubbing in which case I can provide no input. <BR> <BR>They're both find hotels. Take your pick! I'd choose the CP myself. <BR> <BR>Ed

Jean

Thank you so much for responding. I've made the decision, and it will be the Crowne Plaza Minerva. I am going to stop obsessing over the differences, and look forward to the trip. I'll post a note upon return. <BR> <BR>Thanks again. <BR> <BR>-J