Let’s talk about our recent stay at the Holiday Inn near the bustling Mercato Monti in Rome. We spent four nights there, and while there were some positive aspects, there were also a few areas where the hotel could improve.
First, the good news: The hotel staff was consistently friendly and helpful. From the receptionists to the restaurant servers, everyone went out of their way to make us feel welcome. The rooms were a comfortable size, meticulously clean, and tidied up daily. The breakfast buffet offered a wide variety of choices, ensuring something for every taste. While the hot food wasn’t piping hot, it’s understandable given the large number of guests they cater to.
However, there were a few things that left us wanting more. The restaurant, while offering good pizza and pasta, was inconsistent in its quality. The gym was well-equipped, but the pool was under renovation. We weren’t informed about this beforehand, which would have been nice to know when making our booking. The bar was a lovely spot to relax, but the hotel was quite busy during our stay, so we didn’t get much opportunity to enjoy it. And while we appreciate the complimentary water, we would have liked a fridge in the room to keep it cool, especially given the hot weather.
One final note: On our last night, a tour group arrived, resulting in some noise late at night. This wasn’t the hotel’s fault, but it’s something to be aware of. Overall, a pleasant stay with some minor shortcomings.
A Nightmarish Stay: A Cautionary Tale of a Hotel in Rome
Oh, where do I begin? This was a stay I wish I could erase from memory. My arrival was marred by a delayed room, even though I arrived with a group booked by the same cruise line. When I finally got into my room, I was overwhelmed by a foul odor, so strong it nearly made me ill. The front desk staff, while polite, couldn’t offer a solution other than a room change. And even the new room wasn’t much better. It wasn’t clean, and the bathroom was in need of a good scrub.
The misery didn’t end there. Lunch in the hotel restaurant was a disaster. My pasta dish was overpoweringly salty and inedible, and despite voicing my concern, I was still charged for it. To top it off, I was incorrectly charged for two bottles of water from the shop. Despite repeatedly explaining the situation, the staff seemed to doubt my word, creating a frustrating and unpleasant experience. Needless to say, this is not a hotel I would ever recommend.
A Holiday Cut Short: An Allergic Reaction and a Hotel Disaster
This was supposed to be a dream vacation, but it turned into a nightmare. We were lured in by the pictures on TripAdvisor, which showcased a clean and inviting hotel. However, the reality was far from the photos. The first red flag was the difficult check-in process, requiring us to navigate a dark alleyway to reach the bar.
But the real problems started when we entered our room. It was filled with a strong, unpleasant odor, a mix of chemicals and perfume that was clearly trying (and failing) to mask something worse. The bathroom was unhygienic, and the sheets themselves reeked of perfume.
Things got worse from there. Our room key malfunctioned multiple times, requiring us to return to the front desk for assistance. The bathroom fixtures leaked, and the shower towel was soaked in a cheap perfume. After only one night, I had a severe allergic reaction, so severe I could barely see. We were forced to cancel our entire trip and head home.
This was a complete waste of our vacation and money. We’ve never experienced anything like it and would never recommend this hotel to anyone. If you’re looking for a cheap hotel, this might be your place, but be prepared for a lack of quality and hygiene.
