Review: MERCURE Roma Corso Trieste
During our recent stay at the MERCURE Roma Corso Trieste, we were delighted to experience an upgrade from a standard room to a premium one. The room was beautifully furnished, offering a comfortable and stylish retreat after a long day of exploring Rome. Although we didn’t get the king-size bed as originally booked, the complimentary room upgrade and free drinks in the minibar more than made up for it.
The hotel staff truly stood out with their warm and helpful service. They provided us with a detailed map of Rome and even took the time to show us where to catch the metro for easy access to the city’s main attractions. Their explanations about the Jubilee Year—a special Catholic celebration that happens every 25 years, drawing pilgrims from around the world—and Ferragosto, the Italian summer holiday celebrated on August 15th, were both informative and appreciated. However, a heads-up: during Ferragosto, many restaurants and shops close, so it’s wise to check what’s open before your trip. We learned this the hard way when we went out after our flight only to find that most of the nearby eateries were closed.
Our hotel’s à la carte restaurant, Binomio, was also closed that evening, leaving us eagerly anticipating breakfast the next morning. Fortunately, the breakfast did not disappoint. We enjoyed a delightful meal on the terrace, where the unique mix of furniture added a quirky, yet charming touch to the ambiance.
After a day spent discovering Rome’s wonders, we returned to the hotel, eager to finally try Binomio. The pizza was simply perfect, complemented by a fantastic local beer recommendation that hit the spot. Overall, our night ended on a high note, and our stay at MERCURE Roma Corso Trieste was a memorable part of our Roman adventure. Highly recommended!
Review: Hotel Capri Inn
Our stay at Hotel Capri Inn was the highlight of our trip to Italy. After a long and tiring journey from Rome to Capri—via a train to Naples and a ferry to the island—the welcome we received at the hotel was nothing short of amazing. The Italian hospitality shone brightly from the moment we arrived.
The trip itself was challenging. The weather was sweltering, and navigating the old pavements in Naples with a suitcase was quite the ordeal. The steep climb to the hotel in Capri left us breathless—literally—but all of that melted away when we stepped into the cool, welcoming embrace of Hotel Capri Inn.
The receptionist immediately noticed our exhaustion and kindly took our luggage, which was a huge relief. We were offered refreshing cold water as we sat in the reception area, which felt like an oasis after our trek. The check-in process was smooth, and the receptionist took the time to get to know us, making the experience feel personal and welcoming. He also provided us with a detailed map of Capri and Anacapri, along with recommendations on the best activities to fit our tight 24-hour schedule. It was clear that he genuinely wanted us to make the most of our brief stay, which was much appreciated.
To top it all off, the hotel offered us a delightful welcome treat—a bottle of prosecco paired with a board of local cheeses and fresh fruits. This thoughtful gesture set the tone for what would be a truly special stay.
Our room was simply magnificent—like a small, perfectly appointed apartment. The bedding was incredibly comfortable, offering a much-needed respite after our long journey. Knowing we only had a short time in Capri, we didn’t waste any time. After a quick shower, we headed straight to the beach, conveniently located just a few steps down from the hotel. It was the perfect way to unwind and soak in the beauty of Capri.
Another major plus was the hotel’s location. The bus station is right in front of the hotel, making it incredibly easy to explore the island without having to endure more steep walks.
Though our time at Capri was limited, Hotel Capri Inn made every moment magical. From the outstanding service to the perfect location, it’s a place we would return to in a heartbeat. If you’re heading to Capri, this hotel is a must!
Review: Radisson Blu GHR Rome
Our two-night stay at the Radisson Blu GHR Rome was unfortunately a disappointment, especially considering the high expectations we had for a hotel associated with the Ritz brand. Despite being upgraded to a premium room, the experience fell short of what we anticipated.
The first thing we noticed was the condition of the room. The leather bedding was badly scratched, and the blinds were so worn out that they had an unpleasant smell when up close. While the room itself was spacious, which we appreciated, it lacked many basic amenities. The AC unit was surrounded by black marks, which not only detracted from the aesthetics but also raised concerns about cleanliness. On top of that, the AC was either too cold or ineffective—there was no in-between. When we turned it off, the room became unbearably hot, causing us to wake up drenched in sweat.
Another issue was the lack of soundproofing in the windows, which made it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Street noise was a constant disturbance, and for a hotel of this caliber, it was a significant letdown.
However, credit where it’s due—the hotel’s Director of Operations responded promptly to our concerns. She kindly offered us a complimentary breakfast and a free ride to the airport, which was a nice gesture. She also explained that the hotel is currently undergoing renovations and that, due to Ferragosto (the Italian holiday on August 15th), many of their suppliers were on vacation, resulting in delays in receiving new decorations and amenities for the rooms.
While we appreciated the hotel’s efforts to address our concerns, the overall experience was far from what we expected from a luxury hotel. Hopefully, the renovations will bring the hotel up to the standard that Radisson Blu is known for, but until then, I’d suggest considering other options if you’re looking for a truly luxurious stay in Rome.
