Finding affordable accommodation in the centre of Rome isn’t easy. We were fortunate to be able to plan our trip well ahead and booked a wonderful hotel in the historic centre of the city. We had arranged airport transfer through the hotel and enjoyed a very comfortable ride, the driver kindly pointed out some of the sights along the way. Hotel Ranieri is set in a restored 19^th century Umbertine palace on Via Venti Settembre.

The entrance is very inviting and almost hidden from the road by the beautiful orange trees lining the footpath.

The hotel has 47 rooms over five floors as well as some privately owned apartments. The staircase is magnificent, whether standing at reception looking up

or on the fifth floor looking down.

The tiny lift was just big enough for two adults with a suitcase each, certainly reminiscent of a bygone era.

Our room was very comfortable and we could open a window onto a courtyard (five floors below), no need for the air conditioner. It was also surprisingly quiet, not what we expected on such a busy street.

Beyond the reception desk and an interesting work of art,

the lounge bar had a relaxed, intimate ambience, a very pleasant setting to partake of a beverage.

Breakfast was included in the room rate, and down the stairs to the basement

was a bright and airy breakfast room.

There was something for every taste, a great way to start the day.