I chose Hotel Rubino for a one-night stopover on my way from Florence to the Rome Airport because it was (relatively) inexpensive and very close to the Termini railway station. Big mistake. When my family of 6 arrived, we were informed that the air conditioning system was broken, and that they were transferring us to Hotel Ploanet around the corner (this was after we had toted our luggage up four flights of stairs in 90 degree heat). We brought our baggage down again, and walked the two blocks to Hotel Planet. Except it wasn't Hotel Planet, it was Hotel Blu. Our heads, at this point, were spinning. What hotel were we staying in? The neighborhood is more than just a bit downscale. It is, literally, on the wrong side of the tracks. Seedy characters, night-time sleaze of all kinds, an off-putting smell. We were happy to leave in the morning. I would not recommend any of the hotels in this group to anyone. Look at a map of Rome. Do not stay on that side of the Termini. Hotels on the other side may cost 10-15 euros more, but if you can afford that difference, I say it's worth it.

-p.w.
boston, massachusetts

The most horrible hotel experience of my life......during our honeymoon we walk into the room and the floor is filthy, there is stains on the wall, there is mold and paint peeling on the ceiling of the shower, the bed is broken, the tv remote doesnt work, the shower head is broken and sprays water into light fixtures.....health hazard, safety hazard, tiny dirty room.....the hotel is not a traditional hotel, it is actually a single floor in a building complex....the breakfast is stale bread and butter/marmalade....to top it all off the staff at the hotel could not care less about anything and are rude without exception......enjoy the pictures and stay away from hotel planet (aka hotel rubino!!)!!

Smelly, with rodants crawling in room. Bathroom is that small that you can't even swing a cat in it. If you are a plus size person, don't even attempt having a shower unless you like the idea of one foot in the toilet and another out the window. That's how small the shower is. Could not wait to get out of that place.

Hotel Rubino is also known as Hotel Planet, Hotel Milazzo, Hotel Robinson and Pension Mary. Each name represents a floor in one building offering the same rooms, prices and 'services'. The rooms are relatively clean, but make sure you dont end up next door to the breakfast room as you will be woken up at 7 am without fail. The breakfast on offer is nothing more than a not so fresh bread roll and marmalade. With the exception of Daniele, don't expect anything in the way of customer service from any of the staff. Everything is too much to ask, even requesting a forgotten hand towel will get you a rude rebuffal. Also, keep a steady eye out for pick-pockets on crowded buses, they do exist openly and operate daily. Other than that Rome is one of the best cities in the world to visit.