We arrived at the Baglioni for the first part of our honeymoon and we had splashed out on this one. What a disappointment. The staff were incredibly rude, most probably used to dealing with business customers and guests who are rude to them. The first room we were offered smelt stale and was a bit dingy. It's ensuite had no extractor, so filled with steam within minutes of putting the shower on and the shower leaked.

Plucking up the courage to complain, I did so. At reception I said I was not happy with my room - to be met with a cold response. After stamping my feet, they reluctantly showed me another room - with twin beds! In the capital of love, it took ten minutes of arguing that I was on my honeymoon and would not be sleeping in separate beds before I finally got shown an acceptable room. This was too much hassle for only three nights.

For the remainder of the stay, we did not spend much time in the hotel, avoiding the frosty doormen and desk attendants. We did not eat there either - this too looked unwelcoming.

We were glad to see the back of the Baglioni. If we visit Rome again, we think we will try a 3*/4* which might offer a slightly friendlier service.

This is a very luxurious elegant hotel. However its almost too stuffy. You don't get a warm feeling from the staff and during breakfast which was excellent (except for the bacon) you almost feel you have to whisper.

Although they will do anything you ask (from freshly cooked eggs to crisping up the bacon) they are so formal that you are almost afraid to ask.

Our room was elegant although a bit small for 3 people, the bathroom was beautiful although you couldn't open the door all the way because of the bidet.

I just returned from a fabulous trip to Italy...a week in Venice, a week in Siena for the Palio horserace ( a once-in-a-lifetime MUST) and ended with 2 days in Rome at this hotel, The Regina Baglioni. Within a day I had a list of infractions with the concierge, Lorenzo. He had an "attitude' and never smiled, was not thorough with directions or making suggestions, was rude and condescending...I could go on and on. I told him in a loud voice that he was ruining my stay at this hotel. This is a Virtuoso property and a 5 star property. I insisted on a meeting with the GM and I got it, against Lorenzo's wishes. I was prepared for a real confrontation. Instead, The GM, Signor Falconieri, was listening intently, did not interrupt me, was genuinely concerned and sorry for my incidences with the concierge. He could not have been more gracious and apologetic. He handled me so appropriately and considerately that I was amazed at how he turned my big bag of lemons into lemonade. He insisted that my party of three have dinner gratis that evening in the hotel (an excellent meal) and he spent the entire evening in the restaurant to be sure that all was perfection for us...and it was. This man is a gem and I hope the owners of this hotel appreciate him. I cannot imagine how anyone could have made the situation any better. Unfortunately, I did notice that there is an "attitude" in some of the hotels in Rome as I did get brochures from other five star properties. Maybe it should be explained that a smile and a genuine warm welcome does wonders in the hospitality industry. I had no such problems at the beautiful converted palazzo, The Grand Hotel Continental in Siena, another five star Virtuoso property. As a matter of fact, a young clone of John Cleese from "Fawlty Towers" was behind the desk...he couldn't do enough for us...Nabil. Very charming and effusive and all our wishes were thought of by him before we could think of them! The coup de gras was running into Daniel Craig at the elevator...Bond, James Bond. It doesn't get any better than that!!

We stayed here the other weekend and had a really lovely time. To be honest I normally go for more modern hotels (like the 'design hotels' group) but I really liked the big drapes and marble floors. I wouldn't have it in my living room, but it was really luxurious & decadent for a weekend away.
Having read the reviews I was a little worried that when we were lead to the end of the corridor and down some stairs that we'd end up in an old room with broken air con, but the room had just been renovated and the aircon worked as it should. There was no bath but there was a huge swanky shower. Toilettries had a nice scent. Mini bar was full. Breakfast buffet had everything you might want.
We found the staff chatty and helpful. The most dissapointing thing was that the website says there is a roof terrace, but there isn't. But we went round to the hotel Eden for that instead (lovely view at dusk).
I guess even a 5 star hotel is what you make of it, but I thought this one had character. Well, we had fun anyway!!