My husband and I will be in Rome November 10th to 17th. This is a last minute decision and we have not booked a hotel. We would like a moderate price hotel with "atmosphere" and great central location. Is it a good idea to wait until we arrive at the airport and use one of the booking desks? Any idea's or recommendations?? Thanks so much !! I am looking forward to this trip in SUCH a big way!! Cheers, Cindy - Canada

Cindy, <BR>Don't know if I would risk waiting til I arrived to find a room. Casa Howard, a 5-bedroom guest house would fit your bill, but as they do have 5 rooms, they may already be booked. However, they might be able to refer you to a competitor/colleague in the neighborhood who would meet your requirements. <BR> <BR>E-mail Jenifer Howard Forneris at: <BR>[email protected] & she might be able to assist you. She is very prompt and professional in returning e-mails. Alternatively, if you'd like to phone them, their telephone number is: <BR>39.06.69.924555 <BR> <BR>Buon Viaggio, <BR>BC

Just got back from Rome last weekend. Stayed at Hotel Due Torrie near P. Navona. Definitely a hotel with my (and my wife's) definition of "atmosphere". Friendly and helpful staff and Cynthia (I think the owner) was very helpful and gracious.

We also just got home from Italy a week ago and found Hotel Due Torri a treat. The owner and (Cinthia/Cinzia) was a great host and she really loves her career. Staff spoke excellent English and were very helpful with restaurant recommendations and general info. although we go the smallest room available, about 18 - 24 inches walking room around the bed, we had a great terrace and there are other larger rooms available. The location couldn't be beat, we could see the Castel Di Angelo (sp?) from our terrace. <BR> <BR>Hotel Due Torri <BR>Vicolo del Leonetto, 23 (small alleyway that most taxis don't fit down) <BR>www.hotelduetorriroma.com <BR>e-mail: [email protected] <BR> <BR>DFW 10/31/01

I'm posting as agent x because I'm bringing up the smoking situation in Rome Hotels and this may bring out the smoking fanatics. I can detect smoke anywhere, no matter how hard a hotel tries to control the situation. full of The Hotel Des Artistes in Rome is a nice non smoking hotel, maybe the only one in the whole country. <BR> <BR>www.hoteldesartistes.com. <BR> <BR>I'm not passing judgement, just presenting an option. It's just that I shower everyday to make sure that I don't stink. Ooops. Sorry.

another possibility is Santa Chiara. Great locations, right behind and pantheon. It 3*, has a lovely lobby. and great breakfast. web site is, www.venere.com/it/roma/santa_chiara/. email them for info & reservations, [email protected]

Cindy <BR>A few weeks ago I stayed at the Santa Chiara, after following recommendations from this forum. Great location near the Pantheon, 10 minutes from Piazza Navona. My single was the equivalent of about $150, I believe they have doubles for just about $200. Wonderful breakfast buffet is included: breads, pastries, good coffee, juices, yogurt, cold meats. <BR>I have a lot of details in my Rome file; if you'd like to see it, email me.

I guess m and I were on the same wavelength at the same time!

topping

Cindy, <BR> <BR>The Mozart is nice, the location is great, and it can be booked at <BR> <BR>www.hotelscentral.com <BR> <BR>for 160 dollars per night for a dbl standard. <BR> <BR>It's apparently available, but you'd have to book to know for sure. <BR> <BR>Good luck, <BR> <BR>S