This hotel was perfect for my needs: a no-frills overnighter close to the Termini station in order to catch the train for a *very* early flight out of the Rome Fiumicino Airport. The room was clean and moderately spacious; the water pressure was excellent; I felt that my belongings were secure for the day while I meandered around the city for a few hours. However, I would not recommend this hotel for a longer stay in Rome. Being so close to the Termini means it's loud at night - even with the courtyard that did an excellent job of blocking out much of the noise. The streets around the Termini are crowded, noisy, packed with vendors and other characters who want to part you from your money - both legally and otherwise. Even just a few blocks away makes a huge difference.
I was informed upon check-in that I needed to pay in cash, even though I had confirmed my reservation online with a credit card. The desk clerk said that the credit card machine was broken; when I told them that they had my credit card information on file and could just charge me once their machine was working again, I was told "No, this is not possible." I had time to go to an ATM machine, but it was an inconvenience I would have rather forgone. Other than that, the service was fine.
Romantic getaway? Not even close. But serviceable, for sure.
***NOTE: after reading other reviews on TripAdvisor and Venere.com, I discovered that they've had a "broken credit card machine" since at least 2007. I've changed my mind and would not recommend this hotel to anyone, even someone just staying overnight, based upon this piece of evidence. Hotel Chicago: either start accepting credit cards, or stop accepting online reservations. Misrepresentation through lying is both unethical and distasteful. You won't see my business again.
- Chicago Hotel Rome
