My daughter and I stayed in a twin room. The room was small to average in size with very simple furnishings. It would have presented much better if the very plain, thin bedspreads had been replaced with something just a little more appealing.
The bathroom has been renovated and is sparkling clean. The shower cubicle has plenty of hot water but is extremely small, so some larger people may have trouble managing easily.
Everything is forgotten though, when you open the french doors and go out onto the balcony. (It is well worth the extra money to get a balcony room with a view). The view is absolutely breathtaking! We looked out over the valley and the hills as well as a gem of a little ancient roman temple to Vesta. From our room we could hear the sound of the waterfall next to the hotel. We also visited the Sibilla Restaurant right next to the temple. The food was good and the view lovely.
The staff here deserve special mention. They all go out of their way to make you feel like a very welcome guest. (Thank you Rosie). The lobby is absolutely beautiful and the breakfast room very large and airy with a natural cave built into one area with a fountain. Breakfast was typically Italian but the cakes tasted home made. Be sure to have some of the orange/almond cake.
There are several restaurants nearby. One we found to be good value was called La Girotinna (I think?), turn right on leaving the laneway leading to the hotel and walk just over the little bridge.
Visits to the two main attractions, Villa D'Este and Hadrians Villa are a must. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. You need transport to Hadrians Villa. The walk to Villa D'Este is a good 15 minutes. We were fortunate to be there when the locals held a procession. It was colourful, with lovely costumes and bands etc. This is normally a very quiet, peaceful place and probably 2 nights would be enough for most people.
- Sirene Hotel Tivoli
