Hotel Ponte Sisto

It is a peculiar thing, Hotel reviews. Sometimes I wonder how such a hotel got such high ratings, when it is very basic. The only exceptional thing about this hotel is its location, which is great and close to many things, both for sightseeing and nightlife.

Now look at the photo of the Superior Deluxe Room. It looks nothing like in the photos on the official site or Booking. It also says you either get a balcony, Jacuzzi or view to the garden. We go the view room and the garden is far away from the hotel, your view is actually some back area with junk and machines.

Shower has constantly changing temperature, so be vigilant when taking a shower.

During the nights, a sewer smell came out of the bathroom. When I spoke with the receptionist , he didn’t even look at look me, just scratched his head and said “I don’t know what I can do”. Eventually after asking a couple of times he sent someone to pour something into the drains and it helped! For awhile. We had to do this twice EACH night. They refused to change our rooms because it was fully booked. I guess that can be true, but it’s bad service.

Breakfast is also nice and in a nice garden.

All in all, prepare for a very basic hotel that is not worth the price and the rooms don’t match the photos, in a great location.

I waited until after our holiday to write this review because when we left Hotel Ponte Sisto, I honestly thought I might have misunderstood a cultural nuance or unintentionally upset the staff. However, after experiencing exceptional service throughout the rest of our two-week trip in Italy, I feel it’s important to share an honest account of our stay.

The hotel itself is in a charming, quiet neighborhood near Trastevere and the rooms are spacious and comfortable, but the service did not meet the expectations for a hotel of this rating.
A few examples of what fell short:
• After arriving before our room was ready, the staff offered to hold our bags but did not provide any guidance, such as showing us to the lounge where we could sit, have a coffee, or get a bottle of water, nor did they offer maps or helpful suggestions for exploring the area.
• Overall, the desk staff felt distant and unwelcoming; even simple greetings like “buongiorno” or “buonasera” were ignored, which made us feel more like an inconvenience than valued guests during our three-night stay.
• Despite ordering euros in advance, we needed additional small bills for tipping. When asking the desk staff for help, the hotel could only break a 100€ note into two 50s, dismissively saying “it better than nothing,” without offering alternatives.
• The desk staff was unable to assist with arranging a taxi to the train station on our departure date.
• Most shockingly, on our last night we returned to the hotel after dinner around 2330 and progressed through the lobby to the elevators when the night concierge chased after us to rudely say (in English), “Don’t worry, I’ll get it,” apparently accusing us of intentionally leaving the front door open.

As seasoned travelers in Europe, my husband and I have experienced excellent service in similar or lower-rated hotels, and it’s clear the issues here stem from the staff rather than the property itself. It’s unfortunate because the location and accommodation have potential, but the lack of hospitality made our stay stressful rather than enjoyable.

I booked the best room at the hotel for 4 nights as treat for my first ever trip to Europe.

The location is very close to Trastevere, which is good if you plan to visit that area.

The rooms are very small and very outdated, with big bulky furniture taking up most of the room. It’s difficult to get luggage in and find a space to keep it open to access easily.

The bathroom only had a tub with a hand held shower head, meaning you had to either have a bath, or awkwardly shower with one hand while trying not to get water all over the floor.

All of this would have been excusable - IF the service wasn’t so incredibly poor.

When I arrived, I was basically ignored, there was no warmth, no welcome and no hospitality. They gave me a key, asked for my passport, gave it back & then turned away. Luckily the porters were lovely & they helped me find the room.

Prior to that, I had called to ask for directions & the female Manager told me I would be able to find it if I was ‘where I was supposed to be’… I was where the instructions said to be..

On the first morning I came down to breakfast I asked for coffee, in Italian, as I speak fluently and my family is Italian, and the female server asked me ‘What?!’ then repeated back exactly what I said but as though I was an idiot. She then proceeded to bring me the wrong order & not what we had said. I asked for it again & she huffed off & returned to slam it on the table.

Every time I would enter or leave, there was no greeting, or door person. Reception staff did their best to avoid eye contact with all guests as best they could.

Staff in general (except for the porters) all seemed very cold, disinterested, hassled & avoidant.

I went to the bar one evening & asked for a Spritz & the bar staffer sighed & looked at me like I was a massive nuisance.

I stayed at 20+ hotels during my trip to Europe & didn’t have this poor of an experience with dreadful service anywhere else. Hotel Ponte Sisto unfortunately gets my ‘worst experience of the trip’ title.

I was told they are booked out for the rest of this year & all of next year, so no doubt they are all exhausted, but, customers are paying a very hefty amount to stay & with their prices & rating, there is an expectation of a decent level of service.

I would not stay again, nor recommend it. I would, however, recommend some refresher training for the staff to remind them that paying customers pay their bills & each new guest deserves a good experience & some hospitable service.