Fun Places to Stay in Rome

Q: After your reference to Castel Cellisi, we have booked to stay there in September. We would then like to spend a week in Rome. Can you recommend hotels which are central and close to the main tourist sights? - Chris Smith

A: Selecting a hotel in a city such as Rome is really a matter of personal preference and I can only offer you a peak into the selection on offer. However, you can check out some excellent guides and accommodation providers to find one the suits you perfectly. One of my favourite places to stay in Rome is Casa Howard, which offers superb homely accommodation in two locations close to the Spanish Steps. All rooms are individually designed, with the best being the new rooms in the Via Sistina residence. Expect fresh flowers in your room, kimonos and slippers and a splendid breakfast served on find porcelain. A live-in housekeeper takes care of you, but there is no reception and you have your own set of keys for the building you are staying in. A double room will cost you 160-240 Euros, with an additional 10 Euros for breakfast (www.casahoward.com). Another option in a great location is the Abruzzi Hotel. No less than 20 of its 25 rooms have breathtaking views of the Pantheon and breakfast is served at a nearby cafe. You could pay up to 230 Euros for a double room in September (www.hotelabruzzirome.com). If you would prefer a less expensive choice, you could opt for the Casa di Santa Francesca Romana, a former convent. It is located in Travestere in the heart of Rome, and close to the Basilica of St Cecilia. Built around a tree-lined courtyard, if offers pleasant double rooms from 125 Euros and handy four-bedded rooms for just under 200 Euros (www.sfromana.it) If location is most important to you, the family run Nerva Hotel gives you rooms right next door to the famous Forum. There is no view, the rooms all face a wall. However, staff are friendly and a double room will set you back 149-159 Euros (www.booking,com). My budget recommendation is the Pension Panda, which has a great location just west of piazza di Spagna. Ask for a renovated room to get terracotta floors and high, wood-beamed ceilings. A double room will cost 85-108 per night, with an extra six euros per night for air conditioning. Air-conditioning is an extra six euros per night (www.hotelpanda.it). For a greater selection of hotels try www.lonelyplanet.com and www.timeout.com. Another handy option is the Hotel Reservation service, which offers great deals on hotels and late-booking offers. It also runs a shuttle service from Fiumicino airport. Check out the www.hotelreservation.it website. (8/5/11)