Ateneo Garden Palace

Stayed at the Ateneo for two days during XIII. Paul Ehrlich MedChem PhD Network conference. Located in the San Lorenzo student neighborhood, the hotel is in walking distance to Sapienzia University. As the name implies the place has a palatial feel, takes excellent care of guests and stands out with a rooftop breakfast terrace. In the middle of Rome the day begins in a garden surrounded by flowerings plants, and herbs, with the occasional squawk of a seagull:). The neighborhood is practically devoid of tourists, really quiet - despite the proximity of Termini railway station - and features with exactly 0 pages in otherwise extensive tourist guides. Which makes this place in the opinion of this weary traveller a real gem and a place of calm in the city of Rome:). The Tiburtina gate and the remains of the Aurelian and Severian walls reminded us where we were, while the San Lorenza gelateria made us want to stay much longer. Our place of choice when we come back !

We asked ourself many times if this Hotel really is a 4 star hotel... No room service, no room amenities so you could get a cup of tea, the bar was closed... this can maybe be a decent 3 star hotel. At check out we paid in DKK without notice - this is done automatic was the answer.. that was 20Euro extra.. No I cannot recommend this Hotel.

The hotel was very comfortable and clean and was also lovely and quiet, particularly at night. Although it’s a little way out from the main area of Rome, if you are happy to walk it’s easy enough to find your way around. The staff also advised on buses and metros. Termini train station and the metro is about 15-20 min walk from the hotel. It has good links to the airport from here via a bus or the Leonardo Express which runs very frequently. The hotel is about a 35 min walk to the Colosseum, and a bit further for other landmarks like Trevi Fountian, Spanish steps etc, but is walkable - just wear very comfy shoes! We did feel a little on edge walking back to the hotel late at night as the area is quiet with a few homeless people, but saying that we did not encounter any problems at all. All staff were really helpful and friendly at the hotel and our room was serviced daily. There is a mini fridge in the room, along with a safe. I would advise to take a travel kettle if you like a cuppa as you can’t order one from the hotel during the day/evening. There is also air conditioning but ours wasn’t very cold, which was manageable when we stayed but may be too hot in summer months. Our room also had a very small balcony that was very private and peaceful and surrounded by gorgeous honeysuckle. The continental breakfast was excellent, with plenty of choice … cereal, yoghurts, fruit, rolls, toast, pastries, cheese, meats, scrambled egg and bacon etc. The staff were very attentive and replenished food frequently. There was also the option to sit outside on the terrace for breakfast too which was lovely. Serving times were excellent from 7am - 10am. There are a few restaurants close by but we chose to walk into town for dinner each evening. There is a shop nearby that does amazing gelatos, crepes and waffles though that was open late into the evening. I would definitely recommend this hotel, if you don’t mind being in the quieter area and happy to walk to the sights.