Hotels

We found this hotel on Last minute as part of a pretty cheap deal and chose it based on the location, but we were quite worried when we read the series of scathing reviews on Trip advisor and even... more

We found this hotel on Last minute as part of a pretty cheap deal and chose it based on the location, but we were quite worried when we read the series of scathing reviews on Trip advisor and even more so when we arrived and were told we were staying in the dreaded 'annexe'. However we decided to make the best of things and were escorted by polite staff across the road to a beautiful old building where we were given a room on the 4th floor. Our room seemed to have been recently redecorated, I'd say the bathroom fittings were almost new and it was nicely decorated with wooden floors and classically patterned wallpaper. The bed was big and very comfortable, including the pillows, and the towels etc were good quality. We had a tv which we had no issues with and french doors leading onto a small private balcony. The bathroom had a bath and hand held shower which did lead to a certain amount of water sprayage - but then it's not my bathroom so I don't have to worry about the mess or the damp! The room was cleaned every day while we were out, we are quite picky but were very happy with the standards of cleanliness throughout. We also found the room very quiet, no traffic noise at all, possibly as we were on the other side of the hotel. Breakfast was great, we took the opportunity to eat in the sunny courtyard which was very picturesque, and enjoyed the range of bread/fruit/yoghurt etc and especially the espresso coffee brought to the table. Location-wise the hotel was very close to the Piazza del Popolo, five mins walk from the metro station and also an easy walk to the Spanish Steps. We walked almost everywhere, including back to the hotel from Trevi fountain. We stayed in the hotel for 3 nights and probably paid around 100 EUR a night, it seems that we got lucky with our room and paid a bargain rate but I'd have to say we had a very positive experience and it's hard to believe some of the reviews on here are referring to the same place we stayed at. About the only disappointment of our visit to Rome was a very unpleasant meal at Gusto (recommended by Lonely Planet - we should have known). The staff were blatantly rude and the food was average and over-priced. Ad-hoc down the road from the hotel was a much more positive experience, as was the random little trattoria we found with a litre of house red for 5 EUR. Close

This hotel capitalizes on the Hip Hotel description it once got. I don't know if it was true then, but it is absolutely not the case now. The rooms are 1-star quality and in very bad shape with... more

This hotel capitalizes on the Hip Hotel description it once got. I don't know if it was true then, but it is absolutely not the case now. The rooms are 1-star quality and in very bad shape with maintenance completely absent for years. We first had a room with a howling ventilation system which couldn't be turned off. Then we moved to a room with a real bad smell in the bathroom. There are no facilities matching the official description and consequently the price is outrageous compared to the quality you get. The staff is polite, but inactive and sleeping. Good intentions but no cigar!! The location is OK and not disturbed by traffic noise like many other hotels in Rome. But if you want to stay at this hotel, negotiate a price discount to € 125 - € 140 max. Close

This hotel is a rip-off. It pretends to be quirky and chic but the rooms are very shabby and the service is unreliable. This hotel charges 4 star prices - 250 euros - but the rooms are 2 star. To... more

This hotel is a rip-off. It pretends to be quirky and chic but the rooms are very shabby and the service is unreliable. This hotel charges 4 star prices - 250 euros - but the rooms are 2 star. To be fair the bathroom was quite nice but the bedrooms are drab and depressing. Don't expect a comfortable night's sleep here - the beds are all very old (I asked to see other rooms and the beds - even in their 'deluxe' suite - were all ancient and lumpy). The concierge is not great - he told us the Sistine Chapel was closed when it was open (we took his word for it and missed our opportunity). They have free bikes but we had to wait half an hour while they looked for the key to unlock them. Our bags were put in the wrong room. Quite good breakfast. If this hotel charged about 150 euros it would be okay but at present prices, the experience of this hotel is very disappointing. Close

We stayed for three nights at the Locarno, the hotel is very nice, elegant with extremely helpful staff & a good breakfast. The situation is excellent with easy & quick access to all the sights in... more

We stayed for three nights at the Locarno, the hotel is very nice, elegant with extremely helpful staff & a good breakfast. The situation is excellent with easy & quick access to all the sights in Rome. Unfortunately our room, 501, in the Annexe, overlooks the open dining/drinking area and this can be very noisy, with, on one night, loud music until the early hours. I would recommend the hotel but avoid this room! Close

Our room was across the street in a residential block of apartments . No view at all , dark, depressing but it did have a small kitchen in it which came in handy to cook because Rome is so expensive... more

Our room was across the street in a residential block of apartments . No view at all , dark, depressing but it did have a small kitchen in it which came in handy to cook because Rome is so expensive to eat out. £6/9 a pint . Although Hotel looks lovely across the street, great staff but cold bacon and scrambled egg aint really our thing. Although its location is fantastic just around the corner from Trevi fountain, spanish steps and the piazza de popolo and a metro station which takes you everywhere you need to get too. 1st time in Rome and will definately go back but would like a better room next time. For £150 a night I feel not just robbed but violalated. Humans right issue ? lol. But saying that we had a fantastic time in such a beatiful city with so much to see. Close