We recently spent four nights at the Holiday Inn, and while there were some positives, there were also some aspects that left us wanting more.
The hotel itself was clean and well-maintained. The rooms were spacious, and the housekeeping service was reliable, ensuring a fresh and tidy environment each day. The breakfast buffet offered a diverse range of options, catering to various tastes. While the hot food wasn’t piping hot, it was understandable considering the large number of guests. However, for those seeking a traditional full English breakfast, this might not be the ideal spot.
The hotel restaurant provided a mixed dining experience. The pizza and pasta dishes were generally enjoyable, but the chicken we had on one occasion wasn’t as impressive. The “kids eat free” policy was a nice bonus for families. The gym was well-equipped, but unfortunately, the pool was undergoing renovations during our stay. While we appreciated the alternative pool option a short walk away, it would have been helpful to be informed about the renovation beforehand. The bar was a pleasant space to unwind and enjoy a drink, but the hotel’s popularity made it difficult to find a quiet spot to relax.
One of the downsides was the lack of a fridge in the rooms. During the hot weather, it would have been welcome to have a chilled bottle of water. On our final night, a large tour group arrived, leading to some noise and disturbance in the corridors. While this is an unavoidable consequence of hosting a busy hotel, it did impact our sleep. The hotel’s location is convenient with the train station easily accessible and tickets available at reception. However, the surrounding area is somewhat run-down. Overall, we enjoyed our stay, but would have appreciated a fridge in the room and prior notification about the pool renovation. We are hopeful that the upcoming pool renovations will enhance the experience even further.
A Horrible Stay – A Nightmare in Rome
Upon arrival, I was met with a frustrating check-in experience. While my fellow travellers had their rooms ready, mine was still being cleaned, despite arriving only 15 minutes after the 2 pm check-in time. Even more concerning was the appalling condition of the room. The stench was so overpowering it was almost unbearable. Despite reporting the issue, the response from the staff was lackluster, and there was no apology for the inconvenience.
The replacement room offered no respite. While the odor was gone, the cleanliness was questionable. The bathroom and surfaces were visibly dirty, and the pasta dish I ordered at the hotel restaurant was so salty it was inedible. Despite my complaint, I was still charged for the meal and even accused of ordering two dishes and two bottles of water, despite presenting clear evidence to the contrary.
The staff’s lack of empathy and their insistence on questioning my honesty left me extremely disappointed. I would strongly advise anyone considering staying at this hotel to choose a different establishment.
From Dream Holiday to Disaster
We were initially excited about our stay based on the appealing TripAdvisor photos and the seemingly attractive price. However, our excitement quickly dissipated upon arrival. The hotel’s entrance was hidden down a back alley, and the strong chemical and perfume smells permeating the room suggested a desperate attempt to mask unpleasant odours.
The bathroom was inadequately cleaned, and the strong chemical scent triggered a severe allergic reaction in me. This forced us to cancel our entire trip to Rome, Florence, and Milan, and return home the next morning. The room key repeatedly malfunctioned, requiring multiple trips to reception.
The cheap perfume used in the bathroom and on the towels intensified my reaction, leaving me with a swollen face and breathing difficulties. I was forced to sleep in a hooded sweatshirt to avoid contact with the heavily fragranced pillows and sheets. The lack of basic hygiene and the disregard for guests’ well-being ultimately ruined our trip. We urge anyone considering this hotel to proceed with extreme caution. This is not a place to stay if you value cleanliness, comfort, or your health.
