I read the reviews about how close it was to the train station. In reality it is about a 15 minute walk and you pass 50 other hotels on the way here. Everything that people said about the owners and the charm of the hotel was true. It is a really lovely, typical 3-star Italian hotel. I have stayed at much worse. The two biggest issues: First the street noise is really terrible. I am a deep sleeper and I was up on and off most of the night. Second, the neighborhood really has no redeeming qualities. There are much nicer parts of Rome to stay in. I almost turned around when I was walking here from the train; thinking I had made a mistake. I was here for the night only because of the volcano cancelling my flights and I have been to Rome many times, so I thought it was perfect for what I needed. If I was here to experience Rome, I would have wanted to be in a different part of town.

i came back from rome today, about 7 hours ago and i really wanted to write on tripadvisor about this hotel. Donatello Hotel is very very NICE, the personnel is kind and very helpful,and the position of the hotel is good, about 7 minutes away from manzoni metro station, 12 minutes from termini. It was great and cheap! very clean, also. the man an the front desk helped us with maps and indications, he even made phonecalls when he didnt know what we were asking him. the breakfast was poor, but we didnt mind because we know that italian dont eat too much at breakfast. if i will go back in rome i'd surely stay there again!

Stayed here for four nights in March. Found the staff excellent, very friendly and welcoming. The room was extremely clean and quite, although on the small side. Breakfast was basic coffee and bread.. But when in Rome!

The hotel was situated a little bit away from the main tourist areas but the tram stop is right outside the hotel and its regular cheap and fast (5 mins to termini).

All in all this the hotel represents excellent value for money; I would not hesitate to recommend to a friend. Especially if you are travelling on a budget!

Our stay at the Hotel Donatello was more than we expected. It was wonderful! To begin, we are retired, we did not go to Rome for hotel amenities -- we went to see Roma! The hotel is relatively small by Western standards, not the "big box" hotel, and it is not at all short on caring service or subdued elegance. Two things we find most important in a hotel are cleanliness and safety. Hotel Donatello is perfect. Impeccable! We were so comfortable! Owner Carlo, his son Mauro, desk clerk Giovanni and the staff were so very kind and helpful. Access to public transportation right outside the door. The Colliseum just a short distance away. We will definitely stay there again when we again go to Roma! It was the most Wonderful trip, and Hotel Donatello helped make that true!!
PS Happy Birthday on March 23rd and 25th, Carlo and Mauro!