GONE : Hotel Eden - Rome, Italy [Master Thread] (Left Starwood Sep. 18, 2013)
Jun 8, 2008, 3:12 pm
#61
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
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Does anyone have an email address for the hotel? The Starwood website has a "contact us" link - but it only brings up the phone and fax number.
Jun 8, 2008, 3:36 pm
#62
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SanDiego1K, YHPM.
Jun 8, 2008, 3:43 pm
#63
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Knowing this hotel, even if they do have email, it would be best to make any special requests by telephone. This is old world European luxury.
Jun 8, 2008, 10:53 pm
#64
Join Date: Jan 2000
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I stayed at the Eden about a year ago on a four-night paid stay. To put it mildly, there was no Platinum recognition whatsoever.
Jun 9, 2008, 1:24 am
#65
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: PHX
Programs: A few
Posts: 245
On the contrary, my wife and I stayed there last May during our honeymoon and we received a reply to our email the next day; they also recognized both our special occasion, and my status at the time. See my trip report earlier in this thread at Post #32
Try these email addresses, I sent to the first, and received my reply from the second:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Cheers,
Adrian
Try these email addresses, I sent to the first, and received my reply from the second:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Cheers,
Adrian
Jun 18, 2008, 2:26 pm
#66
Join Date: Feb 2007
Programs: SPG Platinum, Hilton Honors Gold, Flying Blue Platinum
Posts: 108
Jun 18, 2008, 2:38 pm
#67
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That just goes to show how taste varies. My husband called the sheets loofah sheets. They were linen, and not the soft cotton to which we are accustomed.
Jun 18, 2008, 3:29 pm
#68
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
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Jun 19, 2008, 5:48 pm
#69
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
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Posts: 33,755
My best advice for the Eden is to go in with modest expectations. Many European hotels have small rooms. The Eden is no exception. It was heavily booked when we were there. Superior rooms (the entry level) are tiny. Some of the deluxe rooms are as well.
I had contacted the GM in advance. It was the end of a very lengthy trip. We were celebrating our wedding anniversary, and the stay really mattered to me. Of about 15 hotels we stayed at across our trip, this was the only hotel that I contacted. I received a very cordial note in return, and was happily awaiting our stay.
We arrived at noon, exactly as I had advised the GM. The front desk greeted me with horror, telling me I was there well in advance of check in. It was only when I asked them to check my record that they saw the note from the GM. At this point, it was of little use. The one thing that the hotel did for which I give them high marks was escorting us to the bar on the top floor. We were given a complimentary drink each and told to relax while a room was found for us. It has a stunning view over Rome, including St Peters. At 10 euros ($16) for a soft drink, it was nice to have a complimentary beverage.
Over a hour went by before a room was found. We were escorted to it by one of the front desk folks. I really wish folks would spare the PR, telling me what a glorious room I've been given, when my first view is going to tell me it is anything but. The room was tiny, barely large enough to fit the furniture inside. The bed appeared to us to be a double, not even a queen. The view was of the wall across the street. There was a charming window seat. However, it was impossible to sit on it, due to the marble ledge below the window jutting out several inches into this space. There was a large easy chair - but it blocked half the entrance into the bathroom. The best thing I can say is that the bathroom was spacious and light.
I expressed my disappointment, saying that I hoped for better as a platinum. While I recognize that in a heavily booked situation, the hotel has limited flexibility, I still would have hoped for "best in class" if you will. For example, there are rooms of this category with a view of the city. The staff made so much of us being on an award stay, my husband became convinced we sank to the bottom of the heap due to it. We grew weary of hearing "but you booked an award."
The agent left with no offer of help. It was really a depressing room. We went to the front desk and spoke directly to the person in charge of room assignments. We asked if a better room became available as people left and rooms were cleaned, could we be moved. If not, could we be moved the next day. My husband is very polite and very low key. Any time he went by the front desk, he stopped and checked. At 6pm, someone checked out and we were shown their room. It was larger, and had a wonderful view of the city. We confirmed we would like it, and were moved by 7:30pm. We are convinced that if we hadn't followed up, we would have been left with the initial assignment.
We received absolutely nothing as an amenity in the room, not so much as a bottle of water. Keep in mind that the front desk was fully aware of our platinum status. The next day, I returned to the front desk to ask for my platinum amenity card. The staff then told us that our reservation showed us as gold. I have been platinum for over a year, and was so at the time of booking. Further, we had discussed my platinum status the prior day, and I had my card to present. We were then sent a small box of gelatin candies.
