Just returned from a spectacular adventure in Rome, which included a six-night stay at the Cardinal, a lower-end four-star hotel, in cobblestoned, 14th-century Via Giulia. Situated in one of the most picturesque and quiet Roman neighborhoods in Centro Storico and reasonably accessible to almost all of the top attractions (within a 5- to 45-minute walk to Piazza Farnese, Campo dei Fiori, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Vatican City, Trastevere, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, shops of all stripes, ristorantes ranging from tiny romantic hosterias to exclusive fine dining establishments and bustling open markets), the Cardinal Hotel boasts a classic Renaissance-era facade designed in 1400 by Bramante, a charmingly decorated lobby, two spiral staircases and a tiny elevator, a simple, elegant bar and an atmospheric breakfast dining room with an ample and attentively replenished array of continental choices, including ham, cheese and rolls for delicious prima colazione sandwiches, pastries, cereals, coffee, fresh juice and yogurt each morning. Our second-floor double was typically small in overall area, but featured cathedral ceilings and tall, shuttered windows with draperies that opened out onto a courtyard, all of which lent an air of spaciousness to the room. (A few rooms with a common terrace appear to be available, but at a high premium.) Antique decor was spare and tasteful, and the bed firm but comfortable. Room services included telephone, television (no English-speaking channels save for European MTV), laptop connection and minibar. The tiled bathroom was larger than most European hotels and featured a spacious shower (with floor towel necessary to sop up excess splatter, however), sink, toilet and bidet. Service staff were uniformly gracious and warm but spoke only Italian. (A quick study of basic Italian is recommended for anyone travelling to Rome, if only to better ensure accurate communication in transactions.) Desk personnel were multilingual and efficient, if occasionally brusque. There is very little, if any, auto or pedestrian traffic after hours, but internal noise can prove an occasional nuisance, depending upon the habits and behaviors of one's neighbours. Ultimately, the Cardinal Hotel provides an extraordinary low season value and a good high season value for international travelers, highlighted by a safe, beautiful environment, incredibly convenient and peaceful locale and quality European hotel amenities with a Roman flair. For those who seek big, Hyatt-styled, Americanized comforts delivered by aggressively happy personnel in their hotel experiences abroad, the Cardinal Hotel will not likely be their cup of tea. For those like me, who prefer deluxe, boutique accommodations that reflect the essence, style and culture of the city and country in which they are visiting, the Cardinal Hotel is ideal. Another rarity, to my eye, all photographs utilized by the Cardinal Hotel in their advertising are honest representations of the property, although the rooms pictured are of some of their more impressive accommodations.