HOTEL REVIEW
checkingout
H10 ROMA CITTA Trastervere, Rome, Italy
contact details Via Pietro Blaserna, 101 (Quartiere Marconi), 00146 - Roma, Italy. T: +(39) 06 556 52 15 F: +(39) 06 559 32 63 E:
h10.roma.citta@
h10hotels.com w: www.hotelh10
romacitta.com
The Background: Built in 2008 and voted one of Europe’s trendiest hotels by Tripadvisor readers, the hotel is located in the Via Marconi area of Trastervere. The H10 Roma Citta has 181 rooms and six meeting rooms (with natural light). Where Is It? The hotel is located approximately 24km from Fiumicino Airport. There’s a direct train link from the airport to Rome’s Trastervere district, and then it’s a short taxi or bus ride to the hotel. The property is four kilometres from the city centre and the hotel provides a free shuttle service. City attractions can also be accessed via a local bus service. The Room: Our twin-bedded room was perfectly adequate for one or two people. Its style is ‘boutique-like’ with a very comfy bed and pillows and a modern bathroom with a great overhead shower. Spotlessly clean, the room offered free wi-fi and connections for both a PC and MP3 player. There’s a fl at-screen TV, and the usual extra offerings like hairdryer, mini-bar, safe, etc. Dining: The hotel has one restaurant,
THE OLD SWAN AND MINSTER MILL Witney, Oxfordshire
contact details School Hill, Old Minster Mill, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 ORN T: 01993 77444 E: enquiries@oldswan
andminstermill.com W: www.oldswan
andminstermill.com
The Background: The Old Swan dates back to the 15th century and is full of character, with a touch of luxury. Next door is Minster Mill, ideal for families and couples on a lower budget and soon to offer small conference facilities. The two properties were acquired by the de Savary family in 2010 and have since benefi ted from a complete restoration programme. Where Is It? A 14-mile drive from Oxford in the picturesque village of Minster Lovell in the heart of the Cotswolds. The two properties border the River Windrush and are set in 65 acres of manicured gardens and wild fl ower meadows. The Room: Our oak-beamed suite (pictured) was chic and tasteful. Beautiful fabrics and soft colours gave a stylish fi rst impression added to a modern marble bathroom with shower and bath. Special touches were a bowl of marshamallows to toast over the fi re, a hot water bottle in bed at night and sloe gin as a night cap. Ground fl oor rooms are dog-friendly with bed and treats for an extra £20 a night.
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which also serves a buffet breakfast featuring a continental choice along with the more familiar eggs and bacon. The H10 Roma Citta also has a lobby bar. Facilities and Activities: All Rome’s most popular – and ancient - landmarks are within easy reach by bus. For getting around the city and seeing other attractions, including the Vatican, use the metro, tram and overground. However, the best way to see Rome is on foot. The hotel has a great rooftop pool with a Jacuzzi, fi tness room and a beauty centre – all very appealing after a long day’s sightseeing. Recommend To: Couples, single travellers and those in Rome primarily for business. It will suit anyone who doesn’t want to pay the extortionate room rates on offer at other properties in the city and who doesn’t mind the short bus ride to the attractions. The Cost: Room rates start from around €120 pn for a standard double room, including breakfast. How To Get There: Major scheduled
airlines and no-frills carriers fl y from airports in the UK to Fiumicino and Ciampino daily. The Verdict: A comfortable stay with great service from friendly staff. A few hours at the rooftop pool on our fi nal day was very welcome! H10 Roma Citta is a great fi nd and the perfect base from which to explore Rome. Clare Hunter
Exceptional OK
Stay Away! Loved It
Dining: Delicious, classic and international cuisine served in a relaxed environment. Locally-sourced seasonal products included vegetables from the garden. There’s a roaring log fi re for winter evenings and the option of outdoor dining in the summer. Facilities and Activities: We were welcomed by extremely friendly staff who gave us loads of useful information about the area, including a book of local walks. There is a tennis court and a modest gym and spa treatment room*. Fly fi shing, horse-riding and cycling are among the
activities available locally. Family and river rooms have their own outdoor fi re-pit. *The spa is currently being upgraded to include a plunge pool. Recommend To: Couples of all ages. Ideal for those who want to explore the Cotswolds and enjoy some peace and quiet in stylish surroundings. Families are made very welcome with activity programmes during the holidays. Also popular with wedding parties. The Cost: Double or twin rooms from £165, including breakfast. The Verdict: The perfect place for a short break or romantic weekend. Attentive and helpful staff make guests feel very welcome. Dellciious food in relaxed suroundings. It will be interesting to see the property when the de Savarys have completed their ambitious plans. Jo Austin
Exceptional OK
Stay Away! Loved It
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