I found Casa della Palma on Cross-Pollinate. It was one of the cheapest accommodations on the website so we chose it without looking too much into it (Rick Steves had mentioned everything on Cross-pollinate was a good bet)...and I'm so glad we did. It was definitely outside of the popular tourist swarmed areas, but it was nice to get away from that. It’s also very easy to get on a bus or tram and they will help you to locate all of the stops for the different routes (plus walking is doable, though when it’s hot out I wouldn’t suggest it). The restaurants nearby are very good, while many of the places we ate at in the tourist areas were no where near as good. The room itself was wonderful- We stayed in Room 47- The Nursery. It was very large, a great AC, clean bathroom, a great big bed, a couch, and a computer (though the internet wasn't working on it at the time). I originally booked a double room, but when we got there they were unable to get us into the room we wanted so they upgraded us for the night for free. We then had the option to pay an extra 5 euros a night to stay in the room or move to the other one, but we paid the extra. It was wonderful to come home sometime between 1-4ish and lay down in the bed with the AC on (many people in Rome do that because it goes sooo hot during those times- plus many things shut down as well). I would not suggest braving Rome in August without an air conditioned room. Every one was very nice and helpful at the hotel- they were full of information on places to eat or go for fun. I would highly suggest Casa della Palma to anyone- I am a college student on a budget but spending the extra money to stay at this wonderful place was by far the best choice I made my entire trip through Europe.

A piece of heaven in Rome...My Mom and I just returned from a stay here, and it was amazing. We had them arrange a car and driver to pick us up from Ciampino Airport, and it was the best 33 Euros we spent. When we arrived at the huge wooden doors in a little residential neighborhood, we wondered how it would be, but Anouk met us at the door and immediately made us feel welcome. She escorted us into the lovely courtyard, and then up to our beautiful room. We had a sitting area with couch and computer (unfortunately they were having problems with their wireless internet, but usually it's available for free right in your room!), a marble bathroom, comfy bedroom with duvets, tv, safe, fridge, and wine drinking supplies. Anouk spent a good half hour with us explaining on a map what was within walking distance, and how to use public transportation to get where-ever we wanted to go. When we had trouble with our ATM card, she was extremely gracious. I would highly recommend this hotel, and hope to go back and stay for at least another five nights in the near future!

Once again ,we had a very enjoyable stay at this excellent bed and breakfast , where nothing is too much trouble for those that run the establishment and those that work in it. After a day wakking around Rome this was the ideal place to return to, our room was warm and cosy with so much space to just sit in and relax. The addition of free internet access and a PC/TV in the room was very useful for us too.

My husband and I stayed at the Casa Della Palma in October 2006. As usual for us when we travel, it was a whirlwind trip - but this time, I ended up wishing we had more time to spend in & around this beautiful B&B.

When we arrived, Alessandro & Dana spent about 30 minutes with us going over transportation in the city and other helpful information. They have a map and info sheet that gives recommendations for dining, bus stops, etc in the immediate area. They arranged airport transportation for us and were generally very supportive and helpful, but without being intrusive or annoying. Also, they spoke perfect English.

The rooms (we were in 2 different ones, 45 then 44) were really beautiful: lots of room, very modern decorating, and generous bathrooms (except for room 45's shower which was tiny! -- but in this room, the toilet area was separate which was especially nice for couples). My favorite was our second room which had a giant marble tub. I don't normally take baths, but after a day of walking around Rome it felt sooo good. The beds were also fairly comfortable compared to others we've had in Europe. A computer with internet was available in room 44, and there was a shared computer available for room 45.

The whole place is spotlessly clean and smells of fresh laundry and sunshine. Room 44 had a big window/door that opened onto the front patio, which was a beautiful courtyard with palm trees and benches. Again, wish we'd had more time to enjoy this. There was also a rooftop terrace. As another review pointed out, you had to go through the hallway of an apartment building to reach the courtyard and the hotel entrance.

I will comment on the location, as I know it was a concern of mine when booking. Some of the reviews on this hotel, and many others in the San Lorenzo area, seem to suggest that the area is unsafe. I respectfully disagree. There was a lot of graffiti -- it's a huge problem all over Rome -- but we never felt the area was remotely unsafe. Italian women were out alone late in the area (no, not that kind of woman either) and things stayed busy till after midnight. It was a vibrant, authentic, and fascinating university area - think East Village NYC, or any urban college community. It was actually a relief to get away from the central historic area in the evenings, which started to feel like Universal Studios Roma after a while. The food was more authentic and cheaper here too. While the staff in the stores and restaurants spoke a little less English here than in the touristy sections, almost everybody spoke some English and were very encouraging and helpful when we tried out our phrasebook Italian.

The drawback to the area was transportation. While it was not exactly remote, it was a 30 minute direct bus ride to the Trevi Fountain / Spanish Steps area (bus 71), a 30 minute direct tram ride to the Colosseum (tram 3), and a 1 hour direct but very windy bus ride to the Vatican. You could also connect to the rather limited subway system via bus 71 or by a 10 minute downhill walk. I think if you are the type of person who likes to go back to the hotel a lot during the day, or if you are very intimidated by public transportation, you should fork out the extra money for a centrally located hotel. Otherwise, seize the opportunity to experience a more authentic side of Rome, and just take daily field trips into the historic centre.

Overall, a wonderful stay and probably one of my all time favorite B&Bs. HIGHLY recommended.

Photos are attached, but also check out the website at[--] -- the photos are very representative.