There's no doubt this hotel has a lot of character and history - you can imagine it was once a very grand place to stay in - but the charm ends in the antiques displayed in the corridors. The hotel really does need a lot of time and attention paying to the rooms.

While the room we stayed in was a good size, it was pretty spartan - just a bed, a wardrobe and a bedside table. The beds were hard and uncomfortable and the bathroom was basic. It reminded me of a room in a convent or something. We weren't expecting 5-star luxury, but to say this is 3-stars is probably pushing the boundaries somewhat, it's more like a backpacker's hostel.

Perhaps we were spoiled by the other fantastic hotels we stayed at on our Italian trip, but this stay really was a disappointing end to our holiday. We couldn't wait to leave.

When traveling I always stay in historic hotels fir their warmth and history. I have never stayed in a hotel with such good reviews that was so bad. The neglect of the structure, no repair for stucco that is damaged, no care in painting, tiles mis matched or nonexistent, chandeliers that show years of dirt, drapes missing, linens thin in need if updating and a previous review is correct as there are bed bugs in this hotel. Even in the lobby furniture. The staff were pleasant but the hotel does not invest in its upkeep. The breakfast was good but orange juice was not juice, but powdered orange drink, that's a certain sign of a direguard for quality, as well evidence from the moment one walks in if a disreguard for maintenance or restoration. At one time this must have been a fantastic hotel. You can see where the drapes would have hung & how when cared for it was beautiful. Now, I'd be pushing it to give it 2 stars. The ownership should put considerable investment into fixing and cleaning.

We stayed here only one night but a very nice hotel with lots of character. Staff was very friendly and helpful.

We spent four nights at the Royal Victoria in October. Provided you have done your research and understand that you are not booking into the Marriot, the Royal Victoria is a real find. It is a relic from the nineteenth century, full of the most fascinating furniture, pictures and artifacts. Take the time to explore the hotel - it is a treasure trove of Italian history. Our courtyard room (which I suspect was the cheapest category) was large and spartan but with a comfortable bed. Even allowing for European bathrooms being small, ours was the smallest I have ever seen. We had to shower with hands almost by our sides as otherwise our elbows hit the wall. It is possible that higher grade rooms had larger showers. The hotel's location was first class: on the river, a short walk to the shopping area and a few minutes further on to the railway station, and about ten minutes' walk to the tower. Apart from arrival and departure taxis, we covered everything by foot. As the hotel is located next door to the university, there are plenty of reasonably-priced places to eat. One real find, with possibly the best food of the trip, was Turiddo which was only a street or so from the hotel and is situated across the road from the university's law faculty. On coming out of the hotel, turn right and then right again at the first cross street. The restaurant is about a block down on the right. I would recommend the Royal Victoria, but given the bathrooms, perhaps for something less than four nights.