Hotel Locarno- great location, lousy room
I selected the Hotel Locarno for a few reasons, the location by Piazza del Populo seemed pretty good, the price seemed reasonable for Rome and all that I was able to find out seemed acceptable.
The hotel has apparently been open for a very long time and had a good reputation. Welcome was nice and check in was smooth. I had booked a single room, and these were in the older building, the newer wing apparently has much nicer accommodations.
The room was small, no big deal, I knew to expect that hotel rooms in Rome would be small. The furniture appeared worn, not ripped up or anything like that, but worn and in need of refurbishment/replacement. Closets were not acceptable. Bathroom was very small and fittings were very worn. Bed was not comfortable and the room was quite hot (this was autumn by the way).
Breakfast was served in a common room and was quite good from my notes.
I explained to the staff that the room was not acceptable and they said they were fully booked and didn't have any other rooms, so there would be no problem if i wanted to stay at a different hotel. So i ended up staying one night.
The single rooms are in the older building. From what I understand and have read the newer building is much nicer. Also please bear in mind that my last stay was a few years ago, things might be different now.