More about Golden Tulip Ambra Palace
Great hotel and excellent service but consider the location
by TripAdvisor Member CEC1971
The Ambra Palace was excellent as a hotel. The staff were exceptionally courteous and all spoke very good english. The member of staff on the reception when checking in provided a map and directions around the city, all with a smile, nothing seemed to be any trouble.
We were given an upgrade to a suite after mentioning during our online booking that this was a special anniversary, which was lovely. The room was large and of a high quality, very clean and included a decent quality safe, together with big wardrobes and a first rate bathroom with twin sinks and jacuzzi style bath.
The only downside was that as we were new to Rome the location was not what was expected. Whilst it was true that the Ambra Palace was within walking distance of the main train terminal, it was away from the other hotels, and the surrounding area was perhaps more run down than other parts of the city we visited, however that did an authentic feel to the stay i.e. away from other tourists.
As the menu at the hotel was limited dining out was the only real option and this was a problem as we wanted to eat late at night but it meant quite a walk or a Metro journey to places that were suitable for a decent meal.
The Metro station was literally round the corner so that was great for getting around.
I would recommend the Ambra Palace but perhaps for those travellers a little more confortable being away from the main hotel areas.
Nice Hotel - Less than Desirable Neighborhood
by A TripAdvisor Member
We stayed at the Ambra Palace 11-March thru 15-March, 2006. While we found the hotel clean, with ample space in our rooms and the most gracious staff on-hand at all times, the neighborhood really does put a "black-eye" on the total experience.
The area is heavily populated with Indian and Chinese immigrants (there's a Indian "peep-show" store-front a few stores down) who work hard and keep to themselves - there is nothing to be fearful of, though, it's a relatively safe area. At night, when the shops have closed, the area takes on a much "darker" feel, which might be why some travelers have reported feeling a little unnerved.
Overall, it's a great hotel. The Metro is right around the corner (behind the hotel). While Rome is a large city, this location does put you in a nice walking distance from places like the Colluseum/Forum, Basillica's galore, etc.
lovely hotel and helpful staff
by TripAdvisor Member Impartial
Our family of four (three adults and a seventeen year old) stayed in two rooms at the Ambra Palace for five nights in July 2006. We found the hotel very clean, with nice rooms and a varied breakfast spread. The rooms each had its own safe which was free to use and was very useful. The hotel staff were very helpful, attentive, and smart. They provided us with a map, details of where to catch the nearest metro train, and the stations at which we should leave the train to see the nearest sites. Overall we were very pleased with the hotel, its facilities and the staff. We were apprehensive about reviews that mentioned the area in which the hotel is situated and the men who loiter, but although the area is somewhat scruffy we never encountered any problems ourselves, perhaps because there were four of us.
Disappointed
by TripAdvisor Member TerribleHoliday
I have just returned from Rome and had brought my mother for a few days break. Rome is a fantastic city and there is so much to see - the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Sistene Chapel, the Trevi Fountain etc. The only downside was the location of the hotel. For new travellers - dont be put off by the graffitti everywhere.
I had assumed that in paying for a four star hotel it would be worth the money. The hotel was very good and the breakfasts were excellent. The staff were very professional and endeavoured to make our stay as comfortable as possible. However, the rooms are extremely small for the price, the windows dont open fully due to security, and the hotel location is a total nightmare for women travelling alone. It is relatively ok during the day but there are lots of men loitering about outside the hotel door and we ended up getting taxis everywhere. At night it was awful, you feared being mugged, beaten up or we dreaded to think what else could happen.
All in all we didn't let the location of the hotel ruin our holiday but I will not be staying there again. If you do go to Rome - pick a hotel on the Via Nazionale.
Wonderful hotel - ok location - fab staff!!
by A TripAdvisor Member
We loved the hotel - having been put there by the Napoleon Hotel due to an overbooking, we were delighted to be given the Superior room - it was huge!!! And it had a jaccussi bath!! Hotel staff were brilliant - very helpful!! Breakfast was delicious served in a lovely wee room.
Dont be put off by the location - its fine to walk there during the day - we did it a few times - only 10 mins to Termini - just be careful at night but i would say that about most places in Rome.
Enjoy your stay there - i cant wait to go back.
Maybe the best hotel I ever stayed in
by TripAdvisor Member JimR3
The Ambra Place was fantastic. I've spend 17 years in the hotel industry with companies such as Marriott and Hilton. The Ambra Place makes most Marriotts seem second class. Marble, inlayed wood, quiet, great breakfast, and friendly.
The only downside is the neighborhood. The area seems to be mostly Indian and Pakistani residential apartments and is 5 or 6 blocks from the train station. If you have not travelled internationally the area may seem unsafe, but our experience was okay. The hotel is about 7 or 8 block off Via Cavor, if the hotel were closer room rates would be twice what they are.
