Let me expand a bit on this wonderful place, the Inn at the Roman Forum.

It is a boutique hotel with only 13 rooms. So, if you are looking for a hotel with grand lobby and on-site restaurant, this might not be the hotel for you. However, if you want to spend a (few) night(s) in Rome in an intimate, well appointed, fantastic place, this is it.

None of the 13 rooms are identical. Ours was an Executive Suite (upgraded by the hotel). The room was large and beautiful with huge, king-sized four-poster bed, flat-screen TV, IPOD docking station and nice sitting area. The bathroom was nice sized with jacuzzi tub.

On the roof/terrace, you'll find the lounge and two outdoor spaces. One is an intimate courtyard and the other is a patio terrace which overlooks the Roman Forum. Between 5-8 pm, the hotel has complimentary snacks on the terrace. In the morning, complimentary breakfast is served.

As for location, you can measure the distance from the Inn to the Forum of August in steps. The Colesseum is only a 5-10 minute walk and Piazza Bernini is 10-15 minutes away. However, you don't even have to leave the property to see 2000 year-old relics as on the property itself is a cryptoporticus from the Trajan market. The staff will eagerly show you through the door behind the front desk which leads you back to the times before Christ.

Speaking of the staff, they are all courteous and helpful. They eargerly made all of our dinner reservations as well as reservations to the Borghese Museum (which is a MUST DO!!!)

Reviews on tripadvisor.com have all been very postive since the hotel opened a little over a year ago. In fact, in the first 10 reviews you'll find, the hotel has received nothing but "5.0"'s. Once I get around to it, there will be another "5.0" posted.

If ancient Rome isn't your thing and you really want to be closer to Via Venetto, the Inn at the Roman Forum has a sister hotel, the Inn at the Spanish Steps. We didn't visit it, although guests are invited for evening snacks at either venue. However, if it is anything similar it will be a wonderful experience as well.

One word of note, the Inn at the Roman Forum can be difficult to find. It is on a small steet off of Via Tor de Conti and only has a brass plate on the door that marks its presence. However, it is worth finding. In my opinion, other larger hotels are a nice place to stay. However, The Inn at the Roman Forum is a great place to experience.

v/r

Jan