I stayed at the Hotel Everest 1 back in October 2003 and it was not the best experience. I originally booked into Everest 2 but on arrival at reception when I handed over my confirmation the guy on the desk (who spoke no English), didn't look like he was expecting me. He called Everest 1 and passed the phone over to me where the receptionist told me Everest 2 was overbooked and we were to make our way over to Everest 1. It was a nightmare to find and 45 minutes later we arrived to check in. The rooms are incredibly basic and we had to ask for blankets and sheets to share and extra towels as we were only given one hand towel!
The shower head was broken and sellotaped together but you could only place it in one position! We didn't chance the breakfast as it all looked a bit scary and cramped. The receptionist was very unfriendly too and never seemed to be around when you needed her. I think there are better places to stay in Rome for the money.