I am not normally moved to post hotel reviews but I so strongly disagree with the previous review that I felt it necessary to do so. I suspect that review was written by someone who has an unrealistic expectation of accommodation in Rome, particularly for the very reasonable price charged by The Lancelot. The Hilton it's not, but therein lies its charm.

The rooms are impeccably clean and we were fortunate to stay in a room on the top floor with a terrace and a spectacular view of the Colosseum and Forum. The staff, who are predominantly English speakers, could not have been more obliging. Breakfast is more than adequate - fruit, cereals, yoghurt, cheese and juices. Dinner, at the "round tables", is excellent and reasonably priced and a great place to pick up travel tips. We met travellers from all parts of the world from an Englishman who had just been ordained a deacon to an US couple whose son was celebrating his birthday with all the dinner guests - a wonderful communal atmosphere.

The hotel is located within 5 mins walk of the Colosseum and Forum and less than 10 mins taxi ride to the Spanish Steps - we walked in 30 mins. Our taxi drivers never had a problem accessing the hotel, there are a number of pleasant family run eateries in the streets surrounding the hotel; no to mention a gelato shop to die for.

As the many regular guests attest, this hotel is a real find.

Extremely convenient for the Colosseum/Forum, but not very central to anything else. As someone else mentioned, no interesting shops or "scene" in the neighborhood -- in fact, at night it was sort of eerily deserted. But that does make it very quiet. On the way there, our taxi driver had a really hard time finding it, and once he figured out where it was he was unable to actually get us there, due to a maze of one-way streets. We ended up having to get out & walk from about a block away.
Our room was tiny but did have a lovely private balcony with a view of the Colosseum. Breakfast was OK, not fabulous, but the dinner that we had there one night was delicious. They post whatever will be the evening's meal in the afternoon, so you can see if it's to your taste and tell them you plan to be there. We were wary of the communal "round table" idea, but we actually enjoyed it and did in fact meet people from all over the world.

My husband and I stayed at the Lancelot for 5 days in October, 2003. We found the staff friendly and helpful and the location is close to the Colesseum and that immediate area. Breakfast consisted of a substantial cold food selection. As well, we were directed to a convenient local travel agent who booked our rail travel within Italy.

We just returned from a New Year's stay at the Hotel Lancelot. We've been in Rome many times before, but this was our first time at the Lancelot. The hotel was comfortable; impeccably clean; had a gracious and ample breakfast, but the best thing about it was the location. If you only have a few days in Rome, and you are intending to spend it in the "Imperial" section, this is the place to be---so close to the Colosseo and the Forum. A plus is the lovely walk you can take to the "Medieval section" of San Stefano Rotundo and SS. Goivanni and Paolo, as well as the magnificent San Clemente. These places are literally moments away. We stayed with our children in a large room (Room 10) with a double bed, a daybed and a single. It is perfect for families and has a huge terrace. (Unfortunately, it rainned every day last week!) The terrace would be incredible in the spring. It's on the first floor, so there's no view of the Colosseo, but I'll take the massive bulk of SS. Quattro Coronati at the end of the street as compensation!
If you want luxury or American style anything, this is not the place for you. Leave it for those of us who love Rome! There are good restaurants in the area (Pasquelino for Roman food and Luzze for pizza) and the buses stop just a few blocks away. Try it!