Hotel Corona Rome

4.1 out of 5.0 stars4.1

Better second time round

This was my second stay at Hotel Corona, staying for nine nights in early June. My previous visit was in November 2014.

I stayed in room 412 a standard single. These rooms are small but have a good sized bathroom.

I can say my stay this time was better than last. For one thing I got to know more of the staff and got to enjoy their company. Also from what I saw they do give their utmost best to help their guests. While I was in reception many times sitting on the couch or the armchairs I never heard a bad word. So I am not sure why some guests say the staff were rude or had a bad attitude! They were polite and helpful to many guests and tried to speak in their language when possible.

Some have complained about the air conditioning. It does work. It’s only a matter of knowing how to set the thermostat properly. If in doubt those at reception will assist. Rome’s temperature in June was around the 30C (86F) mark. Not hot. However it was humid. In the evenings you can open the windows if you desire.

The best rooms for less noise are those facing the courtyard. You will hear the local seagulls occasionally though.

Regarding powerpoints (sockets) and adaptors for charging non-European devices. I had three adaptors, two different brands and they all worked in the sockets next to the bed head. These are the same everywhere in Italy. So make sure to buy the right adaptors if you want to charge laptops, iPads (tablets) and iPhones (smartphones) etc.

The WiFi can be intermittent. Andrew at reception pointed this out to me. I did find that if you are closer to the lift (elevator) it works better. Alternatively head downstairs and get comfortable on one of the couches.

The breakfast this time round was actually better. There was a larger variety of cakes and cold cuts. I also had yoghurt twice, which is not always available. If you have a food request you should always ask at reception. It is always possible they may accommodate you. Avoid taking food to your room. It is hotel policy for no food to be consumed there.

Some advise to those that like to go to bed late. Please do not talk loud in the hallways or slam your door! If you are one of these and find yourself with a room facing the street you deserve to be woken up in return by the stallholders in the street market below. They start gathering around at 5am. My advice is go to bed early and wake up early! You are better off anyway as most sites in Rome are best seen early to avoid the crowds.

If you want to ride on public transport to some of the sights go to Via Nazionale, which is about 5 minutes away, catch buses H, 40, 60, 64, 70, 71, 116T and 170. The 64 bus will take you very close to St Peter’s Basilica.

Last piece of advice: do not always expect to get free WiFi and other perks if you book via OTAs (online travel agencies). By booking direct you can negotiate. All hoteliers prefer this and Hotel Corona is no exception!

I’ll be back again in future as I have found good people here. My compliments to those at the front desk: Luciano, Paolo, Manuela, Andrew, Giovanni and Isabella. As well as to housemaids Claudia and Andrea for keeping my room clean and tidy.

Update: The owner Luciano is no longer with us. He passed away in 2018. Giovanni is now retired and on the pension.

For more information and bookings visit the Hotel Corona website.

Ambiance	4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
Breakfast	3.0 out of 5.0 stars3.0
Cleanliness	5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Comfort	4.5 out of 5.0 stars4.5
Facilities	4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
Location	3.5 out of 5.0 stars3.5
Noise	3.5 out of 5.0 stars3.5
Service	5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Staff	5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Value	4.5 out of 5.0 stars4.5
WiFi	3.0 out of 5.0 stars3.0