Review of Arco De Tolomei Guest House, by Chloe Loyd

To experience true Rome and Italian warmth and generosity, the Arco de Tolomei boutique hotel is where you want to stay. Hidden under the arch of a cobblestone street in medieval Travestere, one of the most authentic and charming quartiers of Rome, Guest House Arco De' Tolomei is the family home of Marco and Gianna. Although just south of the River Tiber, you are just 5 minutes walk from Campo dei Fiori and a short walk to the pantheon, Colosseum and Trevi Fountain.

The facilities

Breakfast at the boutique hotel is a convivial affair with all guests sharing a large dining room table. A good selection of cold meats and cheeses, bread, fresh fruit and homemade cakes and biscuits will stock you up for the day and Marco is on hand to help you plan your activities.

Marco greets you with warmth and familiarity and endless time to help you plan your days and evenings. What's unusual about Marco's advice is that he wants to share with you the lesser-known parts of Rome. Cripta Balbi, Biblioteca Casa Vatense, Palazzo Doria Pamphili, where to buy tickets for the Colosseum if you want to avoid the queue. His ten minutes of advice provided us with hours of pleasure.

A cosy sitting room crammed full of furnishings and ornaments provides a nice space if looking to relax for some time. Free internet access is available and the guestbook of the boutique hotel is of course a must.

The rooms

It is, indeed, like walking into a family home, a private palazzo furnished with family antiques. The six rooms are spacious and light, opening out onto large terraces with room to sit and appreciate the higgledy-piggledy Travestere rooftop views. Wooden, polished floors, faded richly coloured silk bedspreads, floral wallpaper and antique furniture handed down through generations give the rooms at the boutique hotel a well loved homely feel. Televisions and air conditioning are in each room. Bathrooms are large, one with a tub and combo shower, the others with showers only.