Hotel Smeraldo

Stacie - You'll get many more reviews of a specific on Tripadvisor than you are likely to get here. They archive reviews by hotel and generate many more reviews.

We have stay in a lot of Steves's recommendation and have never been disappointed. In Rome we have used Hotel Sonya and Aberdeen with a very slightly preference for Sonya. As a back up we have also used Hotel Contilia which is not a Steves's recommendation. All three chosen for convenience and location in the Termini area which is our preferred area to stay in.

Hi Stacie--My husband and I stayed at Smeraldo and loved it! The location is terrific, and the area is very atmospheric--what I imagined Rome would be like. We had heard that the staff was rude, but that was not our experience at all. In fact, the airline lost my husband's bag, and we pestered the staff repeated about whether it had arrived and they never lost patience with us. Not overly friendly but cordial and professional. There's not really a lobby to hang out in, but we weren't interested in that. We wanted a nice room in a great location, and that's what we got. We had also heard that it could be noisy, and there are lots of businesses nearby so there is morning activity, but our windows were double-paned and we never had any problem with noise. We took the Rick Steves' suggestion and did not eat their breakfast but instead bought cappucino and pastries at the coffee shop across the street. We got a discount at Smeraldo by paying in cash and using Rick Steves' name. We would highly recommend Smeraldo. We've stayed near Santa Maria Maggiori also, and my sister-in-law stayed in Hotel Due Torre near Piazza Navona, but we like the campo dei Fiori area better.

I would also highly recommend Hotel Smeraldo, for all the same reasons that Elizabeth mentioned. If we return to Rome, we will definitely return to Hotel Smeraldo.

Hi Stacie! My husband and I have stayed at Hotel Smeraldo a number of times and our only problem was during a Summer stay - the air conditioning is centrally controlled and not kept very cool and so on hot summer nights we suffered as the rooms were quite hot after long sizzling sunny days. You should also know that their showers are quite small but otherwise.......the location is great, the staff cordial.
Alternately you might consider Hotel Adriano.

In November of 2008 we spent 3 nights at Hotel Smeraldo and found it to be very nice. The location was great and it certainly met our needs during our visit to Rome. I certainly would stay there again if I ever get the chance to return to Rome. The restaurant right across from the entrance is very good also and convenient.

Hi Stacie,

We also liked the Hotel Smeraldo--the location is great tucked away on a side sreet near Campo de Fiori. The room was comfortable and the staff helpful though I've read some conflicting views on that. It was also nice to have a cafe and bakery just across the small street (more like a driveway). I didn't remember the "no cancellation" policy and couldn't find it mentioned on their website. I'd stay there again (but would not be happy about the no cancellation policy).

Hotel Smeraldo seems to get lots of positve comments and the location sounds ideal. We have stayed at Hotel Parlemento and liked it. We have also stayed at Hotels Aberdeen and Oceania but would never stay in that location again. Those hotels are just too far away from more interesting restaurants and sights. Lots of really good restos near Campo Fiori.

Thank you so much for all of you input. I have booked the Hotel Smeraldo. We are very excited and can't wait until May!!

We stayed 5 nights at the B&B Luciano Pascucci. He and his wife present a beautiful room within their 2nd floor home. It is right around the corner from Piazza Navonna - every night almost we did RS's "night walk" from there to Trevi or Pantheon or Spanish Steps. Other direction from his front door is looking at Hadrian's Castle right down the street, Vatican, etc. He serves breakfast (croissants, jams, carafe of espresso, homeade hot chocolate, fruit) at his dining table and if you want/need it, he details what trains, streets, times, etc. you might need. Very enjoyable and gracious and really made us feel like we were in an Italian experience. I think it was 120 euro/night. Only if you desire alot of personal interaction!

I was hesitant about booking the Smeraldo because of the cancellation policy as well. Now that I've read about the AC I may look elsewhere as I will be there in June. Thanks everyone for all the info.

I've been to Rome several times and last April my husband and I stayed at Hotel Smeraldo for the first time. While the front desk wasn't particularly friendly (and I speak Italian) they were v. professional and I would definitely stay there again. You can't beat the location. Steps away from the Campo d'fiori and v. close to Piazza Navona, Pantheon, etc. Don't let the other reviews scare you- I was a little worried too when I read similar reviews last year and I was v. happy with our stay.