Cassia Hotel

The building’s exterior and lobby were a pleasant surprise, and the staff were friendly when we arrived. We spent one night there in June while walking the Via Francigena. We knew reviews were mixed, but our tour operator, whom we’d used before without disappointment, said there weren’t many options nearby. Our room was a letdown. Paint was peeling badly from the bathroom ceiling, one wall was cracked and in poor repair, and a panel and its trim on another wall were damaged and coming loose, with loose nails visible. I can’t say whether other rooms were like this. Renting out a room that’s visibly damaged and has clearly been neglected over time is disrespectful to guests, whatever the price or where they come from. We wouldn’t recommend the hotel. We raised it with our tour operator because we don’t think this establishment meets their standards.

The room was clean and very nice, though pretty bare-bones. The receptionist was always helpful. It’s an older property, and our room was in an apartment building across the driveway, on the second floor. I heard Americans often stay here. Since it’s on the Via Francigena, I’d recommend it.

The hotel’s away from the centre, as we expected, but getting there is easy. There are supermarkets, nice restaurants and other amenities close by in la Storta. I brought a group of students here for a trip, and it worked out really well for a large group. The rooms suited us perfectly, with good air conditioning that the students could control, which matters in the Roman heat. The staff were very kind, and the gentleman serving breakfast deserves a special mention for being so welcoming and interested in all his guests.

The breakfast was outstanding, and the staff were kind and helpful. You can find most of what you need nearby, and the hotel is budget friendly. The rooms are fine for what you need them for, which is sleeping. In summer, though, the AC wasn’t powerful enough for me. I also wish there were an ice machine and microwaves in the rooms, or at least one for everyone to use. Parking takes some skill to get through, so don’t send your new driver in there.