Deeply Disappointing - Avoid Hotel Bolivar, Rome
It is truly sad and disheartening to see this kind of manipulative behavior in a city as historic and welcoming as Rome. Hotel Bolivar operates with zero respect for its guests, using cheap tricks and dishonest tactics to take advantage of travelers.
No Integrity - Bait-and-Switch Pricing
We booked this hotel by phone for a stay from May 2 to May 5, 2025, after being offered a lower rate than what was listed online. I spoke directly with a staff member named Piter, who confirmed a special rate and took my credit card details to reserve. But when we arrived at 9PM, Piter was nowhere to be found. Suddenly, the front desk claimed the price was a "computer error" and demanded we pay \$937--far above the agreed amount.
Even worse, the hotel's own website showed a significantly lower rate at the time, yet they refused to honor it or allow us to cancel. It was a blatant bait-and-switch, and we were essentially forced to pay an inflated rate under false pretenses. I am attaching screenshots of both the booking.com listing and the hotel's own website as evidence of the pricing discrepancies.
Unhelpful, Rude, and Unprofessional Staff
The front desk staff offered no support and barely spoke English, making communication extremely difficult. No manager was available, no one cared to listen, and my formal complaint was dismissed without even being read. Staff behavior was shockingly rude and dismissive, offering no solutions whatsoever.
Not Worth the Price - Poor Value
Though the location is central, the room was on the ground floor with windows facing the street--noisy and lacking privacy. Combined with the poor service, dishonest pricing, and underwhelming amenities, this hotel offered very little value.
Advice to Travelers: Stay Away
Rome has many beautiful and reputable places to stay. Hotel Bolivar is not one of them. Their blatant disregard for guests, dishonest pricing tactics, and lack of accountability are shameful. Save yourself the stress--look elsewhere for accommodations that respect and value their guests. read more