The atmosphere was cheerful and homey. The desk staff provided excellent help with directions and maps and included such services as selling transit tickets and phoning for cabs. The neighborhood (near Piazza Cavour) could hardly be improved as it was extremely close to public transit and yet not in the dead center of own, packed as it is with hotels, tourists and traffic. By contrast, one could imagine that real Romans lived in the area. There were both shopping streets and quiet residential streets and plenty of lively hustle and bustle. Many of Rome's monuments and other attractions were within walking distance. Note: this is not the place for travelers seeking a lavish five-star hotel or a bare-bones very low-budget lodging. It is quaint and picturesque and my bathroom was excellent.