Thanks to a TA user's tip, we booked this hotel for our 'Roman Holiday' ! And what a gem it is !!

Location, location, location !! Centrally located - on the Pantheon square !!

Great staff - friendly check-in lady, bellhop, concierge, breakfast-room staff........

The buffet breakfast was sumptuous and had quite a variety of breads, fruits, juices, etc.

Both check-in and check-out was handled pretty professionally and post check-out our ample luggage was stored securely (we had a late night flight)

We booked a junior suite for 3 people and pulling in the taxi the location certainly has the "Wow"" factor being based right in Pantheon Square - there is probably no better location in Rome.

The public areas of the hotel have been renovated to a high standard, in keeping with its statement as being the oldest hotel in Rome, however I am not able to comment on the rooms as, on arrival, we were re-located to one of several apartments the hotel owns a few minutes away just off the piazza.

The apartment we stayed in was located on the 5th floor and actually getting into it was our first challenge as the keys to the entrance grille and main door seemed happy to spin around for 5 minutes without opening the door; whilst at the same time the lights kept going off leaving us waving franticly to switch them back on.

The apartment itself was large by city standards. The living room, with sofa bed, acted as the second bedroom for our son during our stay. Off this was a dressing/closet area which led to the main bedroom and en-suite bathroom (which are the only facilities in the room and can only be accessed by walking through the bedroom).

The apartment was very dark and very dated - in terms of facilities offered there were two flat screen TVs in the bedroom and living room, a coffee machine, room safe (with the same challenging key arrangements as the main doors) and a radio. There was no wi-fi (which is becoming increasingly expected) and whilst there was a tired jacuzzi bath the only shower arrangements were via a hand held attachment to the taps.

We did have problems during our stay with the bathroom - no hot water one evening (but which was remedied straight away when we pointed it out) but there was an unpleasent smell for the duration of our stay and we needed to keep the window open and door closed.

We found our bed to be very comfortable, mattress a little hard but we prefer it that way.

Based on other places we have stayed the apartment cannot be rated any higher than a 2* and was a real disappointment.

The one plus point, and for us it is a big one, is the view. Off the living room accessed through another grille and window/door is a very small balcony (three people standing front to back) however if faces straight out over the Piazza della Rotonda and the Pantheon itself. We were able to spend evenings people watching as the square is filled with activity and entertainment - just need to move the ariel mast as it prevents that perfect picture!

Breakfast is taken in the main hotel and consists of a cold buffett of meats, cheeses, breads/pastries and fruit juice/coffee. Whilst not extensive it is just right and sets you up for the day.

The hotel itself has no restaurant facilties however you are never short of places to eat in Rome though you certainly have to pay a premium if you choose to eat in one of the main Piazzas.

Service from the staff was excellent at all times.

In summary, as the review title suggests, a 5* location but only 2* accommodation. We would stay here again but only if travelling as a couple and able to stay in the hotel itself.

This was our second stay at the Sole al Pantheon hotel - and it was at least as good as the first. From the moment we stepped inside we were made to feel very welcome and all staff were helpful at all times - especially so when it came to planning our days and evenings out. The rooms on both occasions were of a good size, comfortable and perfectly well equipped - and considering the location, they were very quiet indeed. As others have mentioned before the location was wonderful - to step outside from the peace and tranquility of the hotel into the buzz and hubub of life in the square to the front of the Pantheon was truly magical. We loved every moment of our stay at the hotel and will certainly return.

Wonderful location in the corner of the Pantheon Square. Step outside and have a beer in the early evening and you would think that you have died and gone to heaven. Room typical of a city centre hotel built in the 15th century as it was a bit on the small side. I had to get the hotel to quieten the A/C and tidy up the grouting around the bath – which they did the next day. Croissants were always a bit hard but perhaps that is the way the Italians have them. Staff were all excellent.