After searching TripAdvisor's top rated hotels this was the first place to have any availability for our 3 night planned trip to Rome. Reviews were okay, so we contacted the hotel direct. They offered us a ensuite room for the same rate as I was quoted on Expedia.com. We accepted this and confirmed the room by email and agreed the time we would arrive. We did not leave any deposit or card details. The hotel responded quickly to any email I sent them.
Our outbound flight with SwissAir was cancelled and we were transfered to Lufthansa(who were better in my opinion). But this meant being delayed about 4 hours. Once I had finally figured out the dial code for Italy I contacted the hotel to inform them we would not arrive until after midnight. This was not a problem for them.
We got to Rome and had to get a taxi as it was the middle of the night. We had planned to use the train but it did not run after about 11.30. The taxi cost 60euros which we knew but still it seemed a huge cost for what was a fast 45min race along empty roads at about 1am. Anyway we got there, dropped off at the door. Rang the buzzer and was greated instantly. We payed for our room and got to sleep.
Breakfast was basic but really nice. Great coffee and large selection of bread, cerials, juices etc etc. Room was large with double bed+sofa bed (it was room number 1) with a clean bathroom+shower. Really nice view of the street from the 5th floor.
The road outside was a bit noisey though with car horns but this was all part of the experience, plus we slept with the window open for some fresh air.
On our first day we went to the coleseum. We found a guide outside and payed 20 euro each for a guided tour plus a free guided tour of the Roman Forum. Our guides name was Tom and he was great! Tom said he did a vatican tour the following day for 45euros so we did this aswell. Again it was a great tour, worth every penny.
I went with my brother (2 guys late 20's) and although Rome was amazing it was not the place to come for nightlife or if you want to have a fair few drinks out at an evening. We could not find many bars, other than Irish bars which were fine. We knew it would be expensive but in some restaurants a pint of beer was 9euros+, which was more than I was prepared to spend. We found some nice places that did a litre of red wine for 8euros and also bought some cans of peroni from supermarkets to drink was we walked around, these were 90cents each.
All in all a great city break was had!
Feel free to ask me any questions via private message,
Thanks
