More about Intercontinental Rome
A Comfortable and Comforting Week in Rome
by TripAdvisor Member KarenReber
We recently spent a comfortable and comforting week at the elegant InterContinental De La Ville. No hotel has a better location-a few yards from the top of the Spanish Steps. Service at every level was gracious and the buffet breakfast was outstanding. For the first time during travel to Europe over twenty-five years, I became ill upon arrival and-no sarcasm intended-found the InterContinental to be a great place to be sick…and recover. The front desk and managerial staffs under Luigi De Rosa helped with canceling reservations in Florence, amended plans in Rome and showed genuine overall concern for our well-being. After my few unplanned days in the comfort of a great bed, my husband and I were able to use the wise and efficient counsel of the concierge, Nicola, and his staff for restaurant recommendations, airport transfers and even a successful outing to locate difficult-to-find hearing aid batteries. Italian hospitality at its best.
Enjoyable stay
by TripAdvisor Member judOxford_Michigan
Stayed at the De La Ville on October 5th and 6th. Also, had a return stay on October 13th. Lovely room, very clean, and we had a lovely walk-out terrace. Staff very helpful and courteous. Just steps from the Spanish Steps, it is in a great location. The breakfast room was one of the loveliest we saw in Italy. A nice area to walk to Via Venuto and Villa Borghese Park. I would stay there for a future trip. Just a note to say we used tripadvisor to check all the reviews of the hotels we stayed at in Italy. They were very accurate.
Best location in Rome
by A TripAdvisor Member
The Intecontinental is centally located on top of the Spanish steps. Our room was a decent size, had a marble bath, and a balcony overlooking the charming courtyard (very quiet which is a rare treat in Rome). The staff was courteous and professional. I will definitely stay here again when I go back to this incredible city. This hotel charged me a different rate than what I had booked. I called the Intercontinental Helpline and the issue was resolved.
surprisingly rude and unhelpful staff
by A TripAdvisor Member
The room was ok and the location was excellent but my complaint centers around the staff. Some were real helpful and deserve high marks but others especially some at the concierge desk were rude and unknowledgeable. When we asked about tours, he literally handed me a tour brochure without exchanging a word. He had no suggestion other than go early. When we asked a different person for a restaurant, all he said was the hotel restaurant. Any other place was greeted with a lukewarm reaction. They offered no help and only answered yes or no. There was never any conversation. There was a subway shutdown when we stayed and they did nothing to alert guests that there was a problem. When we got back and mentioned that it would have been helpful when we told them our plans that morning that they mention there was a strike, he responded that it is every Friday and he assumed everybody knew that. They were not cocierges, but rather employees that worked the desk. They had no knowledge and they did not share what they knew. A big disappointment for us because we chose the hotel figuring that they would have a great concierge desk.We were wrong. Do not stay there if you need any help with Rome or you think you might need some help while you are there.
An Excellent Choice
by TripAdvisor Member wurman2
My wife and I stayed at the De la Ville for 4 days starting August 29,2004 and had an excellent experience. We initially were given a standard room which was small and well appointed in a typically European way. On our first night we were awoken by noise from an inner courtyard which was dealt with promptly by the staff. The next day our disturbed sleep was compensated with a suite upgrade and the sincere apoligies of the manager, Mr. De Rosa. The conceirge was most helpful and was downright friendly. A fine hotel with a fine staff. Go and live well.
Will Never Go Again
by A TripAdvisor Member
I visited the hotel in the summer of 2004, but the reason I went there was because of my fond memories visiting the hotel when I was younger. Instead, I realized that childhood memories are not the same as reality. Our room was so small that when I wanted to leave, I would have to close my suitcase and place it against the wall. Our view was of the courtyard, but lowering the metallic blind/ shield that was located outside of our window gave me second thoughts on security. But the best part of our stay was the concierge. The concierge were so well informed, that I was amazed. I asked where the local Damiani (an Italian jewelry brand) store was, and they stated that there was no actual store, but that many stores carried the line of jewelry. So, believing the concierge, we started walking down Via Condotti and low and behold, we found a Damiani store a bit past Missoni. Very knowledgeable. And as another review stated, when we asked about tour information, they simply handed us a brouchure. I believe that if I had booked a room next door at the Hassler, I would not have experienced what I did. But on a positive note, the concierge were able to reserve tables at restaurants which we thought we would not be able to go to. So, I commend them on that, but other than that, I now know not to trust childhood memories....
Loved this hotel!
by TripAdvisor Member NYCBELLE
I am a very picky New Yorker, and I am compelled to give 5 stars to this hotel for its wonderful rooms, excellent concierge and desk services and a breakfast that would make Julius Caesar proud.
I visited in July 2004, and January 2005 -- and on both occasions, found the staff to be welcoming and warm, the rooms bright, roomy and airy and the concierge desk the key difference in making a good stay in Roma a great one!
Contrary to other reviewers, I worked with the concierge desk and got superior service in locating wonderful restaurants and a tour guide that was beyond compare. Their help and courtesy made me feel like a Roman queen and I love Rome in a very special way thanks to them! I especially love Pino and Nicola at the concierge desk for their professionalism and recommendations.
New Yorkers are notoriously picky -- and I am no exception. Try as I might, I couldnàt complain and I JUST LOVE THIS HOTEL!!
Photos
Miracle Players define Michelangelo
Santa Pudenziana, Roma, May 2007
Santa Maria Maggiore - The back of the church.
Hop On/Hop Off Bus, Rome
Forum Posts
Traveling to Rome at Christmas
by Karlin
We will be in Rome 12/25 - 12/29 and would like hotel recommendations. 4 star +, near Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain or close by. Looking for old, beautiful, romantic, upscale.
