on January 1, 2005
If you're "born to shop" this hotel is convenient. Lots of boutiques on Via Sistina, and of course, many more awaiting you at the bottom of the Spanish Steps. Easy to drop off your bags at the hotel (assuming you're not averse to a few stairs) and then go back for more.
The rooms are in general larger than the usual Rome hotel room. Several of the bathroom tub/shower installations are funky (one required almost acrobatic efforts to stand for the shower.)
The breakfast room is pretty; freshly made cappuccino, espresso or caffe latte; dry cereals, panini (those delicious fresh bread rolls that are almost hollow inside) and cornetti (the Italian equivalent of croissants) but no hot items. No lobby to speak of. Reception is on the floor above the ground floor.
The front desk people are a bit dour.
Ask for a quiet room, i.e., NOT on the street. Late at night, motorcycles and cars race up the street and the noise, even through double-glazed windows, will wake you. Or bring earplugs.
Be sure to check all possible booking websites, as they prices vary widely. The hotel is ok, but you're paying for being in the Spanish Steps area.
