We are going to Rome for Thanksgiving, and we have never been before. Because of my husband's employer we are able to get some great deals on hotels. We can stay at the Russie for 330 euros or the Westin Excelsior for 191 euros. Or the St. Regis for 385 euros. Would appreciate some suggestions.
Thanks,
Laura

Hi
I don't know the hotels personally, but have read that the Russie is gorgeous. I don't think the location that convenient, however.

For the rates you mentioned, I would choose the Excelsior.

I would choose De Russie because it is a beautiful hotel, and I prefer its location over that of the other two.

I would pick the de Russie over the Excelsior without hesitation and over the St. Regis based upon the location of the de Russie. If location is not a concern for you, the choice between de Ruisse and the St. Regis comes down to a choice of styles: (i) the de Ruisse is modern whereas (ii) the St. Regis is plush and ornate (both I consider opulent in their own way).

On caveat would be to compare the type of room that you can obtain at the respective hotels. I find the simplest rooms at such hotels to usually be a little too simple for the price. Regardless of your choice, you'll have a wonderful experience.

My wife and I had a couple of drinks at sundown in the courtyard of the Russie last month. There is nothing like it.

Haven't stayed at any of the three, but I have had dinner at "(Il?) Vivendo (sp?" in the St. Regis. I can recommend that as very sedate, elegant, expensive and worth it.

I would also second the use of the word "opulent" for the St. Regis (its public spaces, at least) - - and agree that its location would not appeal to me.

Best wishes,

Rex

Thanks a lot! Still debating! ANd now hubbie thinks we should go to Florence and Venice also!!
Laura

You know it really is unfortunate that all the people who told you not to stay here or there because of "the location" didn't say what it is about those "locations" that they don't like...too many tourists? not enough tourists? or as someone recently said, they wouldn't stay on the Via Veneto because to them it didn't seem "Roman enough" whatever that means.
I agree with trying to check out the rooms but at 191 Euros for the Westin that is probably a "bargain" but you might also e-mail the hotels and ask them what their best rate is..at that time of year it may be even better. Enjoy Rome regardless.

Well, it is all down to personal preference, but I like the area where De Russie is because I like shopping, and there are more shops there. I have nothing against the Via Veneto.

I stayed at the St. Regis a few years ago. While it is a beautiful, elegant hotel with wonderful service, I did not like the location and I would choose either of the other hotels you mentioned. The price for the Russie is not exceptional. I have a reservation there for 333Euros in February. The Westin is an excellent rate. Have fun.

correction to myself above: when I criticized the location, I meant the St Regis, not the Russie.

Personally, when I criticize location or feel it is not optimal, it's because to me a location is not central, is not in easy walking distance to primary sites, or it takes too long to go back and forth if I want to take a break, or drop off packages, or pick up a sweater.

Others may like a more out-of-the-way location exactly because it is out of the way.

We stayed 6 nights at the exclesior and it was wonderful - close to everything, very elegant, gracious staff and the room we had was gorgeous - they upgraded us to a two room, two bath, two fireplace suite overlooking via veneto. just hope our children don't think that is the norm from now on!!

Stayed at the Excelsior. Nice enough hotel, but I preferred the Marriott right up the street.

Go to www.flyertalk.com/milesfr, then to the Starwood forum and do some searching.