Contessa Arrivabene Antica Dimora

We asked for an iron and were handed one with dangerous wiring. The safe in our room wouldn’t open, and when we raised it, the manager shrugged while the receptionist said it was broken and nothing could be done. There was an open access hatch in the shower room, and no phone in the room despite a reception notice saying to dial 0 if we needed anything. We also couldn’t get clean towels during our four days or extra toilet paper. Dirty coffee cups from the night before were left behind. The room was filthy, dusty and gloomy, and we had to clean the mirror ourselves. The shower room was so cramped that my chin hit the basin when I sat on the toilet, with no space to stand after showering. The hotel is miles from central Rome, on a steep slope with lots of stairs. The metro is a 20-minute walk away, so you need a taxi or the metro, and there’s no lift to the top floor. Nobody offered to help with our luggage. There was nowhere nearby for food, and they had no restaurant suggestions, so thank goodness for Google. The owner and manager was miserable and unfriendly, didn’t speak English, and was on his phone all the time. He relied on translations from the receptionist, and every answer to our requests was negative. The worst hotel we’ve ever stayed in. Don’t go there.

My daughter and I had such a friendly, lovely stay here. We could walk or take taxis to the busier parts of Rome. They provided fresh towels, and the front desk was very friendly and available. We hope we can come back someday!

The staff were awesome, helpful and accommodating, and we had a beautiful room. Breakfast was wonderful, with croissants, eggs, bacon, juice and coffee. I really enjoyed staying here and highly recommend the hotel. Arrivederci!

Getting food or a drink after hours wasn’t possible, and what a child brought to our room as breakfast didn’t feel like enough. The stay was enjoyable, though a little strange. Our room was lovely, decorated in an opulent, over-the-top style. These boutique places sound appealing, but the practical side can be different. I’d recommend a branded hotel in Rome.