Very disappointed in our room. It was shabby and more like a cheap two star although the hotel public areas were 4 star. I booked the lowest category, a classic room. The next category up was the delux which was almost 80 euros more a night. All the great reviews must be from people staying in a delux room, peaked into them on leaving and they were lovely. I think also I got a non renovated room. Been using Ricks recommendations for 20 years all over Europe, this is my only disappointment. Good location though. We were tired on arriving so I did not ask to be moved, big mistake, see the room first or book delux only.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
I had the same experience here in CA. I checked in and was given a dumpy room next to registration. The door lock didn't work properly, so I was given another, much better, room without additional cost. I think sometimes you get the room that's been cleaned already. It doesn't hurt to ask for another room. I usually wait too long to decide I don't like my room!
Posted by
Pacific Northwest
2679 posts
So we stayed there in April of this year in a Classic Double. It was 142 Euros per night with breakfast. It was large, modern and had a little sitting area as well. It did not have a view at that price...looked over an interior courtyard. I guess it would pay for future travelers to ask check their room out before committing...we really like this place and thought it was a fine value for Rome and a great location.
Posted by
OP
Longwood, Florida, USA
56 posts
I stayed July 6 2016. Paid 180 euros. Location and rest of hotel great, just our classic room was a beat up dump and next to elevator which I specifically asked not to be. I had booked 8 months ahead so did not spring upon them. We were very beat from traveling but I should have changed rooms, my fault. When checking out someone was asking to be moved. All the glowing reviews on tripadvisor must be people not stuck in an unrenovated classic room. Rick's people need to stay in a classic room and not identify themselves for a fair review. The review he gives could not be based on my room. In short, don't be meak, ask to be moved or do not book a classic room, do delux. I was on 2nd floor in back. Also do not stay on side where Gelato store is, noisy.
Posted by
US
605 posts
We stayed there in 2011. The hotel was fine. Our only complaint had to do with other guests and not the hotel or staff. Now we stay up the street at the Aberdeen, which we find more enjoyable.
Posted by
616 posts
I once stayed there and room was ok. At Times however when special events are being held in Rome, room is far more expensive. In Rome I enjoy home@rome near St Peter's. Two Very friendly guys And cleaning Lady to welcome you, always trying to help
Posted by
3 posts
Sounds like we got lucky...for once :) Booked a classic triple via hotel email on website. Asked for best RS & cash payment discounts. Paid 395€ (2 night total including third person nightly fees). Stayed August, 2016.
Our room was a happy surprise. TALL ceilings, huge crystal chandelier, extremely spacious, two windows opening onto Piazzo de Monte Citorio, super large updated bathroom, beautifully decorated, sitting area with sofa (third bed) & two large comfy chairs. Breakfast was very pleasant (especially the Nutella packets enjoyed by our ten year old daughter!) and the cappacino was very yummy. They were very accommodating scheduling return airport shuttle and answering other random tourist-y questions.
Location was perfect and walkable for everything we wanted to see & do on our quick stop in Rome - Pantheon (>4 minutes), Trevi (8-10 mins). Trastevere, Spanish Steps, Colloseum...also all easily walkable from hotel. We did take a taxi to Vatican Museum just to ensure we wouldn't miss our early reservation, but it could've been walked.
Maybe they thought I would write a review here so we got the good room? Either way, thumbs up from us!
Posted by
OP
Longwood, Florida, USA
56 posts
Now I am really mad, I paid almost the same amount for a small shabby room, needed twn beds maybe that narrowed selection, not sure what happened, Don't be a fool like me and accept the first room. I should have mentioned Rick or Trip Advisor, good point.
Posted by
824 posts
After my trip to Venice-Florence-Rome last fall, I don't think I'll ever stay in hotels on destination vacation trips again. We had the most beautiful and convenient 2 Bed/2 Bath apartments for well under the cost of two mid-range city-center hotel rooms.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC, Canada
1313 posts
It is hard to compare hotel prices for different seasons or even days of the week given supply and demand. It will only upset you more.
One tip is to make a friendly call to the hotel the day before you check in to confirm your arrival, especially if late in the afternoon. My theory is that if you get the front desk to look at your booking the day before, they may allocate you one of the nicer rooms if available the following day. At the very least, it gives me some comfort knowing that there is a room waiting. Another tip is not to send too many emails or phone calls before you arrive. If you annoy them, you will get a negative result.