Borgo Ripa Urban Travel

I booked for two nights, and after the first night I came back to find housekeeping had cleaned my bed and all the belongings I'd left there were missing. They then told me I had to change rooms, without warning me beforehand or even asking me. They couldn't find my things, and didn't even check with the cleaning staff to see if anything had been moved. I lost a bag and several personal items, including my medication.

The room was fairly large but mostly empty, and the price was as high as a hotel room even though it felt like a basic room for two in a hostel. The website says there is heating and air conditioning, but our room had neither. There was no full-length mirror, nowhere by the small bathroom mirror to put a toothbrush or makeup, no jacket hanger, and no hanger in the wardrobe for clothes. We only got large shower towels, with no face towel or two foot towels for a couple. When I asked for extra towels, they wouldn't provide them because they sell them.

The courtyard view was lovely, with parrots and fruit trees, and it had the feel of an old palace. My room and the bathroom were clean, with enough room to organize my things. The desk staff were friendly too. It's handy for a bus and an easy walk to the Colosseum and Forum area. I loved staying here and would come back.

My favorite touch was the self-service espresso machine in the common area. The coffee was delicious, and the check-in staff were really friendly and helpful. The rooms and dorms are cute, roomy, and bright from the big windows; the bathrooms were spotless and modern, better than you'd usually expect in a hostel. The courtyard garden is beautiful and peaceful, but it seemed off-limits, even though there were no signs. I sat down with my cappuccino one morning and an angry staff member abruptly scolded me. That was confusing, since I'd relaxed in that same spot the evening before without any trouble. It's a lovely property with great amenities and front desk staff, but be careful where you sit outside.