After booking our Greek Isles cruise sailing from Civitavecchia I started researching hotels. One that came recommended from other cruisers was Hotel San Giorgio.
Because I booked in advance (about 10 months before our stay) and prepaid, I was able to take advantage of a rate called Super Stay 2018 (now they have it for 2019) which stated a 35% off rate but is non-refundable so make sure you’re plans are firm if booking this rate. I did pay extra for a sea-view room and didn’t regret the decision.
The reservation includes free WiFi, breakfast buffet and shuttle to the port.
Check-in
The hotel entrance is a floor down from the check-in. There is an elevator if stairs are an issue but we always took the stairs.
The clerk was very kind and welcoming and told us where to have breakfast and made dinner reservations for us at Bistrot 34, the hotel restaurant, since we arrived in the early evening. He also gave us the internet access code.
Room
Our room was on floor 2 (which was really the fourth floor from the ground). Our window was the far right one on the top floor in the picture of the front of the hotel (featuring my dear hubby).
The bed was queen size and although harder than probably most Americans prefer, comfortable to us and I slept great on it. There were windows on two sides since we had a corner room which made for great airflow when both were open.
I never tired of the front view but the side windows faced another hotel building. The extra 20 euros a day for this view was worth every penny!
In the armoire, we had more pillows which were needed due to the flatter pillows than we normally use. Two pillows each were perfect. We used the safe to store our extra money and passports while there and it worked great. You can see the curtains for the side window in the room.
The bathroom was spacious but dark despite the lights. The window was on the same side as the armoire but being further back got less natural light. We did really like double sinks.
The shower was small but so was the one on the ship. 🙂 It didn’t leak and as long as we remembered to step UP into the shower, it was fine. I didn’t really use the heated towel rack but I’m sure it’s great in colder weather.
Someday I’l figure out how the heck to use a bidet; not there yet!
The only problem we had in the room had to do with electrical items. First, we couldn’t figure out how to get the TV channels to work and the bellman came and educated us. I do wish the TV was a larger size. The second issue was a nightstand lamp that worked intermittently. I’m sure I wasn’t doing something right but didn’t bother calling about it a second time.
Breakfast
Breakfast was served both mornings in the Bistrot 34 restaurant. Coffee was set up at the bar. They had carafes of American style coffee along with cream, warm milk and sweeteners. There was also hot water and tea bags available. The barista would make espresso drinks upon request.
Bacon and eggs were under the domes in the picture above. The bacon was hit and miss. The first day it seemed raw but the second day it was perfectly crispy. Eggs were fried.
There was fresh vegetables and boiled eggs.
For non-caffeinated beverage options, there was a station with juices, milk and bottled water (sparkling or natural).
Another station has several cereal options and yogurt.
This refrigerated space had deli meats and cheeses. It was also where you could get the butter packets.
The table had a lot of pastry and sweet offerings. I enjoyed a chocolate treat the second morning. Neither day were there plain croissants with no sweet coating on top. There was another station I didn’t get a picture of where you could make toast.
The breakfast wasn’t great but we both found enough we liked and appreciated not having to buy breakfast.
Checkout and Shuttle
I was surprised to learn that checkout is 10:30 am with the Super Stay (which is actually 30 minutes later than standard rates) even though the shuttle didn’t leave until noon. They only had one shuttle the day we checked out although I’ve read from other reviews that sometimes there are two.
The shuttle was full and the air was not turned on so it got quite warm but was a short 10 minute ride by the time you get through the red lights and roundabouts to the pier. You can’t walk all the way to the pier but can walk a few blocks to a few port shuttle.
Recommend?
If we sail from Civitavecchia again, I will definitely return to the Hotel San Giorgio. After staying in multiple Italian hotels during our 2015 land trip, I knew what to expect and felt that this hotel is a a strong offering. If you’re cruising from Rome and want to stay close to the port, this is the hotel to pick!
If you missed the other parts of the recap the links are below.
Next Vacation: Greek Isles Cruise
Port Plans for Greek Isles Cruise
Jewel of the Seas: Pre-Cruise Travel Day
Jewel of the Seas: Italy at Last
Leave a Reply