Hotel Pensione Romeo

Our train was delayed by 80 minutes, so we reached the hotel 30 minutes after midnight. Thankfully, reception was still open and check-in went smoothly. The receptionist was especially kind, professional, and efficient. They also helped when we got a suspicious message about our Booking.com reservation. It was a WhatsApp request to complete online check-in, then the link asked for our card details to pay the city tax. We checked with the hotel through Booking’s official chat, and they confirmed it was a scam. Thanks to the attentive receptionist, we avoided any trouble. The hotel is handy for the train station, and we had a smooth, safe one-night stay with excellent service. I’d recommend it, especially if arriving late.

For a one-night stopover, at least it wasn’t too expensive. The location is useful for getting around, close to the train station and with a lovely street for food and drinks around the corner. The area itself isn’t very salubrious, whether because it’s Bari or because it’s near the train and bus stations. We knew it wasn’t a hotel, but their claim to speak English should mean more than “7, 2nd floor, 3 euros, tax and lift.” The lift was tiny, just fitting the two of us, our rucksacks, and one case. Our room was basic and generally clean enough, though the headboard slats were full of dust, or at least I hope it was only dust. There was a small enclosed balcony between the bedroom and shower room. The basic shower room was not very clean, the water was only warm, and the shower leaked. My Mrs nearly said she came out dirtier than when she went in! The best interaction with staff was the older gentleman who checked us out. He didn’t speak much English, but at least he smiled. The pictures definitely didn’t match our room, and my Mrs thought some seemed to show the furniture in the staff room.

The location is pretty good, convenient for the station and about ten minutes from the old town. We had no noise trouble, though our room was large and at the back. Some paint is peeling, there are damp patches above the shower, and the doors are scratched, so it could use redecorating. It wasn’t dirty, though. I’ve read plenty of reviews and think most are too negative. It’s reasonable value for the money, but it’s not the Sheraton. You get what you pay for.

We booked two nights but only stayed one. The location is close to the station, but we didn’t feel safe. The room wasn’t very clean when we arrived, with paper and crumbs on the table, and the bathroom was so rundown that we didn’t use the shower. The woman at reception wasn’t polite when we arrived, just asking for our document and pointing to the room. A different man at reception later was much nicer.