Has anyone stayed at the Hotel Italia in Rome and impressions of same.

Thanks

Have you read through the reviews on Trip Advisor?

http://rome-hotels.tripadvisor.com/H...ome_Lazio.html

It used to be a "Rick Steves" suggested hotel, but in the last few years there have been some negative reviews on this board.

Don't know what negative posts there are. I can only tell you my experience. This place is centrally located and is one of the cleaner (make that cleanest) hotels close to the train station and metro. Also it is only a block from the main bus lines. It is listed as a 2 star but could act as a 3. It's family run, inexpensive, and quite a bargain, especially considering the great breakfast fare! The rooms are small and a bit spartan, but for budget-conscious travelers who would rather spend their money on things other than the hotel, this is the place to go. The staff is also kind and helpful. I stay here every time I am in Rome and recommend it.

Had a look at the tripadvisor comments and it seemed the guests that complained the most didn't realize the standards for a 2* hotel in europe. Complaints ranged from having to pay for AC (standard), small rooms, rooms having small windows, etc. When one goes for a budget/basic hotel - one needs to be prepared for what comes with it - and not expect the same conditions as an american chain hotel next to the local interstate.

I have to second what zola days.

We have stayed at Hotel Italia five times now...the latest being last year. It has never failed us. As zola says, it is basic but dollar for dollar, or euro for euro, it is the best deal in Rome. It is within walking distance (10 minutes) of Roma Termini as well as most of the key sites...10 minutes to the Trevi.

It has a very helpful front desk that is open 24/7 and the breakfast is good.

If you are staying during the summer I recommend paying the extra €10 for the AC. Let them know you want it when you make your reservation.

Also, there is a nice little trattoria directly across street that is frequented by the locals. Not great food but good food at a good price.

Assolutamente, nytraveler and jim21.

If people are expecting more than they paid for, they are only fooling themselves (and they don't know Europe). Having said that, this hotel nonetheless provides more quality for the price than any comparable lodging in Rome - and the location is ideal. Accommodations in the same vicinity can't come close to the standards this place sets (and can't match the room rates either).
And Oh Yeah, you're right jim21. I forgot to mention the convenient trattoria across the street. The food is not great, but good enough, and for a quick bite at a reasonable euro, it's a friendly and comfortable place to dine (especially on nights when you forgot to make a reservation somewhere else).

Yes - but for americans who haven;t traveled to europe there are aspects of budget hotels that would be surprisin. Here eery hotel has AC (Not necessarily a historic inn - in maine or something) but basically every place in the country has AC and no one would ever charge for it. And a hotel without elevators is unknown.

When you are used to new, cookie cutter budget motels by the highway (which have usually been either built or renovated in the last couple of years - even though they still may be quie unpleasant) old buildings and a kot of things come with them are a surprise.

And to people from the country or a quiet suburb the natural night noises of a city can be a surprise - and something they think the hotel should fix (AC or white noise machine).

And many don;t realize they are paying rock bottom prices - since those in europe are usually so much higher than budget motels next to the highway in the US (They forget they are in a world capital, not nowhereville.)

Alathough I don't know anything about Hotel Italia, there is another relatively inexpensive hotel in the same general area that I have stayed in and would recommend. It is the Hotel Aberdeen on Via Firenze. Very nice.