Sonder - Piazza Cavour

The room was clean, comfortable, and quiet, and it's well placed for getting around on foot. The Colosseum is about a 30-minute walk if you're fit enough, and Vatican City is quite close. You're near the sights without being surrounded by crowds and noise. We had a bit of trouble with the socket adapters, so we ended up charging our phones in the bathroom. It wasn't a big deal. The old building's lift has its own quirky charm, though it's very narrow to get in and out of. I'm not sure how someone larger or a wheelchair user would manage. Staff were rarely around, but I had a pleasant stay and would come back.

The room was far too small for me, my wife, our toddler, and my elderly mother. Calling it a suite is hard to take seriously. We could barely fit a twin bed comfortably, and there was hardly space to move around our luggage. We booked this place, "Piazza Cavour Suites," for what should have been a dream trip to Rome for my mother, who'd wanted to visit all her life. It became a nightmare. When we arrived, nobody was there to welcome us or help with our bags, and nothing seemed ready. The room was filthy, with visible dirt and grime on the floors and stains on the bedding. We found mold in the sink, shower, and even the coffee maker, white and green. The staff were rude and unhelpful when we asked for cleaning, and brushed off the mold as though it didn't matter. We'd booked partly because air conditioning was advertised, since Rome in summer can be unbearable. But the building's air conditioning units had all been removed. It was over 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the room at night, and the fan didn't work either. We couldn't sleep and were worried about my toddler and mother in that stifling heat. I called the owner to ask for a refund and explain how unacceptable it was. They offered a free crib for our toddler as compensation. We checked out as soon as we could and found another place. This was the worst hotel experience of my life. I think "Piazza Cavour Suites" is a bait-and-switch operation taking advantage of tourists. Avoid it. I'd give zero stars if I could.

The room was basic, with a bed, fridge, and TV, but it was clean, tidy, and comfortable. The location is the main thing: cross the river and you're in the city centre in about five minutes, or walk the other way and reach the Vatican in about ten. If I return to Rome, I'd definitely stay here again.

We were in a bind after being scammed by another terrible hotel, Urben, and needed somewhere for two nights at very short notice. Rafaelle helped us a week ago, even waking up when we called at 1am. He set up an extra bed and was so kind, despite being sleepy. The area is really quiet too. We'll definitely book with you next time.