I've just returned from the Hotel Commodore in Rome where we spent the bank holiday weekend and the only way that this hotel got it's four stars is if it was reviewed in the seventies. We booked this hotel on recommendations from this site but I would warn anyone who is looking to stay there that it is most definitely a low three star hotel.

When we arrived on Friday afternoon, the 'receptionist' grunted at us for our passports and then took our reservation. We were then shown to our room which had no working air conditioning and the carpets had visible stains. It also turned out to be very noisy at night-time. We were told what time breakfast was at and that was it.

After we settled in we went downstairs again to ask about getting an iron and a kettle for the room. We were told that there was no iron but an ironing service - at a cost, and there was no kettle in the room due to health and safety and when I enquired about getting some hot water brought to the room for medicinal purposes I was told that they could not provide this as the bar facilties had closed two months ago!

When we were checking out another 'Receptionist' grunted at us 'Minibar??' to which I presumed she meant had we taken anything from it. When I told her what we took she just worked on her pc and gave me the invoice. There was no smile or thank you when we paid and left.

The only saving grace for this hotel is the fact that it is very central to all locations and the train station, and the night porter is one of the most cheeriest and helpful people I have met.

You may think that I am being overly critical but I work in the service industry and this is not the way to run a hotel. I would advise against staying here unless you have no other option.

Having read the other reviews of this hotel we decided to go for it. Location 10min from Termini and good spot to start travelling from. Clean hotel, staff could do with smiling a liitle and could be more helpful. Room small (esp bathroom) but most importantly clean. Would I stay there again, yes if I couldn't afford some of the more pricy but nicer hotels.

The Hotel Commodore is in an excellent location, a short walk from the Termini.

When we checked in on the Sunday evening, the Receptionist was brilliant, nothing was too much trouble for him. He supplied us with maps, guides and lots of useful tips when we told him it was our first time in Rome.

Our room was clean, roomy and well appointed with very good a/c (much needed in Rome in July). The TV had lots of local channels plus several sports channels, CNN and BBC World.

The fridge in the room had enough space for us to put our own drinks , but all the mini bar drinks were only 2 euros each!

Breakfast was typical continental fare, lots of fruit, bread, cereals, pastries, cheese and meats - no toast and no hot food, but more than adequate.

There were lots of shops and restaurant in easy walking distance of the hotel and it was very handy as a touring base, being in walking distance of all the major attractions except the Vatican and only a short walk to the Termini and tour bus stops.

All in all I would have no problem recommending this hotel as a base for your stay in the beautiful city that is Rome.

I booked a double room for the first two nights, and was very happy with the room and the assistance from the front desk. I was so impressed I booked a room for an extra night direct through the hotel. The room was clean and cool, and the bed was very firm.
The breakfast buffet is excellent and provides quite a bit of choice from cold cuts, cheese, eggs, pastries, fresh fruit and more. I was also impressed with the large jug of hot coffee!
The location is very good, and is close to all the sites, including Trevi Fountain. The train staion is close by, as is all the good shopping strips and restaurants and cafe's.
I was more than happy with this hotel and had no complaints.