I booked a trip for myself and a companion on go-today and was given Hotel Galeno in my package. We traveled during late November when there would be less tourist. There was no hot water the first day and no explaination as to why. Some of the desk people were very nice but a majority were rude. We were told that breakfast was served until 9 but we arrived at 8:45 and were treated quite rudely and told that they prefer if we come earlier. Although it was definitely not a problem since the breakfast was not worth it anyway (prepackaged soggy bread). Also the hotel was a bit off the beaten track but bearable because the train station was reasonably close. We had to constantly request fresh towels and have the heat turned on in the evenings. When we just ignored about the heat, I requested an additional blanket and was asked by the hotel desk clerk if I had a medical problem and maybe that was why I was cold (apparently he did not think its possibly because it is winter). After the first two days or so, we just dealt with it and thought of it as a misadventure of some sort. However, on our departure we specfically requested a wake up call and was not given one until the shuttle picked us up. We booked the shuttle service with the hotel and obviously there was some type of understanding between the two- tell the hotel patrons one price and then the shuttle shows up (and you have to get to the airport with no time to waist) and then the shuttle quotes a MUCH higher price. I would not stay here again.

I was advised to stay at the Hotel Galeno by a pen-pal from Italy---he said it was clean, cozy, safe, inexpensive, beautifully landscaped, and had an English-speaking staff. All these things were true. However, his visits to Rome were for business. If you're going to Rome for pleasure, staying at the Galeno is a bad idea. First, the location is safe because it is in a residential/diplomatic neighborhood off the beaten track. It is a considerable walk from the Metropolitana, and to get to the touristy areas of central Rome, 2-3 bus changes are required. The area is dead of the night...don't try to go out and get a drink or anything. Although the hotel doesn't have an official curfew, the entrance is gated and the call box goes unattended for long periods of time at night. My room was small...twin bed, dresser, TV, and small bathroom with shower. I realize Rome in summer is expensive, but for the equivalent of $130 per night, it seemed like low value. Also, I asked for a wake-up call my last night, which they forgot, and I ended up missing my flight back home. Saying this is a bad hotel would not be fair--it is, in fact, a nice hotel--it just didn't fit my purposes for being in Rome, and I got the impression they're happy keeping it that way.