Ok lets start with the fact that this isnt a 'hotel' as such, its on the fourth floor of a residential block, there is no reception or anything like that, and i was really really surprised at first i almost left but im so glad we didnt!
The Ottaviano is down a tree lined street, really close to the metro station, vatican and St Peters Basilica, in fact we could see the vatican from our room so location wise perfect! When we arrived after my inital shock of not having a reception we we're met by the manager and taken to our room which was beautiful. A four poster bed, decorated to a high standard, lovely shuttered windows etc. The bathroom was very small but had a whirlpool bath so that was a nice touch.
We have read that unless you book a 'superior' room your sent across the road to another building, and in that case i agree with some of negative reviews id be seriously annoyed at that too! Breakfast for us was taken in the little cafe across the road which was odd, we were given a card and went down there each morning but the breakfast was fine, lots of pastries and fruit, lovely italian coffee just enough to start us off!
It was a surprising little find and id definitly stay there again, the only thing is we now have a little one and as the rooms are on the fourth floor and the access to it is either through a old fashioned gated lift (which is actually lovely, it runs up the middle of the spiral marble staircase) or the staircase...four floors?buggy?no dont think so!
But as a romantic little getaway?definitly!

Convenient location, very close to metro, taxi stands, vatican etc. Lots of restaurants and shopping close by. Breakfast was always on time simple but perfect and served by a very nice gentleman. The drinks in the fridge were very affordable and actually cheaper than some places right outside. Angelo the owner welcomed us the first day and gave us some helpful suggestions. Also saw us of the last day and made sure that our ride to the airport was confirmed which was 50 euro. They also held our bags until 6pm since we had a late flight. We have a 15 year old boy and it was perfect for us. We stayed at the Westin Excelsior in 2005 and to be quite honest if you don't need the glam and just want something affordable, comfortable and with good service this is the one. I wished I found this place before, it was perfect for us. Just keep in mind the lift is kind of small, but we didn't mind doing the stairs. The rooms are on he 4th flr. Since we are americans we had a little problem with the portions at most of the restaurants. To be honest after walking all day we had pretty healthy appetites. There is a place about 3 or 4 short blocks on Via del Gracchi which is were the entrance is for the suites. It's called L'Antica Griglia Toscano get there around 7:30. Because after that its starts filling up with locals and believe me they hang around forever and customers keep comming in until midnight. They close about 1:00am. Make sure you go to the right retaurant because there is a well known restaurant close by call Dal Toscano pricer and portions smaller. Also get all your drinks and snacks from the small grocery stores on the small side streets and not the main road, major price difference

I'd just like to say I had a fantastic time at this hotel.
There were no problems at all during our stay here so I don't know what other reviews were complaining about.
We stayed in the apartment across the road from the main building and I couldn't fault it. The rooms were cleaned everyday and were spotless.
The man was very helpful and was always around, I think he must of worked 24/7 as he gave us our breakfast in the mornings and was always up when we were coming in.
I'd just like to say the chocolate croissants were the best ones i had ever had.
The hotel is in a suitable location close to Ottaviano station (which gets you to the other metro stops for all the main attractions) and 2 minutes walk from the Vatican.
I would definately chose this hotel again If I were to go again and it is recommendable.
If you are wondering whether to go to his hotel because of bad reviews I'd say go for it, you won't regret it.

Guests should be made aware that any 'standard room' that is booked, is actually in another building, not the building shown and not up to the quality that is shown in the photo's!
Be prepared to be moved across the road.
Rooms were not ready, and although it was obvious that the previous guests had not checked out, we were told to look and choose which room we wanted to have from a choice of two. One had a broken toilet seat, the other had a broken shower handle, which we thought was the lesser problem, only to find that it was also blocked!
After bringing this to the attention of the staff member on duty, (not Angelo himself) we had to ask him to unblock it, which was met with a surly, silent attitude that continued for the rest of our stay.
Angelo was very helpful in telling us where to eat and drink, he did offer us another room in another part of town, this would have been for our last night of a three night stay, and we didn't feel it was worth the effort of moving for one night. We felt that we had already wasted enough time waiting for our room to be ready, and the shower to be unblocked. I feel that he is well used to these complaints.
Breakfast is missable.
Although I have said that I would stay here again, it would only be for the great location, and this time, I would know what to expect, even so, I would look for a different hotel in this location.
There were a number of other issues, but I feel as though we have already stated our case, and enough is enough!