Search for Hotel in Rome

Q: I am looking for a comfortable, reasonable and central hotel in Rome (maybe close to the Spanish Steps). When I ask for a recommendation from friends who have been it seems like no one wants to give a recommendation as they were disappointed with their hotel. Can you recommend one or two? - Gloria MacConnell.

A: If you win the lottery, you can stay at the Hassler, a five-star hotel perched at the top of the Spanish Steps (www.hotelhasslerroma.com). You won't find anything similar at rock-bottom rates, but that doesn't mean you have to live in a dump when you visit the Eternal City.
For sheer value, it's hard to beat the two-star Panda Hotel (www.pandahotel.it). Only two minutes walk from the Steps, you can get an air conditioned room with bathroom and free wi-fi from 65 Euros (single). A double costs 85-105 Euros. For three-star comfort, you can stay at the Hotel Smeraldo (www.smeraldoroma.com) with its great rooftop terrace. Located in the heart of old Rome, the hotel has nice rooms with airconditioning and double-glazed windows. Rates range from 115 Euros for a single and 159 Euros for a double.

Another hotel offering great value is the three-star Hotel delle Muse, which lies 500m north of Villa Borghese. Relax in the garden restaurant and 24-hour bar. Expect to pay around 99 Euros for a double room with buffet breakfast (www.hoteldellemuse.com).

If you are happy to pay a little more, one of the best choices is a charming hotel set in the former residence of Hans Christian Andersen, a centuries old townhouse. The Inn at the Spanish Steps features striking rooms with authentic period decor and offers breakfast, internet and a business centre. Room rates start at around 200 Euros (www.atspanishsteps.com).

If you're prepared to splash out and pay around 250 Euros per night, you you can stay in one of the hippest hotels close to the Spanish Steps, the four star Art Hotel (www.hotelartrome.com). Stylish decked out in contemporary art, it is surrounded by great gourmet restaurants and trattorias.
If you don't intend being out late at night and fancy something totally different, you could consider staying in one of the convents run as guesthouses by Dominican nuns. Casa Il Rosario has a 11pm curfew and no TV, but offers good value within walking distance of the Coliseum (from 54 Euros on www.travelpod.com). If it's full, try Casa di Sant'Anna nearby.

You could save money by staying out of the city centre. A great choice would be the Flaminio Village Park on the outskirts of Rome (www.villageflaminio.it). It has good transport links to the city and offers a choice of campsites, bungalows and cabins in a park-like setting. A nice double room will cost you around 50 Euros per night, a campsite a whole lot less.