In 2011, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed legislation that led to the creation of the Atlantic City Alliance, an organization whose sole job is to broaden the city's appeal and fix its broken reputation. Recently in April, the ACA launched a $20 million tourism marketing campaign - the largest in the city's history - to promote the non-gambling side of town.

One featured selling point is its location along the coast. Forget about the slot machines downstairs - how about the hundreds of ocean-view rooms? Or the chance to stretch out on the sand when you want to give your wallet a rest? In my eyes, it makes the town more desirable to those traveling on a budget. Everyone in Atlantic City, whether in the cheapest or the most expensive hotel, can enjoy the same public beach.

When I was in town over the Fourth of July, I took a boat ride off the coast and was able to get some pretty good shots of the boardwalk/beach/casino combo:

Returning to a favorite city is almost as rewarding as first viewing it.  A familiarity has set in – you know which street to turn right on, shop owners greet you by name and a sense of ownership pervades your walks.

That is precisely why when in Rome . . . I always stay at the family run Atlante Star.  I wave hello to Roberta Mencucci who manages the establishment her father Benito began in the 1980s. If Benito’s around, he’ll likely press a large can of his specialty olive oil into my hands – from the country estate the Menucci’s operate, Parco dell’Airone, just outside of Rome.

The 1920s, fully refurbished Atlante Star sits on prime real estate just outside Vatican City walls. A ten minute walk brings you to Piazza Navona, and just further beyond, the Parthenon, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish steps.  

The Ottaviano subway stop is also ten minutes away, and the popular and low key Trastevere neighborhood is a 15 minute walk down the Tiber.  (Tip:  visit the Villa Farnesina in Trastevere, an early 1500s suburban villa and one of Rome’s undiscovered sites). 

In short, Rome is at your feet. 

The Atlante Star offers 70 guest rooms and 13 suites, all with Jacuzzi tubs and green wooden shutters that open onto a vibrant street scene.  Modern, interior casings allow the windows to shut tight to block any street noise.  This is the Rome you may have remembered from 30 years ago – or the one you’re awaiting to newly discover.  Rates range from 140 to 290 Euros per night. 

The hotel’s tight hallways and bold wallpaper feel a bit retro, along with the room decorations that favor chandeliers with alternating striped, black and white shades.  But everything is fashionable, not frayed. The hotel is always awash with orchids and other fresh flowers.

The views from the sixth floor restaurant, Les Etoiles, are among the best in Rome.  You can nearly reach out and touch St. Peter’s Basilica – its dome fading from a gleaming gold and blue to burnished ochre as your dinner advances.  

The building was originally designed for residential use. Benito began buying up individual apartments in the property in the 1960s. “It took him 20 years to secure the whole building,” said Roberta Mencucci, “but step by step he did it - and in 1985 launched the hotel.”

Roberta began working in the hotel as a young adult.  “Really, I was born here,” she said. Roberta and her siblings Francesca and Federico consider the property their second home.  The family also operates the four star Hotel Atlante Garden on the next block.  

The Atlante Star offers a complimentary breakfast, as well as pick-up from the Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci airport. 

http://www.atlantestarhotel.com
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Via Giovanni Vitelleschi 34, 00193 Rome
Tel: 0039 06 6873233
Fax: 0039 06 6872300

Atlante Star hotel suite 

 

 

Interior, Villa Farnesina 

 

Interior, Villa Farnesina