The Backpackers Hostel in Rome is HORRIBLE, don't stay here!!!Its a miserable looking place, looks like a building site from the outside. Up on the 4th floor we were sure it was the wrong place, looks like a squat and druggies would live there! Inside the air is thick and REEKS of smoke and the communal kitchen is shocking, about the size of a shoebox and the filthiest, grimiest thing I've ever seen. The showers are always absolutely freezing too, when I asked the manager he basically said ' What do you expect, it's a hostel'! and looked pissed off like I was wasting his time.We got breakfast once out of 3 nights there, 1st they forgot, 2nd time there wasn't enough and when we did get breakfast it was just 1 dry croissant, no coffee/orange etc. Oh, there was also a 11-3 lockout which was never mentioned and REALLY inconvenient! AVOID!I've stayed in alot of hostels through Europe and Australia, and this is BY FAR THE WORST I'VE EVER STAYED IN. Don't ruin your trip to beautiful Rome by staying in this pit.
13 of
22 people found this review helpful
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Anonymous
England
DO NOT STAY HERE!!!!! 23 March 2004
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(1)
Cleanliness
(1)
Facilities
(1)
Atmosphere
(1)
(Review ID: 3465)
I would strongly urge everyone, especially solo female travellers to keep away from this place. originally when the 2 of us (both girls) arrived we were told that instead of the 10 bed we booked we would be staying in the 6 bed, as was a single female traveller. we later found out that this was where the 2 guys that worked there lived, and a girl who was starting that day. a little dodgy there, especially as the 10 bed only had 1 person in it. that night, the other girl was woken up by the man on the bunk underneath moaning and groaning and the whole bed shaking! she was terrifie, although we all found it hilarious the next day, when we told the whole hostel. the 3 of us moved into the next room, the 10 bed, and the staff were not helpful, but did not stop us. the next morning we found the girl who was starting work there and left in the room with them in tears aty the breakfast table. she left that day and never came back. as we had booked for 4 nights, we could not leave, and the staff were very rude and unhelpful when we asked about getting our money back. we got hardly any sleep because of the noise and the fact that the bathroom STANK. as soon as we could, we all cleared out. literally, we took everyone in the hostel with us. the only good thing about that place is the fact that i met so many brilliant travellers there.
9 of
19 people found this review helpful
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Anonymous
Denmark
DO NOT BOOK THIS PLACE!!!! 16 March 2004
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(1)
Cleanliness
(1)
Facilities
(1)
Atmosphere
(1)
(Review ID: 3466)
4 stairs, no elevator, crew looks like they've been going on drugs for the last 20 years, really a sorry looking place, manager unpleasant and out only for your money, and you can find real hotels for the same price, reviewers giving more than one star must be relatives to the backpack tribe leaders, do not make a reservation there, be glad I warned you and have a nice stay in Rome, but be sure it is elsewhere
7 of
14 people found this review helpful
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Matty
Brisbane, Australia
Dead set pearler 11 February 2004
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Matty
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 3467)
This place is awesome for the price, the place is so easy to get to just a few minutes from the train station.The staff here can speak really good english are all young and party animals and always up to take us out to the best clubs which are happening, instead of wasting time trying to find them within minutes where at a party somewhere. The free pasta at the old bell is a perfect start before a big night out, not to mention the free shots you recieve when you buy a few drinks. No curfew which rocks and the staff are easy going here helping me out with everything i needed while i was here. THe bathrooms are really clean and are in each dorm room, no waiting in the mornings thank god.Come here for the weekend, but book on line is the best way to go, Party on Rasta MAN!!!
10 of
22 people found this review helpful
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Danny Dineen
London
Party Time 2 December 2003
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Danny Dineen
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 3468)
This place rocks. Best hostel i stayed in on my travels. Stayed here for 7 nights it was so good. I met loads of great guests the staff were wicked, you get a free breakfast, rooms are all clean and all have their own bathroom. Used to go out everynight to their Pub- the Old Bell to eat and get slaughtered. I had so many free shots that i can t even remember what i ate, though i know the antipasta is the best i have ever tried and think the rest of the food was pretty good. Perfectly located and no curfew. Come here if you want nice rooms and fun. It is also pretty cheap compared to some of Rome's hostels.
10 of
19 people found this review helpful
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Crazy Dave
Guatemala
Wicked Place, Wicked People 26 November 2003
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Crazy Dave
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 3469)
Went here and partied all the time. Clean, relaxed and great location. Rastaman took me to all the cool bars and even got up to serve breakfast at 8am. If you want a good room and some fun come here.
9 of
18 people found this review helpful
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Brian
Pittsford, NY USA
Good place, Great Staff 18 November 2003
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Brian
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 3470)
The Backpackers Hostal was close to the heart of all the landmark Roman sites, is located near many restaurants, offered good accomadations, and most importantly, had a very friendly and helpful staff. There is no curfew, which is a plus, and the boarders range from travelling college students to backpackers, usually a mix of interesting and diverse people. If you are looking for a night out in Rome, whether a night at the bars or some good wine and good italian cuisine, make sure to ask the staff for recommendations. Overall, it was well worth the money, which was average compared to the rest of the hotels, and it was a great experience staying here. I would recommend this place to anyone passing through Rome who is looking for a hospitable place to stay.
7 of
15 people found this review helpful
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Wouter van Doorn
Wageningen, Holland
the place is nice, but a bit noisy 7 November 2003
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Wouter van Doorn
saw things this way
Maintenance
(3)
Cleanliness
(3)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(3)
(Review ID: 3471)
It was very nice to talk to the other guests over breakfast. Met very interesting people. The room and bed were good, but although the water tended to be warm at night it was luke-warm or very cold in the morning.
9 of
17 people found this review helpful
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mark
Belfast, Ireland
hassel free with helpful friendly staff 6 November 2003
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
mark
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 3472)
quick and easy access to all parts of Rome clean, pleasant and cheerful with nice trustworthy, friendly staff.Dodgy lift but dont need it as a 2min. walk takes you to and from your nice clean bed to the street. Also the cost will not break the bank as is very reasonably considering it's location. recommended to anyone who wants a nice easy hasssel free trip to one of the most historic cities in the world.
8 of
18 people found this review helpful
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Kari
Minnesota, USA
Very Friendly, Very Nice, Good GOOD Place to Stay 2 November 2003
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Kari
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 3473)
I stayed at the backpackers hostel for three nights and had a great time! The staff was super friendly, and even took us out on the town one night! Anyone looking for a laid-back atmosphere with a super staff (especially Rasta man, Carla the Brazilain and Johnny the entertainer!), great people and lots of fun should look into this hostel. I stayed at Stargate for two nights of my trip and found that the staff was not nearly as friendly, the water was cold and the security was shady. I would have much rather stayed at the backpackers hostel for my entire trip! Look into it! It's great!
