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?
 

 
One of the best things about Rome, as in many Italian cities, is the undeniably delicious food you get to eat when you’re there. Know what’s even more fun? Bringing that dish home with you.
 
Of all of the typically Romano dishes, Cacio e Pepe, is one of the best-and likely the easiest-to make at home.
 
Here is what you need to whip this up at your house.
 
Ingredients:
(Serves two)
>> 200 grams / almost half a pound Spaghetti or Bucatini Pasta
>> 100 grams / 3.5 ounces Pecorino Romani Cheese
>> Fresh Black Pepper
>> One spoon of Butter
 
Directions:
 
1. Boil pasta in heavily salted water until al dente
 
2. In another pan, melt the butter and half of your Pecorino cheese
 
3. Conserve 1/2 cup of the boiling water, then drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the melted cheese
 
4. Generously pepper the mixture
 
5. If sauce is too thick, add the hot salted water, as needed
 
6. Dish the pasta into individual bowls and top with the remaining Pecorino and more black pepper.
 
Buon Appetito!
 
In case you missed previous Rome Week entries-where have you been?-we’ll help you catch up.
 
Weekend in Rome Overview
How NOT to Get Robbed in Rome
Where to Eat in Rome
A Pictorial Tour of Rome: Editor’s Pics
 
Have you tried other Roman specialties? What is your favorite?
 
Buon Weekend!
 

 
Nope. That isn’t a typo.
 
Believe it or not, I was only in Rome three nights-in fact, my feet were on ancient Roman ground less than 72 full hours yet I somehow managed to take 316 pictures.
 
I kid you not.
 
Continuing with Rome Week, I present to you a pictorial tour of the Eternal City-with just a few words thrown in. Come on, now. I’m a writer-I can’t leave it all up to the pics, now can I?
 

My husband doesn’t like to hold a camera straight … this time, I think it worked.

 
The most notable symbol of the Roman Empire was built between 70-72 AD for gladiator games and public shows. With seating for up to 50,000 people, the Colosseum also housed mock sea battles, animal hunts and executions before being converted into housing, a workshop site, a fortress and a Christian shrine. It is estimated that 500,000 people and over a million wild animals lost their lives inside the Colosseum.
 

Where else in the world are you led to ruins … by ruins?

 
In ancient Roman times, the forum-taken from the Latin word, foras, meaning “a place out doors,”-was the central hub for the community and served as a place for public meetings, assemblies and community activities. The Roman Forum is particularly enticing since it is a living-albeit, crumbling-history book. I recommend hiring a tour guide, or at least purchasing an audio tour or descriptive guidebook for your visit.
 

The builders of this temple arrived in Rome via Magna Graecia in southern Italy

 
Located in the Roman Forum, the Temple of Castor and Pollux was constructed to honor the Dioscuri, for their battlefield assistance. According to legend, two unknown horsemen, presumed to be the twin brothers, Castor and Pollux helped the Roman soldiers to victory in the Battle of Lake Regillus. The temple was completed in 484 BC.
 

An eerily clear photo of Pope Benedict XVI during Sunday Mass in Saint Peter’s Square

 
Pope Benedict XVI was born Joseph Alois Ratzinger and is the world’s 265th Pope. He was the oldest person elected to the Papacy since 1730 and has strong, conservative Catholic views. He stirred controversy in the church when he restored the Traditional Latin Mass as an approved form of Catholic church services.
 

Neptune is riding a shell-shaped chariot in the center of the Trevi Fountain

 
If you haven’t seen the Trevi Fountain in person you really can’t grasp its magnitude. Standing 85 feet tall and 65 feet wide, the Baroque fountain is where one goes to toss a coin and ensure a return to Rome. Each day €3,000 are tossed into the fountain and are used to subsidize a supermarket for Rome’s needy families.
 
In case you missed earlier Rome Week posts, we’ve discussed
 
- A weekend in Rome: An Overview
 
- How NOT to get Robbed in Rome
 
- Eating Out in the Eternal City
 
Be sure to come back tomorrow for a recipe for one of my favorite Roman dishes!