On a positive note, the concierges without exception were superb. My suitcase had gone missing. The concierges called baggage claim every couple hours. It was delivered some 30 hours after we arrived. I credit the consistent follow up by the concierges with spurring the baggage claim people to continue to check the inbound baggage, and to get it out for delivery as quickly as possible. The concierge also very kindly let me use his computer to print out my boarding cards. This saved me 10 euros (minimum charge) in the business center.
Internet charge in the room is 35 euros incl VAT.
A word of education re taxis. There is no taxi rank at the hotel. Taxis are called when you request one; thus you have an additional charge. We were told that it was a flat rate to the airport of 40 euros. Our driver agreed that it was 40 euros; however, he charged us 50 euros because of his time to get to the hotel. He also dropped us at the wrong terminal. He assured us it was the Delta terminal - but it wasn't. Delta, United, Continental, and AA share Terminal 5 (which is check in and security only, then you are bussed back to the main terminal.) We would have spared ourselves some inconvenience if we had simply asked the concierge before departure.
I had contacted the GM in advance. It was the end of a very lengthy trip. We were celebrating our wedding anniversary, and the stay really mattered to me. Of about 15 hotels we stayed at across our trip, this was the only hotel that I contacted. I received a very cordial note in return, and was happily awaiting our stay.
We arrived at noon, exactly as I had advised the GM. The front desk greeted me with horror, telling me I was there well in advance of check in. It was only when I asked them to check my record that they saw the note from the GM. At this point, it was of little use. The one thing that the hotel did for which I give them high marks was escorting us to the bar on the top floor. We were given a complimentary drink each and told to relax while a room was found for us. It has a stunning view over Rome, including St Peters. At 10 euros ($16) for a soft drink, it was nice to have a complimentary beverage.
Over a hour went by before a room was found. We were escorted to it by one of the front desk folks. I really wish folks would spare the PR, telling me what a glorious room I've been given, when my first view is going to tell me it is anything but. The room was tiny, barely large enough to fit the furniture inside. The bed appeared to us to be a double, not even a queen. The view was of the wall across the street. There was a charming window seat. However, it was impossible to sit on it, due to the marble ledge below the window jutting out several inches into this space. There was a large easy chair - but it blocked half the entrance into the bathroom. The best thing I can say is that the bathroom was spacious and light.
I expressed my disappointment, saying that I hoped for better as a platinum. While I recognize that in a heavily booked situation, the hotel has limited flexibility, I still would have hoped for "best in class" if you will. For example, there are rooms of this category with a view of the city. The staff made so much of us being on an award stay, my husband became convinced we sank to the bottom of the heap due to it. We grew weary of hearing "but you booked an award."
The agent left with no offer of help. It was really a depressing room. We went to the front desk and spoke directly to the person in charge of room assignments. We asked if a better room became available as people left and rooms were cleaned, could we be moved. If not, could we be moved the next day. My husband is very polite and very low key. Any time he went by the front desk, he stopped and checked. At 6pm, someone checked out and we were shown their room. It was larger, and had a wonderful view of the city. We confirmed we would like it, and were moved by 7:30pm. We are convinced that if we hadn't followed up, we would have been left with the initial assignment.
We received absolutely nothing as an amenity in the room, not so much as a bottle of water. Keep in mind that the front desk was fully aware of our platinum status. The next day, I returned to the front desk to ask for my platinum amenity card. The staff then told us that our reservation showed us as gold. I have been platinum for over a year, and was so at the time of booking. Further, we had discussed my platinum status the prior day, and I had my card to present. We were then sent a small box of gelatin candies.
On a positive note, the concierges without exception were superb. My suitcase had gone missing. The concierges called baggage claim every couple hours. It was delivered some 30 hours after we arrived. I credit the consistent follow up by the concierges with spurring the baggage claim people to continue to check the inbound baggage, and to get it out for delivery as quickly as possible. The concierge also very kindly let me use his computer to print out my boarding cards. This saved me 10 euros (minimum charge) in the business center.
Internet charge in the room is 35 euros incl VAT.
A word of education re taxis. There is no taxi rank at the hotel. Taxis are called when you request one; thus you have an additional charge. We were told that it was a flat rate to the airport of 40 euros. Our driver agreed that it was 40 euros; however, he charged us 50 euros because of his time to get to the hotel. He also dropped us at the wrong terminal. He assured us it was the Delta terminal - but it wasn't. Delta, United, Continental, and AA share Terminal 5 (which is check in and security only, then you are bussed back to the main terminal.) We would have spared ourselves some inconvenience if we had simply asked the concierge before departure.
Jun 20, 2008, 11:17 am
#70
Join Date: Feb 2007
Programs: SPG Platinum, Hilton Honors Gold, Flying Blue Platinum
Posts: 108
Jun 20, 2008, 11:36 am
#71
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,755
ericj, 
. Now THAT is a topic for another forum! 
