Hubby and I just returned from a 5 night stay at Rome Grand Flora. I agree that for the points you don't get the luxury hotel experience. We used a miles/hotel package from Marriott, and reserved in February. There seemed to be lots of availability then.

I would not recommend going to Rome in August - it was hot! and being from Atlanta, we're used to hot and humid. However, we never had a problem keeping our room cool. We used one of the two keys they gave us, and kept the A/C running when we were out. Only one day had the maid removed the key. We kept it cold enough to sleep under a blanket, because that's what we're used to.

The rooms are a little frayed and shabby in places. I think that is more normal and accepted in Europe, though. Being from the US, we are used to shiny and new. Everything was in good working order, though.

I thought the breakfast on the roof was the best part. We always ate after 9, and sat outside. We sat in the shade, though. They have large umbrellas, and it's possible.

We had wonderful service every morning. I believe the key is being friendly to the wait staff - don't display a superior attitude. Italian custom is to greet shop owners when you enter, and everyone in the hotel greeted us with "Buongiorno" everywhere we went, and we responded with the same.

Hubby is gold status, and we did have an issue getting the room we wanted. First room assigned was one of the corner rooms - larger size with a king and a twin. We didn't need that, and returned to the lobby, where they realized it was intended for someone else. We waited another hour, and were assigned a small smoking room. Hubby returned to the lobby, and they showed him 2 more rooms and let him select. It was a nice interior room, decent size, with a king, small desk/chair, small round table and 2 more chairs. The bathroom was also good sized, with a shower/tub combo.

Keep in mind that this hotel caters to a lot of US travelers. In almost all cases, guests have flown in on overnight flights, and arrive at the hotel well before check in time (2 pm). You're tired and badly in need of a shower, and not in the best humor. They see it everyday...so if you have an issue, just be polite and persistent, and you will be OK. We received a complimentary bottle of wine from the manager for our time and trouble, and we were still in the room by 4pm, which is normal in the US.

View of St Peter's from roof:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...3&id=765537724