We booked a short weekend break in Rome and were given several hotels to choose from by our travel agent (requesting 4 & 5 star hotels only). After reading up many of the TripAdvisor reviews on each hotel, we decided that we would stay at the Baileys.
My husband and I usually stay in 5 star hotels, but we both know what to expect from 4stars too...occasionally 4 stars can be equally good if not better then 5 stars! On this occasion - we were WRONG :(
Arrived at the Termini train station and decided to walk the '400 meter' distance...turns out the directions arent exactly clear, so we ended up grabbing a map (7euros) from the train station book shop.
Arrived at the hotel - seemed like a pleasant enough neighbourhood - so far so good! The lobby is tiny - no problems with that though (just nothing special to look at at all!).Check in was fine, only got one room key (card) and one safe key. Took the lift (snails pace!) and finally got into the room (502) where the porter couldn't be helpful enough.
Looked out the window to look straight into a metal stairwell and another wall opposite...bit disappointed but never mind - was more annoyed that we had no natural light in the room. Lights weren't too bright either! A dark terracotta coloured carpet hid all of the stains...just. Bed was fine/comfy - pillows and sheets sparkly white but not so nice stain on the throw.
Bathroom was clean, all marble - very compact though...and a door stop attached to the floor right next to the loo (stumped toes constantly! ouch!)
Reception were helpful with directions - but recommended the Taverna flavia (i think that was it's name) which was literally 30seconds walk on the same side of the street at the Baileys...it was a dump! Food was cold, lasagne had been re-heated in a microwave, the shared starter was cold & all deep fried too (not at all fresh). The waiters were using phrases like 'the best' for whatever we seemed to order...obviously they thought that standard of food was acceptable! The next Pizzeria along was great though and seemed to be a popular choice for locals (a good sign!). Huge portions, good atmosphere and amazing food!
Breakfast downstairs was a small room - no natural light again but oh well. Buffet style and just an assortment of cakes, rolls, 2 hams, 1 cheese, jams and cereal...ok, its more then what you would usually have to hand in your own kitchen - but for a 4 star? I was expecting more! Fruit juices were watered down - almost like diluting juice, Killer cappuccino though!!
Bar? - what bar?! - it again was tiny...not a relaxing area to sit in and enjoy a drink. No music/no atmosphere..and no staff/waiter!?
Last day we checked out and spent time wondering around before taking a taxi back to the airport (saved the hassle) which cost 50euros. Had time to freshen up in the Baileys toilets downstairs which were huge! - also very clean.
Tips - book ahead if you plan to see the Colloseum and the Vatican - we booked the Vatican tour with www.myvaticantour.com.. about 80GBP, but got to skip the que, had a lovely american lady who was very knowledgable. Only que we had to join was the security line - about a 10 minute wait. It was the group tour and lasted about 2.5/3 hours...very good!
Rome is beautiful, and we felt very safe walking back to the hotel after nights out. I guess with all major cities you get your pick-pocketers/beggars etc - so just be on your guard.
If you like to walk and feel that hotels are just somewhere to throw your luggage whilst you explore, the Baileys maybe for you. If on the other hand - you like to walk and ejoy the comfort (and glamour) or a nice hotel - dont stay here!
(P.s- I confess to being a little 'girly'...so i had to trade in heels of flats...a lot of cobbled streets. Oh - and take a hairdryer as the one at this hotel ....well; put it this way; i could blow my hair dry quicker then their hairdryer!! - USELESS!!!)