From the moment we stepped into the hotel to the time we checked-out, every experience we had with the hotel was appalling, especially considering that the rate per night was around 450 euros. Thankfully, we stayed at this hotel for free through a rewards program, but even so, it was a massive disappointment.

The hotel staff was incredibly rude and had absolutely not even an inkling of understanding the concept of customer service. They gave you the impression that because they were feeling charitable at a particular moment, they would condescend to speak with you.

The hotel interior was very dark and depressing. There was a company meeting of some sort being held on the first floor and I just felt terrible for those poor people to have to suffer so.

My jaw dropped when we walked into the room, which was tiny - it pretty much only fit the bed - and like the rest of the hotel, it was dark, dank and depressing. The bed felt like two box springs piled on top of one another (I actually had to check and make sure this wasn't the case) and the pillows felt like a folded up army-issue blanket stuffed in a pillowcase.

The tables, walls and windows were draped in a sickly yellow damask fabric. The tables themselves were made of nailed-together particle board or plywood. The closets were also made of the same material and not even painted. As another reviewer mentioned, they threatened to charge you 105 euros if you forgot the combination to the minisafe. The bathroom was alright, it was about half the size of our room and slathered in marble. It definitely did not jive with the style of the rest of the room.

I have zero idea how they charge these prices for this level of hotel. I can't believe they even call this place a hotel. I've stayed at an Econo Lodge in Ithaca, NY that outshined this place. Now that I've said my piece, I'll just add that the two positive things were the chocolates left by our bed at night and the location - right by the Plaza Barberini.

Last words: If you have any sense of self preservation, DON'T STAY AT THIS PLACE!!!

We were pleasantly surprised with the Hotel Bernini after reading most of the bad reviews. The hotel is absolutely beautiful and is in an excellant location close in walking distance to the Spanish Steps and Via Del Corso. Our room and bathroom were very spacious according to European standards and were very clean. Our decor was an older Italian neoclassic style while our travel partners room was newly remodeled and contemporary. On the rooftop is a lounge and restaurant with a gorgeous view of the entire City of Rome. Staff was extremely helpful. This was our 8th trip to Rome and will definitely stay here again on our next visit.

The Bernini Bristol is a historic hotel in Rome, in a perfect location.
Unfortunately it has been left to the winds. The staff had all the signs of being neither trained nor managed.
The reception staff/ front desk was approximate. When we arrived they helped me out of the car ,when we left I carried my own bags out in the car. Parking was charged at almost EUR 50 a day.
I needed a telephonenumber in Oslo. In an empty reception nobody could help me. Buy 1 hour on the internet, and the only computer is busy, so you have a problem Madam.
In the dining room the waiters were bored and rude. I had to ask the waiter not to put his fingers where I put my mouth when bringing me the cappucino! In a 5 star Lux hotel!!!
The pillows in the bed killed our necks, a rude russian maid told me it was the only kind provided. Poor bathroom, very little light and poor toiletries. If we were unfortunate and were unable to open the hotel safe with our property inside, an EUR 105 fine would be charged! The room was clean, but badly in need of refurbishment. Gowns and slippers were provided.

I booked Hotel Bernini months in advance, for 2 nights in August of 2008. It had been recommended to me by a friend who lives in Rome. I did get a little nervous about my decision to stay here after reading all the trip advisor reviews, as so many reviews seemed to be so negative. Still, I trusted Roberto (my Italian friend) who had said the hotel was good, the location was great, etc.

Thank heavens I believed my friend, because we had a wonderful experience, a great two nights in Bernini. The location is indeed central to just about everything in Roma (with the Metro just steps from the front door). The staff were welcoming and accomodating, and helped us arrange (hard to find) 6 person van cabs for excursions. Our room was spacious enough for Roma, and immaculate. I never ran into mold or mildew...everything was fresh and clean (rooms, hallways, lobby etc). The view from the rooftop terrace is wonderful! We did not eat at the hotel, breakfast or anything else, so I can't comment on that. We did grab paninis from a great little cafe just kitty-corner to the hotel, very inexpensive (including aqua) every day!

I'm very glad we chose to stay at this hotel for our nights in Roma, the hotel met all our needs.