Warm and cozy - didn't seem like a big chain hotel. The rooms were comfortable, clean, nicely decorated with rich fabrics and wood, and a good size, especially by European standards. They had black-out curtains, which kept the rooms real dark. Beds were comfortable. Bathrooms were nice, with good amenities. Towels were extremely plush, the bathrobes were a nice touch. Only complaint is that the shower had half a door (it's decorative, I guess) but the entire bathroom gets wet when you shower. The staff were EXTREMELY friendly and helpful. The free breakfasts were just ok, both the selection and quality wasn't great, but it served its purpose. The location was great, in a quiet area, walking distance to everything, with really good restaurants only a few blocks away. The only difficulty was going back to the hotel, the last few blocks were up a steep hill, which was tiring (but not unbearable.) Check out the gorgeous rooftop view. Get the free map they provide at the hotel, its has great directions to all the sights. Highly recommend this hotel. We got a great price by booking on the Sofitel website directly. Hint: they don't tell you, but if you're coming from the port, call ahead and they'll provide a limo for $150, which is cheaper than the taxi. For the big sights, we recommend getting a local tour guide on the spot rather than the audioguides, they add so much more to the experience and help you appreciate what you're looking at (especially at the Vatican Museum.) Don't miss the Borghese Gallery (behind the hotel.) Reservations required. Definately get the tourguide rather than the audioguide.

We recently stayed at this hotel for four nights as a part of our honeymoon trip in Italy. The highlights of this hotel are: the location (although it would of been nice to have a close internet cafe nearby, but the hotel provided an alternative as internet on the tv or hookup of your computer), breakfast (they have scrambled eggs, bacon, and hot dogs. This is considered to be an American breakfast. I didn't see much of the European guests eating it except the Americans), the concierge is helpful and getting you tours and taxis. I recommend that you request a cab when you get downstairs because the cabs will start the meter on their way to the hotel. The wait won't be long maybe five minutes because of its central location of the hotel. The room of the hotel was regular by European standards and small by US standards, it’s nice to have a safe in the room and the bathroom is suspicious. There are also near by restaurants and convenient stores nearby so you can get water, etc. This can help avoid temptation of the wet bar.
In regard to tours, I recommend that some attractions are better to see it yourself and just rent one of those museums hearing devices. Although the group tours were more convenient and the guides were nice and insightful, going to some of the attractions (Vacatican and Coliseum, I think are better to do it on your own and cost effective). If you have group party another good option would be to hire a private car with driver to take you to all the sites.

We stayed at 2 other hotels in Rome and this was definetly the best hotel for the money! We paid less than $300 E for a triple. The service & rooms are 5 * quality. (I think they just remodeled). Very friendly staff (which is rare in Italy). It is off on a quiet street so you have a short cab ride to places, but we slept very well at night because it's so quiet! The doorman definetly added extra security & service to our stay. I'd stay there the next time I go to Rome.

We just returned from 4 days at the Sofitel. Excellent value and a very good staff. Location near the Spanish Steps and shopping was very convenient. We would recomend this hotel for both Value and service, well worth the 4 star rating.