News India Times

06/06-06//26-sd 08/15-08/07/26-sd TEJAS S. KAPADIA, ESQ. Waldwick, NJ 07463 201-632-1529 tejas@kapadialaw.com Real Estate, Business, Wills (Estate Planning), Immigration & General Law, Practicing in New York & New Jersey. Enrolled Agent with IRS. 08/15-08/07/26-sd 06/28/2506/26/26-sd HEMISH S. KAPADIA, CPA, EA, MBA, MS SUSHIL T. KAPADIA, CPA, EA, ACA Enrolled Agent th IRS, Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Accountant, Former Tax Auditor & Assistant to Income Tax Commissioner - NYC. 44+ years in practice. Tel: (201) 444-4648 ACCOUNTANTS/CPA ANJAY ACCOUNTAX SERVICE NJ LLC HarishHathiwala ,CPA Specializing in Individual • Business • Corporation New Business Set Up Service Jersey City: (201) 656-2000 NY City: (212) 714-1988 Central Jersey: (908) 837-9030 Orlando: (407) 403-6582 Accounting ,Auditing , IncomeTax Small Business and Non-profit Org. 20 News India Times (April 25, 2026 - May 1, 2026) May 1, 2026 BUSINESS/SERVICES DIRECTORY What does a $100 hotel in Rome get you? $ 303 Residenza Maritti Residenza Maritti in the Monti district came with glowing re- views and the promise of views overlooking the Roman Forum. It was advertised as a family-owned property with a 300-year history, housed in an 18th century palace. I booked the Suite Superior Double room for $303 per night, which included breakfast. Rates for this room type for two people can occasionally peak at $428, or drop to $280 in the offseason, but the hotel often runs deals making it 10 percent cheaper than its given rate. Other smaller rooms in the hotel run cheaper. I felt like I was in a movie as I rang the bell at Maritti’s massive wooden door, just across a snaking alleyway from the Forum. I was buzzed in, and a friendly staff member showed me to my room on the fourth floor (and gave me a detailed rundown of the neighborhood on a map). The room was marvelous: high, high ceil- ings; contemporary art from neighbor- hood painters; gauzy drapes framing win- dows overlooking Rome’s most famous ruins. There was a walk-through closet to a big bathroom, a large writing desk and a couch. Across the hall, there was a com- munal kitchen with coffee and tea. Frommy huge, comfortable bed (all one mattress), I woke up with a view of a seagull perched on an ancient wall, then sat up to gaze at the chariot atop the Altare della Patria. On a Sunday morning, I first heard the sounds of a neighboring church choir singing, and a little later, a woman practicing opera. It all felt incred- ibly Italian. Highlights: If the room doesn’t knock your socks off, the hotel’s rooftop will. I took an elevator to the top floor using a passcode, and my jaw dropped when I stepped outside. To one side, the ruddy tile rooftops of Monti were as picturesque as a post card. Across the street, the Forum. Furnished with tables and chairs, it’s a contender for best rooftop bar in Rome - just BYO vino and snacks. Lowlights: Because you’re literally across the street from a major tour- ist attraction, you’re going to get some street noise from tourists walking down the alleyway (thankfully, it’s not a major thoroughfare). As for the breakfast that was included with my room rate, the hotel has a partnership with a nearby restaurant where guests can exchange a voucher for a meal. The place felt like a tourist trap and did not match the elegance of the accommodations. I later learned this was a temporary arrangement, and guests will have their breakfast at Ristorante Mas- senzio Ai Fori fromMay onward. Did we get what we paid for? Abso- lutely. I hated to leave this chic, historic apartment. What a view! What a rooftop! What a great bed! The residence felt like an oasis, but in minutes you could walk to the Colosseum, or to the banks of the Tiber River or to Monti’s many shops and restaurants. The takeaway This is not a city for booking last- minute, particularly if you’re hunting for a bargain. Many of the most promising options I came across during my search were small, adorable ... and had been booked up an eternity ago. For the best shot at a decent budget option during peak season, plan far in advance, at least six months out. And for a better shot at a good value year-round, look beyond the center of Rome to more residential neighborhoods. Not only are they often cheaper, but they’re more peaceful, too. My favorite stay was at the Residenza Maritti; the view and the bed were un- beatable. But I would have been plenty happy if I’d spent the entire trip at Lazy Gio’s, where I could enjoy a more relaxed side of Rome (and have more money to spend on food and activities - like eating more food). By Natalie B. Compton Continued From Page 11

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjI0NDE=