Our experience with the Antica Locanda began by entering what appeared to be a clubhouse door, just large enough for children or perhaps Romans from the days of the Decemviirs to pass through without striking their heads. On the other side of the door is a large, stark lobby, with a small door to a private gym and a stairway leading to a very small lift. I later learned that the reception office is another floor up.
The staff kindly helped with our luggage, but the lift was so small, it took two trips to bring up our bags. We chose to walk up the stairs to our 3rd floor room. Before entering the hallway to our room, however, there was a heavy metal door to open with one of the four different keys you are issued, causing my wife to ask the gentleman showing us to our room if the building was once a bank and were we entering a vault?
The room: Yes, there was a wonderful terrace outside our "Bamboo Room". And the bathroom was spacious though glassed in like an aquarium giving the user little privacy without shutting a drape. And fortunately, we brought our own soap. We had been traveling Italy for nearly 3 weeks and brough a bit of clothing, perhaps a bit too much clothing, but nevertheless, the closet space was hardly enough for a few dresses and pants, shirts, and a sports jacket, and there was no drawer space, and the room so small, there was hardly a place to put our 4 pieces of luggage. However, housekeeping managed to stuff our bags under the bed while we were out...which wouldn't have been a bad thing had we an adequate drawer or closet to put the clothing still in the bags. Oh, and we discovered why they insisted on leaving the door to the terrace open while we were out. With it closed, there was a distinct odor coming from the bathroom, perhaps a sewer issue.
The first night we were there, at 11PM the street sweeper passed by under our window. And passed by again....and again. Then, young men from somewhere began talking loudly and playing with remote control cars in the street. This chattering and laughter kept up until we were so sleepy we finally fell asleep. The next evening we discovered that there is a restaurant and bar just below our terrace that apparently is open into the wee hours of night.
Also, a warning: if the staff recommends a restaurant nearby called the Nabucco, don't go!! I suspect there is a connection because otherwise, in my opinion, no one would suggest this place!! Speaking of food, the continental breakfast is included. However, they will offer eggs, ham and cheese as well but these are additional charges.
We felt that this room, carved out of an old industrial building and straddled up to rented flats I imagine are managed by the hotel as well, was trying to be too hip, too stylish while sacrificing nearly all comfort. It did offer WiFi, though the signal was a bit weak and the location within the center of town was terrific. Otherwise, for over 300Euro a night it was entirely too much faux style and too little substance.
