We made a reservation with the Hotel Bolivar, but upon arriving, the manager told us that our rooms were not available due to a sudden water problem (we were shown a ceiling in the entrance that had water damage, but it appeared old, and there was furniture beneath it!)

We were offered a room at a nearby recently renovated hotel, which the manager marked for us on a map. However, when the complimentary van dropped us off, the hotel was not at the location indicated (it was much further away from the main tourist sites, etc.). The second hotel quoted a rate that (amazingly!) was the same as our first rate. The hotel was somewhat run down - only some of the guest rooms had been renovated.

We knew we probably getting taken but it was already getting late, so we took the rooms rather than trying to find alternate arrangements. Upon returning home, we learned that the second hotel charged us twice their normal rate.

We were extremely pleased with our choice of the Bolivar Hotel in Rome, mainly because of its great location. We were able to walk to the Trevi Fountain in one direction, and to the Colosseum in the other direction. The room was comfortable and bigger than what we had expected. The hotel is located just off a main street but in a quiet courtyard, and we slept well. The staff was courteous and helpful, and spoke English. Breakfasts on the third floor were fine. No faults at all with this hotel, yet if I was forced to say something negative, because no place is perfect, it's the fact that when returning to the hotel by foot after a long day of sightseeing, you have to climb a small hill from Palazzo Venezia and/or a steep set of stairs on Via Della Cordonata. Highly recommended!

It's difficult to find a moderately priced hotel in Rome but this place is it. The hotel sits at the end of a small, short alley. As we were in Rome during a time when A/C is not used the road and outside noise that can keep you awake is nil. The English speaking desk staff is competent, quick and helpful with tour tickets, car to the airport (50 euros) and restaurants. It is about 8-10 minutes walk fro mthe Trevi Fountain and the Piazza Venezia.
Seafood Restaurant in walking distance: Corte del Grillo osteria. Fish was fresh and the English speaking staff customized our meal to what we want and how much. Reasonable, too.

We just returned from 3 nights at the Hotel Bolivar. The location was fantastic, you can walk to most of the sights in Rome: the Colseium, Trevi Fountain and we even walked back from Easter Mass at St. Peter's Square. The staff were very helpful in answering questions, providing a clean room and serving a wonderful breakfast. We used hotel points for our stay. Our room was basic, clean and everything was in working order. I read the previous review and while I can understand disappointment when the room does not look like what is pictured, it's been my experience that expectations regarding star ratings for rooms in Europe can differ greatly from room ratings in the US. I.E., a five star in Europe probably will not be considered a 5 star in the US. I typically spend a few days in a city and want to explore. I love being able to walk out my door and go to sights quickly and easily and not have the hassle of additional transportation to and from. In this senario, in European cities, where you are very near the attractions (and in a safe area), I find that I typically give up room size and some ammenities and that often times with the star rating, that location is taken into account. Our stay at the Hotel Bolivar allowed us to experience all of Rome, right out our front door. I would go back in a heart beat!