Robert and I started the new year with a short holiday in the Eternal City!
We wanted to stay in one of the most romantic hotels in Rome, so we booked Hotel San Anselmo, which Trip Advisor ranks as the 3rd most romantic hotel in Rome.
It was a far cry from my last visit when I stayed in a hellhole near Termini Station, which was most definitely not one of the most romantic hotels in Rome. The area around Termini Station is an area you pass through, not a place you want to stay! In my defense, I stayed there on a recommendation of a fellow expat, but have since learned to do my own research ;-)
Hotel San Anselmo is a converted villa, high atop the Aventine Hill in a quiet neighborhood well removed from the tourist traffic, but still just a short walk from Circus Maximus and the Colosseum.
We were welcomed to afternoon tea, then shown to our room, which overlooked a mandarin tree, and had an L-shaped bath big enough for two!
Each evening, we walked hand in hand along the hyacinthe scented streets to a delicatessen at the bottom of the Hill where we bought bread, pesto, olives, cheese, and wine for our nightly picnics. So much more romantic than going to a restaurant!
Our trip could not have been more perfect! So if you’re looking for one of the most romantic hotels in Rome, I can confidently point you in the direction of Hotel San Anselmo for its location, romantic setting, and attentiveness of the service.
This was Robert’s first time in Rome, so I made sure to show him the touristy stuff like the Colosseum, Palatine, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, St. Peter’s Basilica, etc. But we also spent a fair amount of time shopping and getting lost. More on that in my next post :)
Sidse says
Sounds like a wonderful trip! I bet you were a great tour guide :-)
Lisa says
Did you take that picture, Sage? It looks like summer there!
smilingsurfer says
If ever I find myself in Rome again, I will stay at the San Anselmo. Sounds like a lovely location.
I once stayed in a Pension near the Main Terminal, and found all sorts of characters lurking in the shadows as I walked back to the hotel late at night. Kind of un-nerving, but I learned to walk down the middle of the street to avoid them.
Sage says
@ Lisa: Yes! That was the view from our window. Temps were in the low 50’s, I was very comfortable in a turtleneck sweater and a knit poncho, even in the rain :)
@ smilingsurfer: Un-nerving is right! I hadn’t thought to walk down the middle of the street. I cannot imagine what would possess someone to actually recommend a €90/night hotel in that area! Live and learn :)