We stayed here for 5 nights and it was perfect. Only 2 blocks from the Termini and a short walk everywhere else. Loredana and Giovanna are sweethearts. I didn't realize that Hotel MaryElen and Hotel Giovy are run by sisters, both of whom greeted us at the desk. Communication with Loredana before our arrival was fast and efficient and we felt welcomed even before we stepped foot in Rome. When Giovanna found out that our daughter was studying in Italy and developing fluency, she practically adopted her and told her she always had a home there if she was in town for a visit.

When we checked in, one of Loredana's daughters noticed I was tired and carried my bag (all 50 pounds of it) up to my room. The family really epitomizes the meaning of great customer service.

We booked one room with a private bath and one with a shared bath. The shared bath down the hallway was pretty large. In retrospect I'd rethink the shared bath because it's dependent on the person in the third bedroom. Our first night involved a gentleman who seemed grumpy about sharing and needed to "mark his territory" so we had the girls share our bath instead. It was small but efficient. Subsequent suite mates were more open to sharing and everything worked out great. My daughters' room, was huge so it was a great trade-off. All rooms had a small refrigerator and we discovered they also had an icebox inside great for storing a small container of gelato.

One nice thing - our room opened on to a courtyard and had black out shutters so it is possible to make the room pitch black for sleeping.

Breakfast was plentiful and had plenty of variety. It was a great way to start the day. If you want eggs and bacon there is a small shop near the Termini, but why go to Rome if you want only an American experience? We loved the authentic Italian meals and that there was someone always there to make fresh cappuccino and bring it to the table, or in my case, a pot of hot water for tea.

Internet is available in the lobby, there is a great laundrymat directly across the street, and the restaurant that the owners recommended (also across the street) was so good I would come back just for the food. It is very small, so make a reservation. We were there for New Years so it took us two nights to get in - but then I realized why - the food is very fresh and made to order. YUM!

Getting around the city was easy - we got a Roma pass which allowed us unlimited access to the subway and buses along with "skip the line" entrance to two major attractions. The express train back to the airport is just inside the Termini entrance so don't bother with a cab from the airport if you don't absolutely need one. Literally - the hotel is a five minute walk.

In the end, we met a lot of nice people staying at Hotel MaryElen (and Giovy), and hecking out included about 10 minutes of hugging with Loredana and Giovanna.

Would I stay again! Absolutely!

We stayed here for 10 nights. I highly recommend this hotel. Loredana is a gem and actually gave us a small present when we checked out. So friendly and helpful. The room was very comfortable. The bathroom was nice - would have liked a real door instead of a bi-fold door. Breakfast had too many sweets for my taste but the Capuccino was wonderful. Location was perfect. Always felt safe yet so close to Termini (metro and bus station). Easy walk to many sights.

We stayed here for 3 nights and it was just a 10 mins walk from Termini. A family run establishment and everyone was so friendly. Great advice on where to visit and how to get there. Room size is alright but a little dated. Bathroom is the smallest that we have ever seen. But our room faced the courtyard and it was nice and quiet. Free wifi only in the lobby and breakfast was adequate although I was not too thrilled with the bacon. For the price (one of the most reasonable in our stay in Italy), it is great value. The area around Termini is not the most posh as there are many petty traders. But we felt safe walking even at 10:30 pm. They do not bother you at all. Many restaurants around the area and you have many choices to choose. There is a supermarket about 5 minutes away that closes at 8 pm.
Overall, a great value for such a price

As others have said, this B+B really is more of a Hotel.  It certainly deserves more than a 1 star rating -- very nice facility.  It is a bargain given the location near the train station.  Loredana is a delight.  Very helpful and accomadating.  She took care of us like family.  We would certainly stay there again.
Some online reviews of this facility claim that the rooms do not have private baths -- NOT TRUE.   The rooms are spacious with all the amenities you would expect.  Though Lordana is a smoker, her rooms are all designated as non-smoking as are the lobby and the dining area.  We are very sensitive to smoke and were never bothered by allergies or smoke odor.  Her facilities are clean and well maintained.
Breakfast (in the room adjacent to the lobby) Was simple but plentiful with a nice varietry.
Though it is true that WiFi is only available in the lobby, it was convienent and fast.  We were even able to make a couple of VOIP calls to the US.
If you are coming in by train, or plan to use the public transportation, do not hesitate to book Hotel Maryelen.