I'll echo this experience. Stayed on the 1st floor last week and was not impressed with the experience at all for the price paid (300 EUR++) for a Premium King Room. Awkward L-shaped room layout, e.g., the door swings opens with a full view of the bed, with one single window, no balcony. Room fixtures not in great shape (e.g., an electrical switch dangling off its socket, drippy shower, oddly noisy drains). Disappointingly noisy with audible footfalls and dragging furniture every morning. Great shower though.
Breakfast was included in our rate but we were never offered a made-to-order menu on the days we went. The breakfast lounge area is also far too small for the volume of visitors it gets (but perhaps this is limited to certain time windows?) and the dining experience doesn't feel relaxing at all. We skipped breakfast some days because of this (and because, well, we were in Rome). The "Premium" part of the room I suppose is reflected in a comped minibar, which as others have noted, does include a couple of beers and no fewer than three bottles of wine but we don't enjoy drinking in our room and would have much rather preferred a selection of mineral waters.
The bar/resto Terrace is in my view an overrated amenity and has very ordinary views, if you are looking for that kind of thing, especially because Rome has several other roof terraces with stunning views.
I will say that hotel staff is pleasant and the hotel's location is decent, assuming you don't want to be in the historical center every day. Villa Borghese is just across the street and you can be at the Gallerie Borghese or the Pincio Terrace within 15 minutes on foot. If you do want to be in the historical center though, be warned that an ATAC bus trip from here to Piazza Venezia just two-three miles away can take up to a shocking 45 minutes in rush-hour traffic! We found out the hard way and almost missed a reservation with a guide.
The Metro A at Espagna has an entrance very close by just off the Porta Principiana, but be aware that it requires a long walk down escalators and through several connecting passages.
My first time staying here and I personally would not return, even on points.
Originally Posted by
Single_Flyer
I stayed last July in Room 101 (same room, just four floors down) and had a different experience. AC barely worked; the room was extremely hot, though it was in the middle of summer. Loud room (both from the street and other rooms on the floor). No balcony. At least I didn’t have to worry about the elevator!