Hotel Flora

Staying in the Albani hills just south of Rome is an excellent alternative to the higher-priced accommodations in the city—the area offers easy public transportation, proximity to both airports, and picturesque towns, lakes, and gardens. Frascati is best known for its wine and many restaurants, which Romans invade on weekends. The Hotel Flora stands out among the choice of smaller hotels. Formerly a private residence, the turn-of-the-last-century gray-and-white pristine villa has a courtyard and surrounding garden where breakfast is served in the summer months. The best rooms, a variety of doubles, junior suites, and suites, are spacious, with terraces and high ceilings. These are on the upper floors, while the rest are in a newer building next door. The polished decor throughout is neoclassical, with black-and-white marble floors and bathrooms, and antique furnishings, and the guestrooms include many amenities as well as air conditioning. Top-floor rooms have balconies with nice views. To the right of the reception area guests enjoy a comfortable lounge and bar. Sightseeing in the vicinity includes lakes Nemi and Albano, the gardens of Ninfa and Villa Aldobrandini, and Rocca di Papa. A shuttle service is available for transfers to and from airports and downtown on request.