The owners of the Pensione Barrett, the Saccos, and their staff couldn’t be more gracious or attentive.
As with all large cities, first time visitors to Rome can be easily overwhelmed. The Saccos, who are English speaking, instantly calmed that sense by presenting helpful suggestions for short walking itineraries of close by landmarks such as the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps… with mapped routes and tour books, they recommended non tourist dining options … with nearby locations and translations for many menu items. Their helpful advice immediately made you feel welcome and at ease as well as assisted in becoming acclimated.
The lobby décor is charming, a pleasant and amusing blend of so many periods and styles that are evocative of the city‘s history. The lobby’s dominant architectural feature is a brick Roman archway but there is also magnificent contemporary leather seating, a historical gurgling fountain, wonderful statues, busts, paintings and plants. The affect could easily have been a clutter in this small space, but since everything is so cleverly and interestingly arranged for display the affect is whimsical and magical.
The room décor was just as quaint and inviting. The ambiance created was that of a cozy and tranquil refuge in a very busy city. The rooms were also very clean. The shower was the most spacious of any found at the several hotels where we stayed while visiting in Italy in the past. Even in the bath the attention given to the décor was remarkable.
Although it is among the less expensive hotels in Rome, the experience of our stay did not have us feeling that we sacrificed in any amenities, quite to the contrary. Without a doubt the attention given to the décor of the Pensione Barrett was motivated by a desire of the Saccos to have visitors gain an appreciation for the culture and history of their city. We certainly were thankful for their effort.
The location is within easy walking distance of many sites that most tourists are interested in seeing, including the Forum and Colosseum. Access to public transit is also right at the doorstep. There is assistance with luggage when needed to the second floor location of the hotel. Very efficient and quiet air conditioning is available for an extra charge as well as a stocked refrigerator for beverages and packaged breakfast items and snacks, coffee maker and toaster oven for those who enjoy coffee or breakfast before leaving the hotel.
We would stay here again and highly recommend this hotel to anyone whether you are budget minded or not!