I am so late in writing this. We stayed at Anne's place last September. We were on our way to an Adventure by Disney tour (fabulous, by the way) but we came into Rome three days early. We didn't even go to Rome those first three days we stayed at Anne's Place. The first night (we arrived around six pm) we went to Papa's with guests from Anne's place ( I will never forget the other guests, they were a hoot!). The next day David (Anne's husband) shuttled us all to a flea market and then to an outlet mall and the final day we spent the whole day touring Palestrina. Anne's place was incredible. We stayed at five star hotels with Disney but the service did not compare to Anne and David's service. We didn't get to see Anne much as she was away until our final day but David was so gracious. The breakfasts were superb. We were made to feel like family. I cannot wait to go back one day. Anne and David are amazing people. I can't thank them enough. By the way, Palestrina had the best food in all the places we went to in Italy! Make sure you spend a day there. It's the most beautiful little town.

My wife and I stayed at Anne's Place for four nights. It was great. The train into Rome was easy and being away from the city was nice and quite in the evening after a busy day of sightseeing. We had the room upstairs with the verandah and it was excellent, only wish we could of used the verandah more. We really enjoyed knowing that they were always willing to assist in any way necessary from train tickets to the use of a cell phone to contact them if needed or suggesting and taking you to a restaurant. David and Anne were the nicest people and I don't think they could have been more gracious as hosts. We had a wonderful stay and were well cared for while we were there. We would stay there again!

We traveled to Rome in May for 4 days pre-cruise and then a 12 day cruise to the Eastern Med and then 4 days in Rome post cruise. I figure if I we are flying across the pond in the cheap seats we might as well make it worth our while.

The first 4 days were spend with Anne and David at Anne's Place in Palestrina which is on the outskirts of Rome. I can't even begin to describe how wonderful this place is. Anne met us at the airport and took us out to their home in the country. It was so quiet there that my husband just wanted to stay and not go into Rome. Next time I go to Europe I think I will bring a grandaughter to travel with and park him with Anne and swing by on the way home and pick him up. He would be very content. There was no noise and it was just peaceful but still it is only a short train ride from Rome so you get the best of both worlds.

Anne and David are wonderful hosts and make excellent suggestions about how to spend your days. We opted for a train ride to Ostica Antica and to tell the truth were scared to death when Anne dropped us at the train platform but she provides a cell phone to each couple in case you run into a problem you can call and they will talk you through the crisis. I think we were doing fine and following their directions pretty well but it seemed that Anne knew just where we should be at a given time and called to make sure we were ok. The day at Ostica Antica was a real treat for us both and we completed our adventure by actually finding our way home. We got tickets from David and they are good all day for the train into Rome, metro and buses for the entire day for 6 euros. What a bargin.

One day there was a strike of the metro and buses in Rome and David suggested that we might want to explore Palestrina for the day. He took us to the top of the mountain and gave us some instructions and we walked down the mountain and through the beautiful little town. We had to stop on the edge of the road on the way to let a farmer by with his flock of sheep that had just been sheared. What an experience. We did have to call him a couple of times for follow up instructions but he was on the spot. Do they never get tired of us? We visited their museum and had lunch in the town at a neat little shop. The owner didn't speak English but we pointed and guessed and had a really nice little lunch. We visited the grocery store and couldn't figure out how to get out so I bought a candy bar and got a thumbs up from the cashier for having the correct change. I just can't imagine how they figured out that we weren't local. David told us that the graveyard just outside of town was worth a visit and this was a major understatement. It was beautiful and was a shrine and memorial to their families. Everywhere there were beautiful flowers-real live ones not artificial like we have here. There was a festival on the outskirts of town and we stopped by for a bit while waiting for David to come pick us up.

Each evening David or Anne takes their assorted little group out to a local restaurant. They go in with you and introduce you to the owner and help you get started then when you are finished they appear to pick you up again as if by magic. All the places we ate were wonderful and it would be hard to choose a favorite. We enjoyed meeting all the other couples who were staying at Anne's. We travel alone and it is nice to have someone else to talk to-sort of like instant friends. One night we were the only ones there to go out to eat and Anne and David ate with us. Bless their hearts! That might have been my favorite because we just paid a set price and ate what they brought us. Both of us ate 5 courses with 2 bottles of wine for 20 euros each. I didn't tell Anne this but I actually was so full that I had to sit up in a chair at 2 am. It was just so good.

Anne's Place is spotless and warm. There are snacks and drinks to buy for a very reasonable price and they have an assortment of beers and wines. We had a first floor room and the window opened wide to bring in the country sunshine. Clothes are drying on the line and the girls who work there are also their friends. Breakfast is good and substantial and two days Anne had fixed fresh strawberries as a treat. Anne and David are such kind and considerate hosts and this is a conderful place to stay. I know this is outside of Rome but it doesn't feel far. It just feels good. My husband says this is his favorite place ever to stay and we will be back.

I

This was our first trip to Europe celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary and we traveled with friends celebrating their 30th. As in making any plans to a location you have never been, there was some anxiety about staying at a B&B as we generally stay in hotels. Let me say, this was a great decision.

All the positive comments you read about Anne's Place is true and their generosity and customer care is absolutely top notch. From David picking us up at the airport (FCO), to dropping us off at local restaurants such as Papa's and Il Modo (recommend this restaurant), to their overall hospitality- Anne and David made our six nights in Rome memorable and spectacular. They help you navigate the railways through Rome, drop you off at the train station and provide you with train tickets, give you a cell phone for pick up at the train station "Zagarola," now what hotel is going to do that?

The value is also very good, compared to a night stay at a downtown Rome hotel, the price was a very nice surprise, especially since the American Dollar's value is so low against the Euro. We stayed in the room with the balcony, a very nice touch if you can get it. The B&B itself was very comfortable, a good morning breakfast, and we especially like the courtesy bar which had a nice selection of Italian wines and beer. Our co-guest were extremely pleasurable and we had some very nice evenings with a group from Yorkshire and Newcastle, England.

It is a shame that Anne's Place is not listed under "Rome" any longer because it truly is just a short ride to the "Termini" or the central hub of Rome. We found it pleasant to leave the city at night and come back to a more rural Italian setting. Anne and David are always there for you to lend advice, give tips on travel in the city, or take you on a great side-trip (We took the Pompei trip and it was awesome). We would like to thank David and Anne for their hospitality and making their place seem like a second home.

The Esteves & Guthries