We have just returned from a week of sight-seeing in Rome. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would definitely recommend the B&B. Patrizia, the host, was very welcoming and is very knowledgeable about the area and how to use the public transport. Here are some points that you may want to consider before choosing this B&B...
- We found the B&B quite difficult to find. We had printed off a Google map which had the b&b location on which was incorrect. It is located in an apartment block next to a Pharmacy to the left and cafe on the corner to the right. The flat is number 23. There is a sign at the entrance to the building but the colours of it blend in very well with the wall so it's not very prominent!
- The apartment is on floor 8 (there is a lift!) of the building and is therefore quite high up - if you're scared of heights this may not be for you...
- We stayed in a large lavender coloured room. The bed was comfortable, king-size and made up every day. Bins were emptied every day and our sheets and towels were changed after the 4th day. Generally the room was clean. There was a tv but we didn't use it as all the chanels were in italian (obviously!).
- The room does not have air-conditioning - which wasn't too much of a problem when we were there as it wasn't too hot but i can imagine it would be stifling in the hotter months. There were 2 desk fans in the room which you can use though.
- The bathroom was large with a bath and a shower over the bath. Like someone has said before, the water pressure is very low and so don't expect to have particularly satisfying showers (in this room anyway). It does the job though. A small bottle of shower gel, shampoo and a bar of soap were provided.
- There were shared tea and coffee (also selection of fruit teas and biscuits) making facilities in the hallway. There was also a fridge for communal use.
- Breakfast every morning was a selection of biscuits and toast with jam, average tea and very good coffee. You could also have cornflakes. It was nice but very light. I get the impression this is the norm for Rome though?
- We found the hotel to be very noisy. This is to be expected when in a city. However, the b&b is next to a hospital so the sound of ambulances is pretty much constant day and night. There is also a lot of vehicle noise from the busy road. It didn't bother us too much as we were so tired from sight-seeing we could have slept through anything but you may want to take earplugs just in case!
- The area is definitely more of a suburb and not very touristy, which is nice to get away from the hustle and bustle but there is a more limited supply of restaurants (especially ones that speak english) than in the more touristy areas near the main attractions. There is a nice cafe next door for sandwiches, pastries, coffee open during the day. We enjoyed a restaurant called Limonaia in a nearby park.
- If you are planning on sight-seeing while you're there, public transport is a must - the nearest metro (Policlinico) is about 5-10 mins walk from the b&b and we used this every day, often in combination with the bus to get to the main sights. Public transport is not expensive.
Overall a good stay!