Hotel in Rome

King size bed, tub to soak in, balcony, has to move you into the four and more likely five star, large hotel. You might try Trip Adviser and start with five stars. That will not give a quaint, authentic (not sure what that is anyway) experience. We have done three cruises out of Rome and always stay in the Termini for convenience to public transit and the train to Civit... where the ships docks. But you will not find any hotels in that area that meet your criteria.

I suppose I should clarify...this is our WISH list. We know that there will be some compromise. Seeing that there are 100's of hotels in Rome and having never been, it is more than a little daunting to try to choose from the internet. I am looking for suggestions of hotels that have been wonderful, friendly, clean, in a nice area. Places you would stay in again.
By "authentic" I mean, with a little personality and charm, not cookie cutter. I don't want to be in a hotel room that could be in the middle of Iowa, I want to know I am in ROME!

Caren, You might check your local Library or book stores to see if you can find a copy of the Italy 2011 Guidebook. There are lots of listings there for Hotels in various parts of Rome, and in various price ranges. Good descriptions and websites are provided, so that will allow you to pick a Hotel that fits not only your price and comfort level, but also the "authentic" experience that you want. There's also an excellent description of the main sites in Rome, so you can plan your sightseeing. I also prefer to stay in the area around Termini station, as it's so convenient for transportation. Happy travels!

Caren, As Frank mentioned, another thing to be aware of is that sometimes the showers are a bit "small". In some cases, small bathrooms have been fitted into really small rooms in very old buildings, so there's not much space. The smallest I've found is about 3' x 3', which consists of a small enclosure with two sliding doors. A removable wand is usually provided rather than a fixed shower head. Be sure not to drop the soap, as you'll have to open the doors to retrieve it! There's another issue which is more a concern. Some of these showers are fitted with a lever for the water control, and it's easy "bump" this with your hips which could potentially move it towards the "hot" direction. Just wanted to mention that so that you'll be aware of it. Cheers!

Caren
Rome is fabulous. It is big and bustling, but an interesting and walkable area would be around the Campo de Fiori and the Piazza Navonna. I'd look for a hotel in that area. There are lots of places with balconies - but request it when you reserve, the big tub and big bed is going to be harder to find! If you are ok with springing extra $ for it though, I am sure you can find it.

We have spent a total of about three weeks in Rome over four visits. We prefer the Termini for the reasons Ken mentioned. We have used Aberdeen and Sonya and will use them again. For one night passing through Rome we have used Contilla. Both would be quaint and typical of the three star hotel in Rome. However, neither has king size beds, bath tubs, or balconies. The last king size bed, bath tub, (no balcony) room was the Hilton in Milan in 93. Have not seen a king size since then and rarely find queen size. I am trying to tell you that you need to match your expectations to reality. By American standards the vast majority of Rome hotels, and especially those recommended here, will be relatively small, tiny baths - some with showers that are hard to turn around in - and the standard double bed if not two twins. Some may sheet together two twins for a big double but still two twins with a crack. That is what I view as the typical Rome experience. To begin to met your wish list, you need to be looking at five and some four stars that will provide the level of luxury you are looking for in your wish list. You will not find it in the hotels recommended by the Steves' guidebooks.

Caren, both the RS Italy and Rome 2011 books actually DO recommend some higher end places like you're asking about, but it's not his focus. (I was just looking in the Rome book and saw that he recommends 4 star Hotel Nazionale near the Pantheon, for example.) You might want to pick up a copy of one of those books anyway. They're loaded with helpful info. Happy travels.

Caren If you are cruising with Silverseas, this is probably not the right forum for you. Also, most 3 star hotels and hotels near the Termini will not come close to your criteria. There are wonderful 4 and 5 Star hotels with traditional rooms in historic buildings more centrally located.. This might be one time you need to work with a travel agent. Just make sure they have traveled to Italy and book it regularly. As some of the writers have mentioned, your 6' 4" husband will not be comfortable in the beds, the shower or the room in a lower cost room. Also, your cruise cabin will be relatively small so it will be nice to start in a larger room. The rooms won't be huge because you are in Europe. Do not book the lowest category room in any hotel. The lower category rooms are usually the smallest, the worst location, and can look out on a airshaft! And not renovated. You get the picture! If you want to impress your husband, not only do you need the right hotel, you need the right category of room. Bobbie

With your criteria I can share a hotel that is quaint, authentic, clean and comfortable, with a tub BUT NOT a bed that large. The Hotel Lillium has the above-mentioned and is near the Rome Termini. Go to venere.com and check out their rooms or to the hotel website www.lilliumhotel.it