I had high hopes of this hotel, which was recommended in a couple of guidebooks. It is situated in a 17th century palace overlooking the bay at the nicer end of town and was described as one of the few acceptable cheap hotels in the city.
The hotel reception is on the 5th floor. The room I was offered was small, dark, and gloomy, at the back of the building next to the liftshaft and main door, with no natural light and inadequate artificial lighting. The en suite bathroom was equally depressing–-cramped and shabby. At 50 euro a night (including breakfast) it didn’t seem attractive, and I suspect I would have been paying for someone else’s sea view at the front. The decider was having to pay 10 cents every time to use the lift–-there’s a slot machine inside the cage, and it won’t move until you’ve fed it. Yes, of course I can afford the odd 10 cents, but at 50 euro a night I shouldn’t have to pay extra just to reach my room. The Nettuno was much better value.