Domus Julia

The beds were comfortable, but that was the only good part. It seems to be a couple of bedrooms in someone’s apartment, and honestly it isn’t worth more than 80 euros. Hotel Julia is right next door, so it’s easy to think you’re booking a hotel, but this isn’t one. We were given a door code by the other business, the hotel, which was terrible. There are at least five nice hotels, boutique hotels or B&Bs just steps away. The shower is tiny and basically just a handheld shower head. The towels didn’t match, and the room wasn’t even a luxury room, despite what the door says. Maybe it once looked like the photos, but it doesn’t now. I really regret staying here. I ate breakfast every day at a nearby boutique hotel. The only interaction we had was with people asking for extra money for city tax and giving me the room code. To reach the room, you go through a door that’s always open and into a dark corridor.

A few things to know before booking: the room had old furniture and no phone reception or WiFi. There was mold in both the bedroom and bathroom, with the bathroom mold poorly painted over. One towel had a brown stain. The room didn’t look clean, with long hair on the bedside table, a very dusty lampshade, and brown bathroom grout. Sounds carried clearly from the hallway and other rooms, including the shower. When I brought up these conditions, the receptionist was unfriendly.

We picked this area of Rome and were encouraged by the good reviews. The location turned out to be just right, and the room was clean and comfortable. It’s probably a 2-3 star place, but the welcome was warm and the price was good.

The hotel itself was fine, but I left a hoodie there that meant a lot to me. I called five hours later, and the maid said it had never been there. I can only assume she took it for herself or a relative. One star until they have trustworthy staff.