My thanks to Claudio and all the staff at Hotel Smeraldo for a lovely stay in the Dipendenza, which is a fully renovated building just around the corner form the main hotel. In 2006, five girlfriends stayed in the main hotel, so when I decided to go back to Rome I called to see if they had a single room for me and they offered the single unit in their Dipendenza for $90 Euro/night. I did mention Rick Steeves travel book to get the rate. And that did not include breakfast, which was an extra 7 Euro per day. That's still relatively expensive for me as a solo traveler - since the Euro is 1 to about 1.60 in Canadian dollars, however, the location is the absolute best in the city, right in the heart of the ancient centre, adjacent to Campo de Fiori, where there is a wonderful farmers market every morning, and near many fabulous shops and restaurants. It became my neighbourhood for the nine-night stay, and I was very happy here. My room was tiny, but who really cares? It had a comfortable single bed, a TV, a small table and chair, one window overlooking the street, a small bathroom with sink, toilet, bidet and shower stall - imagine all of that wrapped in beautiful marble and hardwood. Daily maid service is excellent and friendly. Hotel staff helped me with everything I needed help with - from getting directions, to finding train schedules, to booking return transport to the airport. The hotel offers Wi Fi and an in-house terminal for on-line communications in one central location for a fee. It can be very noisy in the immediate area, lots of street sounds almost around the clock, so if you are a light sleeper this may not be the best location. I feel very safe and comfortable here and would go back at the drop of a hat. Love Italy. Love Rome. Love Hotel Smeraldo, Love Rossanas Caffe - Grazie Mille.

The Smeraldo was conveniently located a short walk from the Campo d'fiori and Piazza Navona and within easy walking distance to the Pantheon and other ancient sites including the Forum and Pallantine Hill. We felt quite safe and close to the action. The room was clean, but it was quite small. There is an elevator, but it's up a few stairs and only one person with luggage could fit in it at a time. There is a full breakfast available, but it's just "so so" and not worth the added charge. You may be able to negotiate a lower rate without the breakfast, but be sure to do this before you book. Overall, Hotel Smeraldo is a good value compared with other similar properties in this popular area of Rome. However, I would not have wanted to stay more than the 2 nights we were there. If we go back, I would look for another alternative.

Nice little hotel near the Pantheon. It is a less expensive annex of the Hotel Smeraldo. No frills, but nice room with good proximity to many of the historical highlights in Rome. Reasonable walks to the Forum, Colosseum, and Pantheon. We walked everywhere, including to the Spanish Steps. From there, we just took the subway to another short walk to the Vatican. Quiet area. Don't stay here if you want a view. However, after a day in Rome, we just wanted a nice quiet place. This worked fine for that. Bathroom had everything, but was fairly small. Front desk staff was not particularly motivated or warm, but they took care of everything we needed. Phone never worked properly. It's not the lap of luxury, but it's a good, comfortable value with a great location in a very expensive city.