Editor Pick
Hotel Scalinata di Spagna
- May 22, 2007
- Rated 4 of 5 by
artslover from Calgary, Alberta
We picked this hotel because of its fairly central location. It is next to the Spanish Steps, which is in the northern area of the center of Rome and within walking distance of everything we wanted to do. We made reservations through the hotel website at: www.hotelscalinata.com.
We also liked that it is a boutique hotel with only 16 rooms; and they offered what they call a family suite. We wanted this because we expected to be in Rome with our son and his girlfriend. Turned out it was only our son, but the family suite gave us privacy when we needed it but it was easy to get together. The family suite is two rooms connected both by a door and a small private terrace. The larger room has an additional private terrace with a table and chairs, which we made use of during the fine weather. This arrangement was ideal.
For an extra charge, the hotel will arrange for a driver to pick you up at the airport. This was €75, about the same cost as a regular taxi.
The rooms are not large but were very convenient and clean. Decor was rather old fashioned Victorian type of patterned wallpaper, brocade upholstery and carved trim on the wood furnishings. In addition to the bed, there was a desk, storage shelves, large armoire, safe, and television. The beds were roomy and comfortable.
The bathrooms were small but cleaned every day and we were given fresh towels. There was a retractable clothes drying line which was used more than once.
Breakfast at the hotel is included. The breakfast room and terrace were just outside our rooms. It has a fairly substantial buffet of cereals, breads, eggs, fruits, yoghurt, cheeses, cakes, juices, and coffee, even espresso if you ask. Because it was close to our room, we could bring cups of coffee into our room before were ready to go out and eat. This was a real convenience.
The terrace provided some nice views of Rome and across the river to St. Peter's. From some of the rooms, you can peer down towards the bottom of the Spanish Steps.
Three free hours of Internet use on the computer room and library next to the reception is included. This also was convenient since my cellular phone would not work for telephone calls, although the text messaging function was fine.
Italian hotels like you to leave your key at the desk when you go out. We found it handy not to carry your key around, especially because it was a big heavy one.
The staff were friendly and helpful in answering questions about Rome. This was a very good place to stay for those of us who do not like cookie cutter chain hotels.
From journal A Week in Rome to Wine, Dine, and Tour