Basilio 55 Rome♡

Swindler Basilio 55

2.0

Hello, fellow travelers! I would like to share my experience to warn other tourists about a possible scam that we encountered in Rome. Unfortunately, it happened where we least expected it — at Basilio 55 Rome, located at Via di San Basilio, 55, whose owner is Marco. I am attaching a photo of the hotel exterior only, as we never actually stayed there. The only time I entered the building was the following day when I went to speak with Marco about what had happened. Before our trip to Rome, I booked and fully paid €328 for a premium room at Basilio 55 Rome. I chose this hotel based on its reviews, central location, and the level of comfort it advertised. On the day of our arrival, my family and I headed to the hotel after a long and tiring train journey. On our way, we were greeted by Marco himself. This made a very positive first impression, as it seemed that the owner personally cared about his guests. However, instead of taking us to the hotel we had booked — Basilio 55 Rome at Via di San Basilio, 55 — he escorted us to a different hotel, L'Hotel Cinquantatre, located at Via di San Basilio, 53. Marco explained that Basilio 55 Rome and L'Hotel Cinquantatre were essentially the same hotel. Since the two buildings are located next to each other, and we were tired after traveling, we did not question this explanation and checked in. Only later, after we had rested and gone out to explore Rome, did we realize that we had actually been accommodated in a completely different hotel — a three-star hotel instead of the premium property we had booked and paid for. The next morning, I met with Marco and told him that I considered this to be misleading and deceptive. He responded by saying that I had only booked a large bed with additional sleeping arrangements and that he had provided exactly that. I explained that I had not paid merely for beds, but for accommodation at a specific hotel located at Via di San Basilio, 55, not Via di San Basilio, 53. Unfortunately, it was almost impossible to prove anything on the spot. The situation gave me the impression that this may not have been the first time such a practice had occurred. I also requested documentation from the management of L'Hotel Cinquantatre confirming that we had stayed at Via di San Basilio, 53. However, I was told that all documents were handled by Marco. The only document I received was a service receipt, which does not serve as official proof of accommodation and cannot be used to formally confirm that we stayed at a different address. I am attaching photos and videos. My purpose is simply to warn other travelers that situations like this can happen. Please be careful when checking in and always verify that the hotel name and address match your reservation, even if you are personally greeted by a representative of the hotel. I would also like to mention the booking platform Ostrovok. Unfortunately, they have been unable to assist us. To investigate the complaint, they requested an invoice or official proof showing that we stayed at a different address. I cannot provide such documentation because it was never given to me. In my opinion, situations like this deserve greater attention from booking platforms in order to better protect travelers from potentially misleading practices. Please stay vigilant and carefully check all documents when checking into your hotel. I'm leaving my review here because Ostrovok did not publish either my review or my 1-star rating of the hotel. Apparently, it didn't pass moderation due to the low rating, even though I submitted it back in late June.

Bedbug infestation and unsanitary conditions — Room 304

2.0

I stayed at Basilio 55 in Room 304 from May 25 to 27 and encountered a bedbug infestation along with significant sanitation and maintenance issues. Management has not responded to my formal complaint. On the second night, after noticing bites from the previous evening, I found live bedbugs on the wall beside the bed and on the headboard, as well as insect feces along the mattress edge. The sheets and mattress were stained, including visible blood stains. I was unable to sleep that night and left with numerous bites. The room had additional problems: mold above the shower, a toilet in unsanitary condition, a non-functioning fridge and TV remote, an air conditioning unit that repeatedly shut down and required resetting through the night, no hand soap, no usable surface in the bathroom, and loosely attached outlets and fixtures. I documented all of this with photos and video and submitted a written complaint to management requesting a refund, with a requested response window of seven days. More than a month has passed without any acknowledgment. A bedbug infestation is a legitimate health concern, and the absence of any response reflects how this property handles serious guest complaints. I cannot recommend staying here.

Black mold and fake images

2.0

The room and bathroom was a disappointment since it didn't match at all with the images posted online. The room is small and dilapidated. The major issue is the dirty condition of the bathroom. There is mold on the walls of the bathroom and at the soap dispenser. I've never seen a hotel so dirty. I called the manager and explained the issue of hazard to black mold. The manager wasn't any help and offered a cleaner room and bathroom but with an extra cost. I wasn't buying this and seemed more of a scam. I didn't end up staying at all and we went to another hotel. Avoid this establishment at all cost.

disappointing

2.0

Our experience with Basilio 55 Rome was extremely disappointing and stressful. My mother and I arrived in Rome on 7 May at approximately 01:20 AM after an international flight. Before our arrival, both our travel agency and we personally informed the hotel that we would arrive late due to our flight schedule. Shortly before departure, the hotel sent an email stating that reception closes at 21:30 PM. However, we were never clearly informed that our entire reservation would be cancelled without refund if we arrived later. After arriving in Rome during the night, we went directly to the hotel, but the entrance was closed and nobody answered our calls. We were left outside in a foreign country in the middle of the night with no assistance or alternative solution provided. As a result, we had to urgently search for another hotel and pay a significant additional amount for accommodation. The following morning, the hotel informed us that our reservation for the full stay had been cancelled and refused to issue any refund, despite: -being informed in advance about our late arrival, -having prior communication with us, -and the fact that we physically arrived at the property. This was not a simple “no-show” situation. We arrived, attempted contact, and came to the hotel, but were denied accommodation. The lack of communication, empathy, and basic hospitality was extremely upsetting. I strongly advise future travelers — especially those arriving late at night — to be very careful.

Spring Break in Rome with our Family

10.0

If I could give more than five stars, I absolutely would—this stay was unforgettable, and so much of that is thanks to MARIO! From the moment we arrived at Basilio 55 Rome, Mario made us feel completely at home. He is, without question, the heart and soul of this place. Warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in making our stay exceptional—he went above and beyond in every way. Traveling as a family of four (my husband, two teenage daughters, and myself), we quickly realized after our first night that one room was a bit tight. Without hesitation, Mario stepped in and arranged an additional room for our daughters, which completely transformed our stay and allowed us all to relax and enjoy our time in Rome comfortably. That level of care is rare and so appreciated. The location is absolutely perfect—truly one of the best parts of staying here. We were able to walk everywhere, which made exploring Rome feel effortless and immersive. Mario also provided fantastic recommendations for restaurants, cocktails, coffee, and of course, gelato—every suggestion was spot on and elevated our entire trip. As for the hotel itself, it is charming, thoughtfully designed, impeccably clean, and an incredible value for the location. It strikes that perfect balance of boutique style and comfort. We left Rome already talking about our return—and there is no question where we’ll be staying. Basilio 55 is now “our place” in Rome, and Mario is a big reason why. Highly, highly recommend!

Guest review

2.0

Well location great but I will not stay there again the rooms are not as described in the pictures I let fro t desk know bathroom has very very strong humidity smell thank god only booked for one night