I didn't know exactly what to expect when booking this hotel because of the varied reviews. I was under the impression that I was getting a small cabin in the woods or something very private as I opted for the country rooms. The description made it seem like I would be staying at a cottage or something old and romantic
What is actually there is a rectangular building that's been turned into a duplex. You enter through a main door, have a center room with tv and couch, and each room has their own door to the left and the right.
The actual room was very spacious and was clean. There is no ac and the windows stay open for ventilation so there is a bit of a musty smell I guess, but not like you're in a cellar or anything. Some of the other reviews were a bit too critical on that. It's an old house so the smells are on par with that. The only real gripe I would make is that the bed should be upgraded. It's seen its fare share of use and is a bit springy feeling. Oh, and there wasn't a stand up shower, just a tub with a handheld showerhead so anticipate that. I also had to throw a towel over the bathroom window as it just had a doily over it and you could clearly see inside from the parking area.
Ok, as for finding it...as the other reviews say, none of the taxi drivers know about it for some reason and the taxi drivers in Italy will take any fare as long as they think they can find it so bring a map. If you don't have a map, just remember to tell them that it's across the street from Ostia Antica. They should all know where that is. Oh, and yes, expect to pay between 30 and 40 euro for a trip to or from the airport. I asked for a taxi to the airport and they arranged one to pick me and my wife up.
The surrounding neighborhood is a bit rundown. There is graffiti everywhere but it seems to be the case everywhere around Rome. The country rooms are at least a ways from the town so I doubt if it really was a shady area that anybody would bother going down there.
I was suppose to rent a car but after seeing the insurance fees I opted out. I thought I was going to be stuck in the hotel but it turns out there is a metro station just a few blocks away. This was an great plus for the location. It was about a 15 minute walk from our country room down the dirt road and then across the town.
The hotel staff is not really brushed up on their english but they at least make an effort. There was one girl there that spoke well but she wasn't there all the time.
If you stay here, expect it to be a getaway from all things modern. Do not go expecting internet, phone, TV, or other modern niceties. If you go expecting some country resort, then you will be disappointed. If you go expecting a old worldy experience that's next to an ancient city and is reasonably priced, then you'll be pleased.