I started the new year with a short holiday in the Eternal City!
I wanted to stay in one of the most romantic hotels in Rome, so I 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.
I was welcomed to afternoon tea, then shown to my room, which overlooked a mandarin tree—and had a lovely soaking tub!
Each evening, I walked along the hyacinth-scented streets to a delicatessen at the bottom of the Hill where I bought bread, pesto, olives, cheese, and wine for my nightly picnics. So much more fun than going to a restaurant!
This 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.
I revisited the touristy stuff like the Colosseum, Palatine, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, St. Peter’s Basilica, etc. But I 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 :)