We booked late and were happy to get the last room available at the property, the "small room"…read morecalled the Elena. This room is very small but super nice for the price! I have no complaints about the room. It was clean, comfortable and well furnished. While it was indeed very small, we were able to move around with no problems. The bed was cozy but comfortable and hard, like most beds in Italy; (some extra pillows would've been appreciated, we had to roll up our clothes underneath to create a makeshift pillow).
Everything was in perfect working order and the room's decor was homey and comfy. The common areas are adorable with a communal kitchen, workspace with computer, and tea / dining room. There are even two friendly fish by the entryway (I really wish they had a bigger bowl, though -- I am worried about their health and happiness)!
The owner has really thought of everything -- there were tourist books in various languages, a nice coffee machine, fresh flowers in the room, an in-room refrigerator, nice toiletries and even umbrellas to borrow by the door. Upon check-in, the staff was eager to offer suggestions for places to see and things to do. On our departure day, they called us a taxi. It was great service.
The room had a very modern bathroom with a lovely rainfall overhead showerhead with terrific water pressure. The bathroom space was cramped but not unworkable. There was no bidet, only a kitchen-style sprayer that came out of the wall. We laughed at that but we don't use bidets anyway.
The property is difficult to find. Look for the Hard Rock Cafe (it's across the street) and the new Nespresso store (it's right next door). You can walk there from the train station but I wouldn't recommend it if you are carrying heavy bags. The location is phenomenal; you can walk just about anywhere you'd want to see in the city. I was thrilled with the location. I almost hate to write this review because I don't want to secret to get out!
The #1 best thing about this hotel was the in-room A/C! It is INDIVIDUALLY CONTROLLED and cooled our room down like an icebox! This is so very important in Italy and Europe in general and as an American from a desert city, I know heat and I like to be cool. We were chilly as penguins at this property.
The Elena small room had zero view, but it didn't matter to us (see my photos of the view from our room). We only slept there so I didn't care if we had a city view or not. The entire city is steps outside your door!
We enjoyed the complimentary breakfast. It was served at a cafe around the corner / a short walk away. You can take a table inside or outside without paying any extra. We had breakfast there twice; the first time the employees seemed SUPER annoyed at all the B&B guests and were less than friendly and welcoming. The second day it was smiles all around. And yes, we speak Italian and communicated with them in their native language (though others did not; they were really annoyed at them)! Good, fresh and sweet pastries and tasty espresso.
Note that this B&B is in a very old building that is shared with full-time resident tenants. You will see locals coming and going with their dogs, groceries, etc. There is only one very old-style cage elevator that, if it is ever out of service, you'd have a very hefty climb up several flights of steep stone stairs. Just be aware of this if you have mobility issues. I'm not sure a wheelchair would fit in the elevator either, just FYI.
This is a beautiful, romantic B&B. And don't you dare call it a "hotel," the owner really, REALLY hates that! He will correct you (again and again) if you do.
