Like many travelers, I agonize over finding the perfect hotel-the ideal resting spot that strikes the balance between making me feel at home … and making me feel pampered.

And friends, I’ve found my home away home … in Rome.

My husband and I first met Paola, the perky, bright-eyed owner of Roma Axa 27 on that fateful February night when we rushed from our home in Catanzaro to join my family in Texas.

Not only did she open her home to us, but she welcomed us with open arms-and an open heart-and I’ll always be thankful for her graciousness.

In the last seven months, I’ve visited Paola and Roma Axa 27 on several more occasions-in fact, when traveling to or through the Rome airport, I wouldn’t stay anywhere else.

This B&B is everything a small, family-run hotel should be-it is spotlessly clean, the owner is generous and friendly and the extras-such as complimentary in-room bottled water, tea and crackers make it the perfect place to stop-over when traveling through Rome.

Both of the rooms have a private bath-one with en-suite bath-and transfers to and from the airport are included in the price-which ranges from €35-€40 per person.

There is a piazza located about 300 meters from Roma Axa 27, where travelers can venture to the heart of Rome via a 30-minute bus ride or choose to shop, have dinner or enjoy an evening passeggiata.

You can read more about Roma Axa 27 at RomeAirportAccommodations.com. To make a reservation or to check availability, email Paola at roma.axa.27 (at) gmail (dot) com or call (39) 340 3586057.

Be sure to tell her Cherrye sent you!

Happy Labor Day everyone and a very Happy Birthday to my little sister who is set to enjoy the last year in her current decade! Auguri, Charlee.

 
Although Rome Week is technically finita, I do have a few straggling notes hanging around in my notebook itching to hit the big screen. Or, well, the computer screen.
 
You see, as a B&B owner I gravitate towards other B&Bs and nine times out of 10, prefer them to big hotels. I love the personal service, cozy atmosphere and friendly environment. Plus, I like to support the little people and send out those good Karmic vibes whenever I can.
 
On the other hand, I could also be accused of being overly critical and holding other B&Bs to sky-high standards. And it is true. I’m guilty.
 
Such is the case with the Cesare Balboa Suites in Rome.
 

 
On the surface there is nothing wrong with this B&B. They are located on Via Cesare Balboa, near Via Cavour, about 10 minutes from Termini train station. And as you can see, they are located inside a majestic palazzo on a quiet side street.
 
Just to be fair-and to keep things positive-I’m going to list my cons first so I can end on a positive note.
 
Cons
 
- The information we were given at booking said
* They had 24-hour reception
* They had hairdryers in the rooms
* They were near the Colosseum
* They accept credit cards
 
In reality, we saw them twice after we checked in, they didn’t offer a hairdryer until I asked and we were 15 minutes on foot from the Colosseum.
 
Now, I don’t mind a B&B without 24-hour reception, heck-we don’t have it! But I’m not into false advertisements, either.
 
I also don’t believe their credit card machines were “broken.” I believe they wanted us to pay in cash so they 1) wouldn’t have to report us on their taxes or 2) wouldn’t have to pay the credit card fees. If you don’t want to accept credit cards-don’t say you will.
 
- They deliver breakfast to your room-which is romantic!-but you have to arrange the time in advance and since they don’t really have 24-hour reception, changing your time can be a challenge.

 
Pros
 
- The room was spacious and decorated in antique Roman-style. It was warm and welcoming.
 
- The staff members, a husband and wife team, were friendly and accommodating. He offered us an umbrella when we checked-out, even though he knew we couldn’t return it. They smiled a lot and had maps of the area readily available.
 
- The price. We paid €70 a night for a double in Rome and although they weren’t really by the Colosseum like they advertise, they did have a good location.
 
In the end, I think my disappointment with Cesare Balboa Suites boils down to my expectations-expectations they set by making promises they didn’t keep. Had they not advertised that location, hairdryers, credit card machine and 24-hour reception, I’d have booked them anyway-and that “Con” list would’ve been a lot less imposing.
 
I am, admittedly, a critical customer. But what about you? What expectations do you have for hotels and B&Bs and what could they do to either cement your loyalty or send you running?
 

I knew once my husband and I decided to open a bed and breakfast, I would never again travel with the objectivity non-innkeepers enjoy. I’d notice intimate things like precisely matching towels or if they offer extra rolls of toilet paper. I’d judge the quality of their breakfast offerings or the sincerity of their customer service. In other words … I thought I’d become hard to please.

But I didn’t.

Oh yes, I notice things like extra toilet paper rolls and precisely matching towels. I judge cappuccino quality and cheerful demeanor. But I am usually happily surprised.

Such was the case last February when we ventured out of Calabria and into neighboring Sicily.

Choosing the right hotel or bed and breakfast can be as important as choosing the right destination. Depending on the trip, you might need to be within steps of a bustling downtown or you might prefer a leisurely stroll into the heart of the city.

Harmony Bed and Breakfast in Palermo was the perfect place for our girls’ weekend getaway. It was an easy walk from the train station and just minutes from all of the major Palermo city highlights. It was off of the main drag, so loud night traffic wasn’t a problem and it was close to interesting sites and great restaurants.

Our room was spotless and they cleaned and changed the towels daily. (As do we at Il Cedro, but apparently all B&Bs aren’t so kind …)

Breakfast was a modest cornetto, purchased from one of the best bakeries in Palermo, with crackers and jelly, coffee, tea or cappuccini.

The staff was friendly and went out of their way to help us when we were turned around en route and offered us late breakfast and check-out options.

It is important to note that not only do they not have a non-smoking policy, but many of the staffers and their friends fill the front lobby with cigarette smoke, a fact that worried me as we were greeted and shown to our room.

However, our room – smokeless and removed from the front lobby – was fresh and clean.

If you find yourself heading to Palermo and looking for an effecient, clean bed and breakfast I highly recommend Harmony Bed and Breakfast. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again and I hope I get the chance to visit really soon.

Have you ever been to Palermo? What hotels or B&Bs can you recommend? What do you look for in a hotel or bed and breakfast?