I think after agonizing over hotels, we most likely will go with Santa Chiara. I was wondering if anyone can answer some room questions, as the hotel will not answer my email (?)<BR><BR>How many floors are in the hotel?<BR>Are there any rooms with views?<BR>Do any of the rooms (double) have balconies or terraces big enough to sit out on?<BR>Are all the double rooms pretty much the same, or are some nicer than others?<BR>I read there is a public courtyard, but have not seen anyone comment on that - is there?<BR>Is there a quieter area to be in the hotel - I know some of the rooms face Minerva, what road do the others face?<BR>Are the rooms large, or should we spring for a triple (there are only 2 of us) to get more room?<BR><BR>If anyone has pictures of SC, would love to see them - email them to me!<BR><BR>This board has been very helpful.

I can't answer all your questions but i can help. we stayed in a family room (4 of us) there. it was a 2 room suite with 1 bath. i don't know what the double rooms are like. It is about 4 floors. it's actually a few building combined and is a bit of a maze. to get to out room required a change of elevators and some stairs (we took the stairs only much of the time). we were on the 4th floor and our bedroom faced a street, torre argentina. the view was just the building across the street. i don't know if any of the rooms have great view, the street are narrow and crowded in that area. there were rooms with terraces facing in but i think they were large family rooms (and not available when i requested). You should email or call the hotel. the good rooms book up first. also, we had a noise problem. we were there this march and it was warm. the a/c in the building wasn't turned on yet (in may they turn it on), so we opened our window to cool down but the noise was bad at night. with the window closed it's fine. with a/c on i'm sure it's great. the other bedroom in the suite was facinfg in and had no noise so our kids slept fine. The hotel in general is lovely. the lobby is very attractive for a 3* and the location is great. Their buffet breakfast was the best we had in Italy.

Hi Debbie <BR>I've been obsessing over Rome hotels this week, may very well go with the Santa Chiara <BR>They responded to my email this week in less than 24 hours, perhaps they are having an electronic problem with yours? <BR> If you go to the Hotel section of this Fodor's website (not travel talk) you will find that Fodors recommends this hotel, mentions that not all rooms are spacious but all have character and are quiet. (I guess that depends if the windows are open or closed!) "Rants and Raves" mention great location, rooms "big enough", bathroom svery small, excellent service, comfortable beds. <BR>It's my understanding that only one of the large apartments on the top floor has a terrace.

I agonized over hotels also! We stayed at the Albergo Santa Chiara in room 403. It was a very nice, quiet double room with a view overlooking a quiet courtyard. One night there was some sort of function taking place on floor above ours (I think it is the banquet area) and we enjoyed listening to the the most wonderful Italian singing coming thru the open window....ahhh what a memory! I would highly recommend this hotel and if I ever get the pleasure of returning to Rome, I will stay at the SC again!

Hi Debbie, we too stayed at the Santa Chiara and will again. We had a large apartment with a large front room where our kids slept and andother back bedroom for mom and dad. It had a huge terrace to sit out on that looked out over other suites and rooftops. We did not have a noise problem at all and we were there in August! Sorry I can not remember the room number. I'll second the comment on the breakfasts, they were quite substantial! Have a great trip!

This is all great to read as I'll be there in early September. Debbie -- when I made my reservation they were having some e-mail problems, so be patient and try again in a day or so if they don't respond (it took me several tries -- they were having computer problems). FYI, when I inquired about a double with balcony or terrace the price was much much much higher than a regular double, so I ended up going with the regular double without a balcony. There are a few pictures on their website.