The location couldn't be better, nor the staff kinder or more helpful, but "the devil is in the details". Although the bed was comfortable, the reading lights were next to useless - at least for our "old" eyes.
Whereas the room was more than adequate as a "bedroom", it was far too small for us to meet with our friends (also staying in the hotel) to chat. There is no place that could accommodate four people to just "hang out" for a while. The fifth floor room where breakfast is served might perhaps be made available; or maybe the roof-top terrace could be a fitted out with a few chairs, at least during pleasant weather.
The internet connection was very poor. In five days I had only two connections, despite the willing help of the charming Mauro at the reception desk.
The soap was not replenished for several days, admittedly a detail. On the other hand, towels were changed daily, despite the "environmental cost". (We find it quite acceptable to be asked to leave towels on the floor when we want them replaced - and otherwise to use them for more than one day.)
The location and the staff made up for a lot of these small inconveniences; yet some, at least, could be corrected without a great deal of effort.

UNSAFE!!!! This hotel locks the door whenever the one person at the front desk has to leave for any reason. Imagine how we felt when we found ourselves locked inside the hotel and then told that they had to lock the door whenever the desk was unattended.

UNFAIR !!!!!! This hotel DOES NOT HONOR it's WRITTEN cancellation policy and charged us for 2 nights when the policy was clearly stated that one night's cancellation would be charged.

This was a birthday present to me and we'd picked a non smoking hotel so disappointed really is not strong enough to say what I feel. What I actually want to say will prevent this review being posted.
The hotel should have been perfect but sadly fell short - I will explain later, staff were as helpful as they could be, breakfast plentiful.
We arrived and given our key and directed to a beautiful room with fabulous material on the walls, I didn't actually get through the door before the smell of used tobacco/smoke hit me, I have a violent reaction to the smell and ended up with a migraine very quickly. I had to go for a walk to stop myself being physically sick. The staff tried to find me another room in another hotel but because I had paid a booking agent they couldn't do anything and I had to sleep in the bathroom until the room could be changed the following day - compensation for a ruined start to our holiday - a cheap bottle of wine that the staff very kindly went out and bought because the manager "was unavailable". I haven't even had any kind of apology from the management, well they had my money so I felt it was "tough, you'll have left the hotel soon."

Can I just also add in case the people who stayed in the room previously read this - how very rude and unacceptable behaviour to smoke in a non smoking hotel, karma will be along soon I am sure..................

Hotel la Lumiere is a small hotel tucked around the corner from the Via Condotti, a few blocks along from the Spanish steps. The location couldn't be better for walking in Rome, taking in the sites and the scenes. Although the rooms are small, they are comfortable and decorated in an Italianate style. Breakfast is help-yourself continental style in the conservatory on the roof. The staff are friendly and helpful and speak English. We have stayed there twice and would not hesitate to return.