to Uma:hotel choices
 

I see that you chose the D'Inghilterra Hotel in Rome.We have reserved a Junior suite there.Why did you choose that hotel?We have almost been scared off by the horrible reviews on Trip Ådvisor.We were referred by a close relative who loved it.Your input,please?

Why would you choose the hotel also if the reviews are so bad? There are so many recommended on this forum..and others.

I chose the hotel because of recommendations of someone who has recently stayed there and because I respect their taste.Uma's recommendation was very positive.I am a newcomer to Travel Advisor and I am not sure about the taste of its reviewers. I would hope that my question would be treated in a kindly fashion.

Here's Uma's trip report. You can ask her yourself.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34887568

We stayed at Helvetia & Bristol in Florence in 2005 (mixed reviews in Trip Advisor, but very good reviews elsewhere and recommended by our travel agent - I use our T.A. to book hotels as they belong to Virtuoso and can get added perks). Our room there was small, but location was good, restaurant was very good and the staff was wonderful. Hotel d'Inghilterra is a sister hotel to H&B. Again, mixed reviews on Trip Advisor, but I rely on many sources when doing research(T.A., Fodors, Frommers, other guidebooks, internet message boards, Karen Brown's books, travel magazines). As noted in my trip review (thanks, Sandi, for the link), our experience at d'Inghilterra was a very positive one. Everyone's experience of a place will be different, as you've seen. Our expectations are different. I would think your relative's recommendation would carry alot of weight in your decision. Sandi's correct, too, that there are many other good places that may get better reviews. I think the bottom line is to do as much research as you can, weigh all the information, and then cross your fingers that your choice will be a good one! If you do go with d'Inghilterra, I hope that you will be happy with that choice.
And post a trip report on your return. Have a wonderful time, wherever you choose to stay.