We couldn't hav been more pleased with our choice of the Hotel Mecenate Palace. With a whole week in Rome, my days to be spent sightseeing, several of MrL's working at the Nueva Feria out near the airport, we wanted somewhere close to the station and, as the guidebooks all tell you - the Termini area can be dicey so we were a little wary. We found any worries were quite groundless. Situated on the corner of tree-lined Via Carlo Alberto and Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, the hotel's location was excellent. The station was less than 5 minute's walk way but neither the streets nor the square surrounding the hotel were in any way dubious.
Once inside the door, it just got better. Booking early and for more than 5 nights gave us an upgrade to a superior room overlooking the Piazza. The size of the room was fine for this part of the world, the bathroom was absolutely fine too. Pretty furnishings, a wonderfully comfortable bed, tea and coffee making facilities (a real rarity in Rome) all made for a very comfortable stay.
Breakfast was quite a feast for Italy - where breakfast is not something to be taken seriously. Fresh fruit, yoghurt, cold meats, cheeses, boiled eggs, a variety of breads and spreads, tea and coffee was all laid out in the restaurant, where tables were set in a pretty enclosed terrace or set up out in the sunshine with a panoramic view all around. One small quibble - why, in this land of wonderful fruit, was the morning juice not freshly squeezed?
Wi-fi internet access was available in the rooms, albeit at a fairly hefty charge but useful for anyone in Rome on business, plus there was a machine available in the lobby for more casual use. The bar/coffee shop is only open at lunchtime but in a city crammed with cafes and restaurants, that shouldn't be a problem.
Unique Qualities: The general location and amenities of the hotel apart, two things really added to the appeal of the Mecenate Palace. Carlo on the front desk was a delight. Charming, helpful, never-failingly polite - he is a huge asset to the hotel and I hope they know it.
The roof terrace bar with its view over the Basilica soon became our favourite place for the hour between MrL arriving back from his working day and heading out for the evening. Up there in the evening light, the rooftops of Rome all around us, leaning on the parapet, glass of something cold, white and light in our hands, soaking in the view and the sunset - way to go!
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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$120-180
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Address: Via Carlo Alberto 3, Roma, RM 00185
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