Aphrodite - Rome, Italy     

I stayed at Hotel Aphrodite on the returning leg of my weeklong trip to Italy recently in June. This hotel is situated virtually next to the Stazione Termini- so, it's great if you are leaving the city and don't want to have to lug your luggage around quite a bit at the end of a stay, being tired and all. I stayed 2 nights and was totally miserable there. The receptionist who checked me in was unfriendly and indifferent. When I asked about the bus to airport being advised in the lobby, all I got was a "I don't know, ask at the station" (and believe me, it was not the result of a language barrier). I found out later that this was the standard reply to any question in general (from different receptionists). The 100 euros per night for a single room OBVIOUSLY has not been invested in staff training on how to make guests "feel at home". Since I mentioned the price, I have to say the other peculiar thing was that the TV came without a remote control- and could not be switched on without it. You need to inquire for it at the reception counter (and they don't tell you that when you check in) AND PAY a deposit of 10 euros to use it. The room itself was just so-so. It was clean at least. The verdict is this: stay here if you are just going to be in Rome for a VERY short time and you want to be able to get the airport train/trains to other cities very easily. To the managers of this property- PLEASE hire some personable people to staff your reception and conduct some training. You guys are in the HOSPITALITY industry.

The location for the hotel is great. It's about 2 short blocks away from Termini Station, so you're close to Metro Lines A & B. My room was small, but since I was traveling on my own, that was no problem. There was no air-conditioning in my room. My only complaint about the hotel was that the customer service was pretty bad. I checked into the hotel with no greeting from the 2 people behind the desk at all! In fact, they conversed amongst themselves the whole time. When I checked out, someone (who appeared to be the hotel manager) was yelling at his entire staff of 5 in front of me and other customers. This was especially awkward. Overall impression: I wouldn't stay here again, despite the great location.