. Now THAT is a topic for another forum!
Jul 22, 2008, 3:33 pm
#72
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 213
Mille grazie Starwood!
My wife and I just returned from our mini-tour of Roma, Firenze and Venezia, and I must say that Starwood really gets it right.
We stayed at the Eden in Rome, the Westin Excelsior in Florence, the Danieli in Venice and the Westin Excelsior on the Lido.
All were wonderful stays in wonderful accomodations, and every time we checked into a different hotel we were delighted by the individuated charm and atmosphere of each property. There was not even a hint of a relationship from one to the next, with the possible exception of gracious service and awesome rooms. (OK, the two Westins had the same bath products...)
So back on topic: the Eden is in a great location for walking to most of the major attractions in Rome -- we even trekked to the Colosseum. As some have mentioned, you have to walk uphill at the end of the day, but then you are all the more excited to get back to the fabulous room!
Other notables: The concierge team can accomplish almost anything, the front desk staff is friendly and welcoming (they comp'ed us a drink and snack at the amazingly expensive La Terazza bar while the room was being readied) and it was all but impossible to pass any staff member in the hall without receiving a pleasant greeting.
The Eden is understated by design, and has an elegance throughout that might perhaps be most aptly described as "continental."
Well, as I re-read this I don't think I'll tone it down -- it's nice to have nothing but good things to say.
We stayed at the Eden in Rome, the Westin Excelsior in Florence, the Danieli in Venice and the Westin Excelsior on the Lido.
All were wonderful stays in wonderful accomodations, and every time we checked into a different hotel we were delighted by the individuated charm and atmosphere of each property. There was not even a hint of a relationship from one to the next, with the possible exception of gracious service and awesome rooms. (OK, the two Westins had the same bath products...)
So back on topic: the Eden is in a great location for walking to most of the major attractions in Rome -- we even trekked to the Colosseum. As some have mentioned, you have to walk uphill at the end of the day, but then you are all the more excited to get back to the fabulous room!
Other notables: The concierge team can accomplish almost anything, the front desk staff is friendly and welcoming (they comp'ed us a drink and snack at the amazingly expensive La Terazza bar while the room was being readied) and it was all but impossible to pass any staff member in the hall without receiving a pleasant greeting.
The Eden is understated by design, and has an elegance throughout that might perhaps be most aptly described as "continental."
Well, as I re-read this I don't think I'll tone it down -- it's nice to have nothing but good things to say.
Jul 27, 2008, 1:36 pm
#73
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Northwest NJ
Programs: Starwood Platinum,Marriott Platinum, United Silver
Posts: 2,313
We will be staying at the Eden this week. We have a dinner reservation on Friday night at the hotel restaurant but from what I read, the breakfasts are extraordinarily expensive.
Can anyone recommend nice spots for breakfast near the hotel? In Paris, at the Prince des Galles, we walked 1.5 blocked to a lovely outdoor cafe. Hoping to find something like that here.
Thanks!
Can anyone recommend nice spots for breakfast near the hotel? In Paris, at the Prince des Galles, we walked 1.5 blocked to a lovely outdoor cafe. Hoping to find something like that here.
Thanks!
Jul 27, 2008, 1:58 pm
#74
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
I think that I had posted your answer here back earlier this year. There is a deli just around the corner from the hotel, in the direction of the Spanish Steps. It's good for a simple breakfast as well as meals throughout the day. It's where the locals go. I think I had OJ and a croissant there, but there are other things.
Aug 1, 2008, 11:04 am
#75
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Northwest NJ
Programs: Starwood Platinum,Marriott Platinum, United Silver
Posts: 2,313
My streak is over :(
Checked into the Eden on Wednesday. After three years of European trips, each time getting magnificent suite upgrades, we hit the end of the road. These rooms are tiny. Yes, the place is elegant. Yes, the staff is friendly and very helpful. But seriously, it's a closet.
If I was even paying with full points, I'd been very, very upset. I think these rooms go for 30,000 per night now. Fortunately, it's Cash & Points.
When I got the upgrades, I was a Starwood guy all the way. If European upgrades become hit and miss, I'll have to rethink it, especially following a massive devaluation. Next week we'll be in London. Hopefully we'll get lucky there!
If I was even paying with full points, I'd been very, very upset. I think these rooms go for 30,000 per night now. Fortunately, it's Cash & Points.
When I got the upgrades, I was a Starwood guy all the way. If European upgrades become hit and miss, I'll have to rethink it, especially following a massive devaluation. Next week we'll be in London. Hopefully we'll get lucky there!