
Planning your perfect holiday can be stressful. I am guilty of that, stressing out so often that I spent weeks agonizing over what would make this the perfect holiday. First I tried to make a list of restaurants to try, then I worked out which sites we’d like to see, then day trips, then shopping, and the list goes on and on. A week prior to leaving I still could not make up my mind. Too many websites and guide books said too many different things. The only one thing that I kept reading over and over was to try and stay at the Daphne Inn.
Having stumbled upon many first class reviews about the Daphne Inn, we decided to book a 5 night stay at this boutique hotel at the center of Rome. Even before we arrived at the hotel, I knew we were in for first-class service. A few days prior to our departure I wrote and asked for some restaurant recommendations. A day later I received not only a list of 10 of their favourite restaurants, complete with personalized comments including what to order or what was the house speciality. The next day, another email! This time they went through their recommendations of what sites to see during our stay.
Right then and there I decided to throw caution to the wind and show up in Rome without any plans and let the wonderful team at Daphne decide my perfect Roman Holiday. I have no regrets whatsoever. Whoever plans to go to Rome and cannot be bothered with planning their trip ahead of time, I highly recommend the Daphne Inn.
So here it is… my top 5 reasons to put your vacation in Daphne’s hands…
1. Location, location – Daphne Inn has two locations, each location around a 3 minute walk from each other and both located at the Piazza Barberini (read: near the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps). Both are at the center of Rome, walking distance to some of Rome’s best sites and easily accessible via public transportation to others. If you are lazy, less than 10 euros can get you almost anywhere from the Vatican to the Colosseo or Foro Romano. It is also right next door to my favorite Italian restaurant (but more about that another time)
2. Recommendation, recommendation – The staff at Daphne (I had the pleasure to meet Rina, Luisa and Franco) are always ready to provide you with excellent recommendations on walking tours, restaurants, day trips, and even a list of their favorite things to do in Rome (yes, including having a gelato twice a day!).
Franco and Luisa
Rina
3. The cel phone – is a great idea. Basically there is no 24 hour concierge service at Daphne Inn. In you aren’t too fussy then you will like the cel phone idea which is provided to contact the owners or staff outside the concierge hours. Each guest is provided with a cel phone that has emergency numbers you can call in case you need to reach them. Also a great idea if you have asked them to make a booking for you for dinner since they will happily give you a call or text you to confirm the reservation.
4. Rooms – clean, modern, have internet access, air condition and includes a simple breakfast. Best of all, a bargain at around 200 euro during peak season in Rome.

Our breakfast nook

5. It’s the little things that count – Celebrated my birthday the other day. When we got back from a day of touring, we were surprised to find a bottle of wine and a card from the staff sending their best wishes.
Best Wishes from Daphne Inn…
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