Also, was told that hiring a college student for tours is a good idea. Any advice as to how to arrange it or suggestions for private tour guides?
Thanks!
RE: Traveling to Rome at Christmas
by Ciambella
Be careful about hiring a guide who is not licensed by the city, and of course a college student would not be a legal tour guide. Please read my Rome page, Warnings Or Dangers Tip about this subject.
RE: Traveling to Rome at Christmas
by mccalpin
Well, I imagine that if money is no object, you'll find some nice places in that general neighborhood...sorry, I've never stayed there myself...
On the topic of guides, note that guides in Rome are now required to be licensed, and the police are actually enforcing this by demanding to see the ID of tour guides as they are taking people around. Besically, one group of Italian guides got annoyed at all the ad hoc guides (frequently non-Italian) who were taking business from them so they formed a guild to get licensed by the city, and so on...
In terms of finding reputable people (assuming that we VTers can be considered reputable ;-) ), you might try Antonio Barbieri (VT name: abarbieri) or Tony Polzer (VT name: tony-da-roma, external website: http://www.threemillennia.com/). Both of these guys offer guide services in Rome, and judging by their posts here, are quite knowledgeable about the city...
Bill
RE: RE: Traveling to Rome at Christmas
by Ciambella
Antonio "Concierge Extraordinaire" Barbieri and Tony Polzer, there is no better choice in the city.
RE: Traveling to Rome at Christmas
by nicolaitan
hi - right at the top of the Spanish steps is the 5 star hassler with fantastic expensive rates, but right next door is the 4 star intercontinental de ville where we have stayed 3 times. The location is the best, since the steps are "right there" with all the shopping below and the Via Veneto is but 4-5 blocks ,cross-country. The rooms are small but quiet even overlooking the main street. Continental breakfast is provided. The hotel is old-fashioned, old, and I suppose not really Beautiful but it does the job. If you have a travel agent, they may be able to get you the corporate rate. Note - if you don't like the first room you get, ask for a different room and the staff will accomodate you. Like any hotel, some rooms are always a little less desirable than others and those are dished out first to tourists. Half a block down the street is the 3+star (I can't remember) International or Continental which is also good enough according to friends who stayed there. Enjoy your trip.
RE: Traveling to Rome at Christmas
by PaulaPTV
We have stayed twice at the Intercontinental De la Ville at the Spanish Steps and loved it. Concierge desk very very helpful. Wonderful location...elegant bar at the hotel too with a piano player some nights.
New Year's Eve Planning
by foxdash
Tentatively plan on flying from London approx Dec. 28 and staying at Hotel De la Ville Intercontinental through New Year's Day. I'm wondering what sorts of things a single traveler (mid-thirties) can do before and during holiday celebration. Is it easy to hook up with other travelers for drinks, dining and touring during busy holiday time? thanks in advance....
Re: New Year's Eve Planning
by MissPaula
I will be in Rome for the New Year's as well and am looking for something to do, and someone to hang with. I am staying at the Hotel Leonardo Da Vinci near the Vatican. I arrive the 31st. I will be there from the 17th-19th as well. I plan on checking what activities will be going on when I am there. I'll get back to you if I find anything good.
Re: Re: New Year's Eve Planning
by foxdash
Thanks for the reply. Look forward to hearing what you find out on your upcoming trip.
RE: Safety in Rome and better advice on an area in Rome?
by Kaysta
Thank you all for your advice on safety in Rome.
A lot of you are saying that the Termini isn't the nicest place to stay, so could you recommend me a better area to stay or any hotels you would recommend me on, within a low budget? I don't mind paying around £200 for hotel 31st of July to the 4th of August (4 nights)
I don't mind if i have to walk to the attractions, as i like walking anyway. I'm visiting Rome to see the Colliseum, Roman Forum etc so if its close to this area, it will be a bonus.
Many thanks again!
Kay
Re: RE: Safety in Rome and better advice on an area in Rome?
by travelgourmet
Well within your price range, is the Hotel Tertropace33 near Piazza Navona. Great location and good to walk at night. The only drawback is that you have to take a beautiful spiral staircase to get to the different floors of the hotel, if that is a drawback.
Re: RE: Safety in Rome and better advice on an area in Rome?
by travelgourmet
Oops! Spelled it wrong. Hotel Teatropace33. They do have a website: www.hotelteatropace.com
Re: RE: Safety in Rome and better advice on an area in Rome?
by SandiM
I stayed about 5 blocks away from the Termini and it was fine (I'm a 40 year old solo woman traveller). I found the hotels that are situated well south of the Termini were best for being closest to the Forum & Colosseum. An easy to navigate site for selecting hotels is www.venere.com. They don't charge your card up front, merely reserve the room for you. I've used them a few times and have not been dissatisfied. It also allows you to search by area of Rome, too, so that's good! Have fun!
Re: RE: Safety in Rome and better advice on an area in Rome?
by FRED318
Intercontinental Rome Hotel is a great hotel for about 200..e *** also the location is good for sight seeing ///located at the top of the spanish steps****
Re: RE: Safety in Rome and better advice on an area in Rome?
by Lyndra
Hi there Kay, a few streets away from Termini takes you to the area near Santa Maria Maggiore Church and this area is pleasant and in good walking distance for main sites. Plenty of hotels to choose from. We stayed in a small hotel 5 mins walk from the station and had no trouble at all. Main problem with Termini is the huge numbers of tourists and this attracts the unsavoury members of Roman society. Be careful getting taxis here and do not go to near this area at night. There is a dodgy area in every city it seems!
Have a wicked time - I'm getting married in Rome next year :o)
Re: RE: Safety in Rome and better advice on an area in Rome?
by abarbieri
Kay,
£200(GBP) are about Eur 270!! Is this your budget for 1 night or for your entire stay (4 nights)?
Antonio
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