Adam B.
Yelp
I am a bit torn about this review. I must admit that there was a lot which I initially didn't like about the hotel ... but after a few days, it grew on me. If I wasn't paying over $500/night for the hotel, I might have loved it more. I will go through some of the good and bad, so you can make a decision. Most of the 5-star hotels in Rome were $750 - $1,500 per night. As a frequent visitor to Rome, I have never seen prices this high before. We also looked at Hotel Locarno, Villa Agripina Gran and Bio Hotel Raphael, which were in the same price range.
The great ...
- Location!! This is the best location I've stayed in while in Rome. Everything is fairly walkable. It's right next to the Jewish Ghetto which feels like The Gothic Quarter in Barcelona. Not much happening here past 9 p.m. but it is quiet and feels residential, away from the hoards of inconsiderate tourists. Trastevere is my favourite part of Rome and a short 8 minute walk across the Tiber River. Trevi Fountain and Pantheon are 10 minutes away. Coliseum and historic sights are a 15 - 20 minute walk. Spanish Steps 20 - 30 minutes. All safe. Tiger grocery store is right down the street.
- The rooms are bigger than most in Rome. Our junior suite was very spacious with very high ceilings and it felt open and airy. The bathroom was also very large.
- The shower was one of the best I've found at a hotel. It felt like a waterfall, it was so powerful and utterly relaxed us after a long day of walking.
- The staff was fantastic ... really. They were pretty personable, went out of their way to welcome guests and were just awesome, helpful people that made us feel like we were at home.
The not good ...
- Lots of nickle and diming. At this price range ... ($500+) usually breakfast is included. We were told it would be an extra 22 Euro each. We booked direct through the hotel but noticed breakfast was included on many 3rd party sites. They do give you 2 bottles of water each day but at this price point, usually hotels in Europe do a few freebies. We were celebrating a special occasion, which the hotel was aware of but no cake, prosecco or even a card was in the room.
- The noise is pretty terrible here. Scooters blast by the ally at all hours. They seem to empty the trash each morning from 3 a.m. to around 7 a.m. and when they do, it's in the ally next to the hotel and would wake even the most sound of sleepers. We both woke up several times per night and had our least restful sleep at this hotel.
- The bed feels like concrete. The hardest mattress I've ever slept on in a hotel.
The other stuff to know ...
There is a roof deck restaurant. Oddly, its a taco and tequila bare in Rome. On 2 of the nights we were there it was booked solid and we were denied entry. Lots of young locals go. Make sure to have a reservation. This hotel has almost no lobby space. 90% of the hotel's first floor is restaurant space. Given that we were not allowed to check in until past 3 p.m. there's nowhere to sit. The roof deck doesn't open until 4 ... or maybe even 6 p.m. What a waste of beautiful space and views! I literally cannot believe they don't let guests sit up there and enjoy the view in the afternoons, when it is closed, given that they have no lobby.
- Don't count on a late check out ... or early check in ... even if you book direct. We weren't allowed to check in until 3 p.m. and they could not give us a noon check out vs. 11 a.m.
Overall, this place felt comfortable and homey, if you are okay with modern/industrial vibes. The rooms were designed more for style over function in that there are not many places to put bags/clothes. Don't expect warm and cozy ... the vibe is more industrial and stark, which is oddly cozy in a way. We probably would return for the location and the staff when the prices were in the $300 range.