B&B Via Roma 15

The room was comfortable to sleep in and clean apart from some hair and fluff under the beds, and the location was close to the center. But the stay was a terrible experience. We had found the property on several websites and its own site, and booked by phone after seeing what looked like a historic entrance and beautiful room photos. When we arrived, the owner, or someone representing him, took us to a different, unpleasant-looking building that seemed recently built. Our room was on the fourth floor. The old, appalling elevator was barely one square meter, so I took the stairs instead. The host didn't explain why the photos showed something else or seem to think it was unusual that we'd booked one place and got another. He could have called us, but didn't. He also asked rather indiscreetly why we were traveling and gave unsolicited advice. The room was extremely noisy. There was no B&B, since breakfast was completely absent, and no amenities at all: no coffee machine, coffee, water or fridge. We only got two sets of towels for a triple room. We also met the other guest, who thought she'd booked an entire apartment with a bedroom, kitchen and bathroom, but found herself in a room with a bathroom and only a mini-fridge. She'd paid for an apartment for three people, with a receipt showing a photo of what she believed she'd booked, yet was charged extra in case her husband arrived. Misleading advertising and indifferent staff. Terrible experience.

Room 2, which I think is the red room, was in the building across the street from the B&B. It shared an entrance with another room, but a corridor kept the spaces separate, so there was no risk of disturbing each other. The room was clean, welcoming and air-conditioned. Breakfast was at the café downstairs, using a ticket from the manager. There's no private parking, though the nearby streets are quiet and it was easy to find a spot. The location is right in the center, around the corner from the pedestrian area, the square with the soundboard, the cathedral and historic buildings. It could be a convenient base for places nearby, like Alberobello.

The location is central, with everything close by, but I'm not sure this really qualifies as a B&B. In my view, this kind of family-run place should provide breakfast on site, rather than a meager breakfast at a bar with a ticket. The brochure also says rooms and bathrooms are cleaned daily. After a bad day at the hospital, I came back once to find the room untouched, with an unmade bed and uncleaned bathroom. I politely asked the owner why, and she seemed annoyed. She said it was Sunday and even the cleaner had a day off, though it was Saturday. She also said that if I were in Rome, I'd see many B&Bs that don't clean. I was shocked and didn't say anything. When she asked if I needed something, I just said no, thanks. The next morning, before heading to the hospital, I made the bed myself. My husband was kind at check-in and check-out. Earlier in the week, I had stayed at a different B&B nearby because this one wasn't available for all the nights I needed. There I got excellent breakfast, great kindness, cleanliness and plenty of help, which is what I expect from this sort of place.

The people were kind and helpful, and the room was lovely, carefully put together and very clean. The bathroom was spacious too. My one suggestion is about breakfast at the bar. I had a disagreement with the barista over the amount, because if you're used to having a brioche, coffee and fresh juice, I didn't understand why you had to choose only two items. It's just a suggestion to take a great stay and make it perfect. Either way, I recommend the place 100%. Thanks.