Before we arrived at the hotel our taxi driver got completely lost and had to phone for help with directions - so the hotel could be better signposted. When we arrived at the hotel the first face we saw was an incredibly miserable young woman on the desk, but fortunately the manager arrived and he was wonderfully happy and helpful. Our room was lovely, especially for the price, the only problem being that the "double" bed was actually two singles pushed together, which did make it somewhat uncomfortable. Also, the metal shutters over the door did make us feel a little uneasy about where we were staying, as well as feeling as if we were in a prison. The room & beds were big and comfortable, the minibar & safe were an added perk.
We were worried that travel into the centre of Rome; however it is really simple, as there is a bus that takes you directly to the metro, which then goes to the termini, and tickets can be purchased at reception, and are only one euro one way.
We ate one night at the hotel restaurant, which was expensive, like everything in Rome, but the food was delicious and the staff were so lovely.
The main problem was the pool was never open, and do not believe the pictures - it does not look so nice in reality, but obviously this was not an issue to us as we stayed here in November!
Overall a pleasant stay, the area is made out to feel dangerous but we had no problem, except one night where a group of students wandered in and sat in the lobby shouting until 3am. Easy for tourists, and for the price, it's a real gem!

We booked this hotel in the last possible minute. There were two big events in Rome - U2 concert and Finals of Volleyball world championship and all Roma hotels were blocked.

The hotel is far away from the city center. You can reach Rome with bus and metro for about 35-50 minutes depending on the waiting time at the bus stop. If you have a car - you can go to Anagnina metro station and park there at the free parking.

The rooms were OK - need some repairs but large enough. Bathrooms are also OK. It's not noisy, so you can have a good sleep.

We had a problem with the dinner. The hotel restaurant was working until 10 PM and it was very expensive. We asked for a place arround the hotel - no answer from the staff. There was a recommendation to ask people but there was nobody at the street. So, we started exploring the area and we finally succeeded. The place is called Pizzaria Stravinskij - very close to the hotel, the address is Largo Alfonso Favino, 15 and is situated between the residential area. The place is perfect - new one, with perfect kitchen, working until 11:30 PM and full with local people. You can see the way to the Pizzaria in the attached picture.

Here is our story on Petra Hotel:
My wife and I and our 1 year son booked this hotel in June 2010 for 5 night for 16th to 21st September. They replied and confirmed the booking and kindly asked if we need even a baby bed in our room. Also they mentioned that they need no advance payment but they'll charge the first night of our booking from our credit card in the case of not showing. Ok, that was perfectly fine for us.
When we reached the hotel though, after one train jurney from Fiuminino to Termini, one metro jurney from there to Ananina - the last station and one late bus from here to the hotel, the receptionist said our credit card was not valid so they had to cancel the reservation. Obviously was a big lie because they weren't suppose to charge our card or even check it as song as we were there on the day of our booking. And secondly, we booked our flight tickets to Rome from the same card, so the card was ok.
Anyhow, they refused to check us in. The situation was horrible - in a huge city, far from the center having a 1 year old baby with you... it was the worst experience ever. And belive me, we are experience travellers, working in tourism.

Anyhow, be very careful with Petra hotel - you can not trust this people at all.

Just back from a long weekend in Rome. We booked it as a last minute thing, so had limited options when choosing a hotel. Booked Hotel Petra as 1. It had a room available 2. It looked great on the website 3.It was (just) within our budget.

Firstly, yes, it's miles from Rome - to get there from the city itself you must get the metro to the furthest stop, Anagnina which takes 20-25 mins from the main terminal (the Metro is clean & efficient and a 75 min pass only costs 1 euro from the machine) from there to the hotel you have 2 options, the number 46 bus which runs every 15 mins and drops off 150 metres from the hotel, or the local taxis - DO NOT use these unless your very tired or in a desperate rush as they are a rip off ! The first time we were charged 13 euros for what is about a 2 mile journey and the second time the driver shot off at 80 mph in the wrong direction! After i protested he turned around, took us to the hotel but still insisted on taking 15 euros from me.
The Hotel offers a shuttle bus, this is not, as it states, a free service. You can use it at 9am or 10.15 in the morning and twice again in the evening, and that's it. We were told by the receptionist, who was rude and abrupt with us throughout the stay, that this service was at a cost of 5 euros per person each way. We used it the first day, until we found the bus, there were 6 people in the shuttle bus that day, all paying 5 euros each so the 30 euros they made for the 2 mile trip made the taxis look reasonable!!

First impressions of the Hotel, it needs a make-over and a gardener - all a bit shabby but the pool area is nice and once you're in, the reception is clean & tidy. As mentioned, the receptionist was rude, un helpful and abrupt but the bar staff and waitresses ( they have to do both jobs so if the restaurant is busy don't stand at the bar - you will have a long wait) ! were pleasant and helpfull. Felt sorry for them, they are woefully understaffed, three staff must have done 120 meals that night and as i say, had to look after the bar as well !
We booked B&B but on checking into the hotel the receptionist said breakfast was to be charged extra untill i argued otherwise and he backed down. Also tried to charge us 5 euros each when i asked for a towell for the pool, later saying it was just a deposit when we questioned this charge.

The rooms are ok, think old style travel lodge without the tea/coffe making facilities, small, but clean & tidy and they have a balcolny with poolside view if thats your fancy.

Breakfast was typical continental but with a good choice and decent selection of teas/coffees.

Evening meal, expensive, but Italy is. The food it self was delicious, had Carbonara & Fillet steak, the steak was fantastic and their was a good choice of local wines. We ate there twice but we found a great little Pizzeria about 250 meters away, difficult to find but if you ask, someone will direct you, it's literaly the only place nearby to eat but it's where all the locals go.

PS There is a mini market just around the corner where you can get all your essentials, beer and wine (2 euros a bottle)!