Daphne Inn

I recently made my first trip to Rome. Luckily, my friend had been, and knew the area. She found the hotel through friends that stay at this property yearly. What a find! They arranged for a driver to pick us up from the port of Rome, Civitavecchia, after our cruise.
The Inn is centrally located, but not touristy. It’s in a condominium near Palazzo Barberini, near the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. We stayed our first night at the sister hotel located just across the square. Both hotels are situated up several flights of stairs, but they have a small elevator that is helpful for luggage.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by 2 helpful employees who were eager to acquaint us with places to visit off the beaten path. As a frequent traveler, I appreciate this since many touristy areas are overrated. They mapped everything, and offered to make dinner reservations at local establishments they recommend. It’s like having a full time concierge and interpreter. When you check in, you are given the option of using a pre-​paid phone. You only pay for the actual time used, so it’s quite affordable. I made several local calls, and a call to Germany for only 3 Euro.
Each morning you receive a continental breakfast. Unlike so many hotels in the U.S., this breakFEAST is huge! A basket (around a dozen!) of freshly baked rolls and pastries, fruit, cereal, delicious yogurt (I miss it already), a plate of meats and cheeses, a pitcher of juice, milk, preserves, butter, honey, and made to order cappuccino. We actually made sandwiches to take with us during the day to enjoy with the fruit in the afternoon. There was bottled water, both still & sparkling in the small refrigerator inside the room. They had a hot water kettle to make coffee or tea, and a Mac computer for our use. The wireless Internet didn’t work while we were there, but having their computer available was fine.
When we had to move hotels, they transferred the luggage for us. After we left in the morning, the clerk realized he had given us the wrong restaurant name for dinner, so he ran over a block to find us. I walked out with the key card envelope one night, leaving the key in the room. Luckily I had the phone with me. The owner Alessandro, was there to let me in within 10 minutes of my call.
The Daphne Inn delivers a level of personal service that you won’t find in an ordinary hotel, along with the privacy you won’t find in a B&B. The rooms were spacious, clean, and safe. It isn’t cheap, but we experienced Rome in a way I don’t think we would have had we stayed elsewhere.