Travelers' Intercom

My two daughters and I stayed in three hotels in September-October ’11. (All prices given are current as of September ’12.)

• In Rome, Hotel Papa Germano (Via Calatafimi 14/a, 00185 Rome, Italy; phone +39 0648 6919, fax 0647 825202) is a 5-minute walk straight down from Termini train station. The rate for a triple room is €110 (near $143).

The room was small but clean, with a bathroom. The included breakfast was really good — more than just coffee and a roll. Internet access was free, and Papa was usually around to give you any information you needed. He even gave us a bottle...

For our stay in Bangkok, Thailand, during an independent trip to Southeast Asia, my husband, Earl, and I followed the recommendation of an ITN reader (“Woman Driver in Bangkok,” April ’12, pg. 32) and contacted Rat of Rat Service (phone [66] 08 9108 2170, email rat_bkk@yahoo.com). 

Rat now owns a B&B (747/3 Soi Sudprasert 8, Chareun Rat 8 Rd., Bangkok 10120; phone 02 675 2170 or the Rat Service number), where we stayed Nov. 22-26, 2012. We paid THB1,200 (near $40) per night for the two of us, which included a cooked-to-order breakfast.

The B&B is in a neighborhood...

Following a 10-day self-arranged tour of southern Italy, my wife, Jean, and I stayed in a splendid boutique hotel in Rome, May 31-June 4, 2013. 

Located in a lovely mid-city neighborhood, My Guest Roma (Viale XXI Aprile 12, 00162, Rome, Italy; phone +39 06 86 32 4590 or mobile +39 349 355 6758), though small, provided a restful stopover. 

The nice-size rooms, kept spotlessly clean, were colorfully and tastefully decorated and most comfortable. Some rooms had added bunks — helpful if you’re taking children.

The en suite bathroom, while on the compact side, nonetheless...