New Generation Hostel Rome Center

BED BUGS, BEWARE I hardly ever leave reviews, but this was one of the worst hostel stays I’ve had, and other travelers should know what to expect, especially solo women thinking about booking the mixed dorm. The “22-bed mixed dorm” description is misleading. It’s basically a hallway of tiny cubicles with two beds each, separated by broken accordion-style plastic doors. They offer no privacy, sound insulation, or real security. I was alone in one cubicle with a man I’d never met. When I asked staff whether I could move rooms or have a safer arrangement, they dismissed me and wouldn’t help. Most hostels at least try to avoid leaving a woman alone with a male stranger when she says she’s uncomfortable. There was very little security. People could enter the dorm area through the main entrance without a key, the dorm door couldn’t be locked, and it stayed open all the time. Anyone could walk in from the street, in what felt like a sketchy area near Roma termini. Sleep was almost impossible. The hallway light was on constantly, with light and noise coming through the flimsy cubicle door. The room was unbearably hot, and there were no blinds on the window. The bathrooms were in poor shape too, with visible mold, broken locks, and no hand soap. Hygiene clearly wasn’t a priority. After just one night, I woke up covered in bed bug bites on my arm. I didn’t feel safe, so I left after that night and asked for a refund. They refused, saying I’d left voluntarily, even though they hadn’t offered a solution or compromise. What a complete waste.

My bunkmates said they’d been bitten too, and past Google reviews describe bed bugs and employees or ownership blaming guests. I should have researched this dump more, but I expected basic accommodation for the price, not conditions this unsanitary. I’d never had bed bug bites before staying here. They covered my whole body, and my left arm swelled badly enough that I needed steroid cream. Nearly three weeks later, I’m still recovering. With so many upsetting reviews and photos, I’m surprised the ministry of tourism hasn’t stepped in.

The mattresses were the most comfortable I’ve ever slept on, and the rooms were good. The WiFi was the one letdown, the connection is weak. It’s a great base: about 12 minutes on foot from the colosseum, or 8 if you walk at a decent pace, and close to Termini, the main train and bus station, as well as metro links. There’s also a cheap 24-hour corner shop next door, with plenty of history and beautiful basilicas nearby.

A private room is my advice. The six of us booked together expecting one room, but were split across four, and three women ended up in a room mostly occupied by men. Some of the girls staying longer had booked a four-bed room together, but were told to pay another 40€ in cash to get it, even though the room was available. Otherwise, all four would be separated. We were also charged a random 60€ fee on arrival, cash only. I’m pretty sure they pocket that money. The staff seemed like scammers and were kind of rude to us. One employee asked me not to leave a bad review, and I tried not to, but people should be warned. The bathrooms had no soap, which is disgusting, and the bathroom in my room was run down with a shower broken in several ways. They clearly don’t maintain the place. I’ve never had such a bad hostel experience.