Interesting to get this additional info on the Albergo del Senato. We too are returning to Rome next May and wish to try a different location from the last time on Via Sistina (Hotel Internazionale). We have been trying to come to terms with the 'gulp' $319E asked for a ROOM at the Albergo Del Senato. Can it possibly be worth such an amount or is this the result of 'talking it up' on Fodors,Trip advisor ect. Dorkforcemom, Leely and Schnauzer could you help convince us to make the decision and get it booked (soon)or look elsewhere.

re: the del Senato. If it seems like a "gulp" for you (hey, I wasn't footing the bill when I stayed there), then I think you could probably find something else and be equally pleased.

I usually rent apartments in Rome. In fact, the only hotel I've stayed in there has been the del Senato, so I'm afraid I can't offer alternatives.

I think I read recently here that someone said the staff wasn't as charming as they once were. Maybe it is no longer worth the $. The location and the view are wonderful, however.

Good luck! Rome is Rome, wherever you lay your head.

re: Albergo del Senato - the price (gulp!). I, too, am filled with angst about paying the increase in price; however, I haven't found an alternative I'm pleased with. In 2004 we stayed at Hotel Barberini which was a lovely hotel. The rates quoted for the same time are lower but not significantly to warrant the location difference. I'm struggling with this. The Albergo del Senato was a perfect location, our service was top-notch, the rooftop bar was spectacular, our view from our room was unbelievable. The downside is the price,and the room itself wasn't reflective of the price (although it wasn't shabby, by any means). I'll probably pay & stay there because we have another couple traveling with us. I'm responsible for selecting hotels and I've made some huge mistakes in choosing accommodations before (in Rome, as a matter of fact) so I'm gunshy! I welcome others' opinions...

dorkforcemom,

I can relate. I chose the del Senato for my mother's first trip to Rome. We stayed in a junior suite, and I think it has really colored her view of Rome. Hotels are important to her, and I wanted her to stay somewhere with a lot of wow factor. The del Senato did not disappoint!

She was also somewhat jetlagged, so just to be able to hang out at the bar and gaze upon the Pantheon was quite a treat for her.

When I'm just choosing something for myself, I don't try so hard.

We'll be there in November, and booked a hotel near the Termini. That way, we can take public transportation to anywhere with minimal transfers. There's lots of accomodations near there. We chose Hotel Center 1,2,3 (3 adjoining properties) and booked through expedia.com. But there many other options near there.

I googled www.palazzo-olivio.it and got a blank. Anyone?
Still thinking about Albergo del Senato. Thanks for the feedback Leely,Dorkforcemom and Schnauzer.

That's because I typed it wrong. DUH!
Found it.

I looked at an apartment from the company Romeby.com The pantheon apartment, friends had recommended it to us. They were booked for the dates we needed so we chose the Del Senato. Even for four nights I think an apartment may be the way to go particularly if you are a family. Minx, you didn't say how long you were staying. Just the ability to make a cup of tea by yourself, without having to go back out again when you really just want to put your feet up makes all the difference.

yes the Del Senato was very good, the rooms were fine, not particularly great, I didn't see any other rooms so couldn't compare, which is always hard. Our water was barely warm the whole time we were there, aparently we weren't the only ones. I got the feeling that they ran it at that temperature all the time and just hoped nobody complained. We did, (repeatedly) and did get financial compensation by the way of a discount. For 350E a night, I would like HOT water, not barely warm, thank you. Yes the staff were helpful, the rooftop lovely, breakfasts were good, unless you were late in which case the ladies got most cheesed off. The best feature was the location. Public transport, we felt was next to useless in Rome, the metro is very limited, taxis, well we got ripped off the first day and refused to use them again. (I hate being gyped) the bus seemed like a good idea until you actually wanted to use one and there never seemed to be an open tabacchi, or ticket place available, most frustrating as you are not allowed on without a ticket. We got increasingly frustrated and just ended up walking everywhere. This is fine if you are staying centrally, ie. the pantheon, navona area anywhere else it could prove to be a real nuisance. The Minerva hotel was only next door to the Del Senato, we toyed with that hotel but decided on the junior suite at the Del S instead, it could be worth investigating the Minerva option as the junior suite really wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Sorry Minx can't say yea or nay for you, It would be good if you could do a reccy first of all the hotels and then make your final decision. Hope you make the right decision.

Thankyou again Schnauzer.Whatever does drive the Senato's prices for warm water and just okay rooms cannot possibly be justlocation...ya think?? There are other hotels in that area.Well, it's our 40th anniversary celebration. Last September we spent a month visiting Rome, Florence and finally 2 weeks in a charming farmhouse villa in Umbria near lago Trasamino.It was so very wonderful that we are doing it all over again ...this time in May with the addition of Positano and the deletion of Florence. We definitely wanted try a different area in Rome and the Pantheon/Novana seem perfect. Like you, we walked our socks off last time.Anyways, I'm thinking if we don't 'take the bull by the horn'and just book,we may not have any choices at all come May.I will check out the Minerva. BTW did everyone book the Senato online ...is it secure?

I don't know what I'm doing wrong - I can't seem to find the website for the Minerva to check it out as an alternative to del Senato. Anyone able to help, I'd appreciate it. I did book the del Senato through email and didn't have any problems. Thanks to those who could help with Minerva details.

Try googling Grand Hotel Minerve (e not a). I found it just the other day while idly checking out air/hotel packages through expedia. It's on there--not a bad price. The rates listed on the web site (it's one of a few hotels owned by...I can't remember) are higher, much higher, I think, than the Del Senato.

All this Rome talk is pretty tempting, and I don't have a trip planned anytime soon...

This is the website:

http://www.hotel-invest.com/

HOLEY MOLEY!! The Albergo is a bargain after checking out the Grand Minerve. Decision made...Albergo del Senato it is! Now let's see if they still have space. Any special room #'s we should be asking for??

I'm with you, Minx! The Minerve is very expensive - back to the del Senato it is. We'll be there the first week of May - what about you?

I stayed at the Del Senato in June and it was lovely, with great service. I must add that the prices ARE high, even with no view of the Pantheon. Also, if the weather is the least bit cool, or if it has rained any time during the early evening, the management does not open the rooftop bar/terrace.
On my return trip through Rome, we stayed at the Hotel Smeraldo (3 min. walk from the Campo dei Fiori) and it was squeaky clean, had fabulous air conditioning and very nice, helpful staff. The rooftop terrace was being remodeled, so no view (again!) It was 170 Euro for a triple, a saving of >100/night over the Del Senato.
My recommendation: 1st time - Del Senato; any time thereafter www.smeraldoroma.com
Have a fabulous trip!

Dorkforcemom we'll be arriving May 12th. Too bad we will miss each other.We could discuss the merits of our decision.Where else are you headed while in Italy? Have you already booked the Albergo? Haven't had a response as yet.Italiasubito we will definitely look into the Smeralda for the return to Rome.Thanks.