Had to go to the Cafe to be shown to our room. The girl was quite freindly. We had asked for twin room, but ended up with a double and they were unable to change this as fully booked. It wasn't the end of the world though as we were out and about til very late each night and could have slept on a washing line, saying that though, the bed was comfy, but could have done with another pillow. The girl that showed us the room got us some more coat hangers when we pointed out that there was only 1 in the wardrobe and agreed that we could store out bags til 6pm on the day of our departure.

This isn't a hotel as such, it is like living with the locals, but didn't actually see any of the other people living there. The rooms are on the 1st floor and the building feels very secure. Our room (no 3) was quite small but was bright, had modern furniture and a newly fitted bathroom with decent shower cubical and a hairdrier. It over looked the square that has cafes, market stalls and a florist surrounding it. The sheets and towels were replaced daily.

If you are looking for a touristy place with no true Romans around, then head towards the centre a bit more and pay twice the price. It you want to be with the locals and feel the real Rome vibe, then stay here. It was a little noisy at night due to the small cafe below...just talking and them packing up at midnight, but a lot less annoying than traffic noise, horns and sirens, which there was none of. We paid 100 euros a night for the room, including a basic, but fresh and filling continental breakfast that is served til 10.30am.

As in any, City there were a few down and outs around but not the pestering type, they were too drunk to stand, let alone do me any harm. We were two 30 something women and didn't feel threatened once. They were few and far between though.

When facing the building, if you take a left and walk for about 2 mins (or anywhere in the area) you will come across a maze of narrow cobbled streets full of character and eateries and small piazza's. It is easy to get lost, so take a map, but that's part of the fun. A great place to sit and people watch. There is some graffiti on the walls, but this is common in Europe unfortunantly. People of all ages mingled together. Prices here are cheaper than in the centre too!

Within 5 mins walk is a tram line and lots of bus stops taking you all over the City...get a 4 euro day ticket from the tabaconist near the hotel and get on and off as you wish...get it stamped in the yellow machine 1st on the bus to validate it, then you don't have to show it again, unless checked. If you wish, you can walk to all the sites within an hour max, some sites are a lot, lot nearer. There was a public transport strike on our 2nd day, but still managed to go to at least 3 or 4 main sites. You get to see a lot more when walking too.

A great place to stay for someone who wants to see the sites without breaking the bank and without feeling like a typical tourist. Great to sample the culture of real life Rome.

Hopefully I will be able to go to Rome again, and this is where I will be staying!

We booked on Expedia and it was not cheap: $140/night, but when we arrived no one was there.

The neighborhood of Trastevere - although called charming in the Lonely Planet guidebook, was dirty and scary. The piazza the hotel was in was scary and looked like projects.

The "hotel" - if that's what it could even be called - was inside a run down building that looked like it was falling apart. The doors were filthy and truly looked like a place you would find prostitutes. No one answered the door when we arrived, which in the end was probably a blessing. We went to a nearby internet cafe to book a different hotel.

I would never recommend that anyone stay at this hotel, nor in the neighborhood of Trastevere. It's not charming at all. There are many other places in Rome that have a local flavor without being scary.

I know the location is great but you should not have to put up with a room like the one we got for location. We stayed for three nights we probably got the worst room in the place as it seemed to be the only one facing the back and not the square, it was covered in cobwebs with a tiny bathroom and a very small room. There was never anyone at reception nor was there any free maps or information on rome. There was no tv guide not that i think there was any decent channels on the tv. The room worked out at 60 euro a night which I felt was well over priced for what we got. I have stayed in better private hostel rooms. The breakfast was laid out in a private room to the side of the cafe underneath but we had to find this by ourselves and there was a few pieces of bread with ham and cheese slices. Oh yeah there is no wi fi atall and the bed was the most uncomfortable bed we have ever slept in. We couldn't wait to get home for a decent nights sleep.

Trastervere has local and touristo feel, close to trams and in walking distance of the Vatican, Colloseum etc if your feet are up to it. We stayed here twice, staff can be unfriendlly when cafe busy, especialy in the mornings. Our Italian must have improved for second stay in the month, as they appeard more willing to smile. Rooms vary in size and quietness, last room had paper thin walls, could everything in room next door. Rooms over the inner courtyard are thin walled, rooms looking over the piazza have usual street noise but more soundproof. Take a google map to find it. Location is the highlight.