Ten years ago we cut our trip to Africa and Italy short when we discovered that Julie had breast cancer. We found out 4 days before we were supposed to leave. We weren’t able to get in to see the surgeon for 2 weeks so we cut the 4 week trip down to two – 10 nights in Africa to visit Louise and the boys and 5 nights in Rome. It turned out to be one of our most memorable trips because it took our minds off the cancer.
In Rome we stayed at a wonderful little hotel called the Hotel Santa Maria in Travestere so this trip we decided to stay at the same hotel. It has not disappointed. The hotel rooms are around two outdoor courtyards shaded by orange trees. Above the orange trees and behind the hotel are apartment buildings. Hotel Santa Maria is extremely quiet so is a nice place to retreat to after wandering the busy streets of Rome.
The staff are very friendly. A full breakfast is included and if you buy a drink in the evening (5:30 to 7:30), appetizers are available. If you buy a bottle of wine, they will keep what remains for the next evening.
We bought a bottle of Pino Grigio after Kevin (photo below ) allowed us to taste test 3 different brands. Kevin also made us a couple of free cocktails to try. Kevin’s family is from the Philippines although Kevin himself was born in Italy. His cousin Norman is there in the morning to serve coffee at breakfast and then later as part of the team that cleans the rooms. Both Kevin, Norman and the staff at the front desk are very friendly and helpful
WR Foster 