A subway station is located less than a block from the hotel, but be careful for the groups of women gypsies with their babies -- they are pickpockets.
Superb Hotel, great location
by A TripAdvisor Member
After reading some of the reviews having already booked a weekend break "lastminute.com" was a little concerned as to the hotel location. All I can say that if you have travelled at all to any degree this really is not an issue. We found the area intriguing and not at all threatening at any time. Yes there is a large ethnic population, but spending my daily life in Cambridge/London I am very much used to a multicultural society. If you do not hold any prejudices then you will really enjoy the place. The hotel was fantastic! Very clean. The staff were amiable and very helpful (which is more than can be said for some of the larger more prestigious hotel chains!). Being right on the Metro was brilliant as we could just hop on to get to most of the main tourist attractions. Breakfast was better than most hotels I've stayed in. Would definately use this hotel again for the price and location absolutely top drawer. Would recommend to anyone considering a visit to Rome.
White hotel in multicoloured neighbourhood
by TripAdvisor Member Mirtillo
The positive side is the very friendly and helpful staff, you are near the Termini train station and the subway is round the corner, breakfast is delicious, you also get a free welcome drink and for the price we paid, it was really a great deal. I must say standard rooms and bathrooms are small but very clean. The neighbourhood is the negative side, but I would say it’s almost normal when you stay near the main train station of a big town. The area is populated by many from India, Pakistan etc., who usually stand outside their shops chatting, however I never felt unsafe. Maybe at night unaccompanied females will probably not feel confident walking near the hotel on their own and I would suggest to take a cab to return to the hotel, but in the morning it’s no problem at all. I would definitely use this hotel again and recommend it , but only on a special rate (their rack rates are too high for the position and the size of the rooms).
excellant hotel
by TripAdvisor Member vandora
The night we arrived in rome the hotel was over booked and the hotel staff had made arrangements at a equal hotel for the night. They provided us a taxi to and from the other facility. They were very apoligetic about the mishap. When we came back to the hotel after spending the day at the Vatican they had champagne on ice for us with a apology. The staff was very warm and friendly and had the ease to exchange currancy. Spoke very good English. The rooms were very clean and very nicley furnished. The hotel is close to the rail station so its walking distance. It is also walking distance to the forum. The hotel staff was "GREAT". Will stay there again.
Forum Posts
Hotel Ambra Palace
by Sarafine
Has anybody stayed there? Any feedback? I am getting myself confused trying to find a good (3-4 star) hotel in the center of Rome, close to the train station. Any suggestions? Also, what's the best part of town to stay in as a firs-time tourist? Thanks all!
RE: Hotel Ambra Palace
by zuriga
Personally, I don't much like the train station area in Rome. Take a look at La Residenza near the Spanish Steps. I think it's a 3 or 4 star and a lovely place with great breakfast buffet. I think you'll be better off in that area although everyone seems to have their favorites.
RE: RE: Hotel Ambra Palace
by mccalpin
You can see some reviews of this hotel at http://www.venere.com/hotel/index.php?htid=111468&ref=9834
Generally, the non-English reviews say that they like the hotel, but found it impossible to speak Italian in the neighborhood (because there are so many immigrants living here) ;-)
There are many "best" places to stay in Rome; not just one area...sorry to make it difficult ;-) However, you can do better than the Termini area. Why do you need to stay close to the train station? Taxis are relatively cheap in Rome (if you get an official taxi, that is), so it really shouldn't matter what part your hotel is in.
If you use www.venere.com to research some hotels (see http://en.venere.com/hotels_rome/?pname=hotel%20ambra&skip=0 ), look at the areas called "Navona", "Pantheon", and "Trevi"...these are the most central...although Piazza di Spagna (that June, aka zuriga, suggested) is fine, too, as well as Trastevere...
Bill
RE: Hotel Ambra Palace
by SarahSue8983
I've never stayed in this hotel, but I don't recommend the Termini area. Rome is very easy to navigate, by walking, taxi, bus or metro. I suggest the metro-they will take you to all the main sights(fast,cheap,easy). Be wary of taxi drivers unless you speak italian, they are ALL trying to rip you off, even the nice ones! My favorite area is near Piazza Venezia (by the vittorio emanuelle monument and forum/colosseum)this area is beautiful and close to everything. The Vatican area is also great. I don't know whether you've been to Europe, but remember 3-4 stars over there is NOTHING like in the states. Don't expect much. There is a B&B (Vatican B&B)next to Old Bridge Gelateria by the Vatican (Piazza Risorgamento) that is really charming. 35 euro a night,run by a woman named Anna. Its really a three bedroom apartment that rents out rooms. The room was spacious, clean, and offers a breakfast of cheese, breads, pastries, yogurt, fruit, juice/milk/tea/coffee-for a good price in an excellent area. And it is upstairs from the BEST gelato in Rome! Here is Anna's number, she speaks some english. +39 339 595 5362. Good luck!