lorib1

Hi Rome Experts!

Looking for a luxury hotel for 1 night pre-cruise, 2 nights post cruise in late June/early July. The budget is about 300-325Euro per night. The hotel is for my dad and his wife, in their 50s/early 60s.

Hotels under consideration right now are:
Sofitel Roma
Hotel Majestic
Hotel Raphael
Albergo del Senato

I am not sure if I should put them near the Spanish Steps pre-cruise and then near the Pantheon post-cruise. Would love some input...

Thanks!!

lorib1

One more thing - I've read on fodors and tripadvisor that air conditioning at some of the hotels in Rome is touch & go - given the time of year, A/C is important. Any feedback on that would be appreciated as well!!

PeggyE

I can only comment on Sofitel Roma. We stayed there in Oct 2008 and were pleased. The room was small but very nicely appointed, we walked everywhere from there but also used the bus system. It is located next to the Borghese Museum. It seemed close enough to activities but a bit removed so it was quiet at night. There is an incline walking back from Pantheon/Trevi Fountain area but we are in our 50's & it was no problem. There is a rooftop terrace that was great and their buffet breakfast was very good.
I would return there unless more current reviews revealed problems we didn't encounter. Enjoy the trip planning!

tuscanlifeedit

Never stayed in any of them, but for location, I would pick Raphael or del Senato.

fmpden

You have a couple of other issues. If going on a cruise they need to get to and from Civitavechia about 50/60 miles away. Are they on their own or using ship transportation? If using the train there would be some advantages to staying in the Termini area. Cannot help you with hotels as we never stay in four or five star hotels in Rome.

The Spanish steps and the Pantheon are not that far apart so I don't think they would feel that either neighborhood was much different. Both are very heavy touristy areas. Don't think it makes any difference.

lorib1

They will have private transfers to/from the ship in Civitecchia (and the airport), so being near the Termini is not an issue.

Will see if anyone else has any comments...

Zerlina

I have no idea why the Fodors editors have seen fit to remove my post. I'll try again.

Majestic is not Spanish Steps; it's Via Veneto, which is as dead as the proverbial doornail in my opinion, and the restaurants in the area are high in price and/or low in quality. The Majestic's own restaurant was recently taken over by one of Rome's celebrity chefs; the quality is excellent by all reports, but the prices are lofty.

Dukey

Luxury?

The St. Regis?

The Hassler?

The DeRussie?

The Inn at the Spanish Steps?

fmpden

I am guessing with private transfers, this level of hotels, etc. that there is little concern for how pricey a place may be. Their interest in Rome may be completely difference than many others.

kybourbon

I would pick either the Del Senato or Raphael for location (can walk to many things) and to feel like you are in Rome. The Majestic and Sofitel are by the Borghese and you can't easily walk places.

dutyfree

Personally,I think that the Hotel Raphael would be the perfect choice.Great location;romantic hotel and views from the top roof floor that are unbelievable!

vetralla

Id choose Raphael or Del Senato for the post cruise but for pre cruise how about easing them into Italy with a stay near Civitavecchia port at the magnificent hill top Fontana del Papa.

lorib1

Thanks for the responses. The St. Regis/Hassler/deRussie are above our budget of 300-350Euro/nt.

Thanks for the feedback on the Majestic. I'd prefer to put them up at a hotel that has more reasonable food options closeby. I am leaning towards the Raphael or Del Senato for the post cruise for the location and the romantic/charming aspects of the hotels. Possibly for pre-cruise as well.

LouisaH

I stayed at the St. Regis on business this past November and it was fabulous. I then moved to the del Senato when my meeting ended and it was perfectly fine but by no stretch could it be considered luxurious or romantic despite what the pictures indicate. I've also stayed at the Westin (Amex points) and it was wonderful.

Weadles

I wouldn't call Albergo Del Senato luxurious, but we loved our rooms there, and the location was ideal for exploring Rome. Also really enjoyed the view and Bellinis (!) on the rooftop terrace.

Zerlina

Star ratings rate amenities and not quality in Italy, but as a rule five-star hotels deserve their ratings from the point of quaiity as well.

The Albergo del Senato is a three-star; the Raphael is a five-star luxury.

LouisaH

To be fair, there was no way del Senato could measure up after coming from the St. Regis and I took that into consideration. The location was ideal and my room was fine but it was November and the rooftop terrace was closed and the hotel bar was really rather drab but your parents won't have that problem in June/July.