To have changed my hotel booking after reading bad reviews?

[solotravelconundrum]

I’m going on a solo trip to Rome next month. I booked with a package holiday company and all was well. The reviews on the website were great - 5 stars, great location, average rating of 4.9 out of 5.

I was finalising my excursions last night and wanted to check the distance from the hotel to the pantheon. On Google maps the reviews revealed a different story - items being stolen, a stolen passport from the safe, a bad area to walk in at night, housekeeping coming into the rooms at 8/9/10pm.

I’ve cancelled my hotel reservation through the package company and booked a Hilton, because I knew I wouldn’t be able to feel safe in the original hotel. AIBU? Everyone I speak to thinks I’m being really reactionary and probably would’ve been fine.

Don’t take your laptop just cast your phone onto tv in room much easier

Just to spice this thread up a bit I'll say that you've been extremely unreasonable. Outrageous behaviour!

Of course? It’s a global platform 😂

I’ve been to Rome (briefly) and I’m quite a seasoned traveller, I just dropped the ball on this hotel!

Have you travelled much OP?!

It’s nicking, not knicking.

It is a global platform but different programmes are available in different countries - although you can get round that with a VPN.

I think you’ve been sensible, Op.

Of course it's possible but if multiple reviews have called out theft then that would incidate some sort of pattern.

I’m aware, but as I’ve said I’ve been to Italy before and know what I can and can’t access with my Netflix account 😂

I agree you have been sensible to move for peace of mind. But you are naive if you think by staying at a Hilton you won't encounter thieves.

Yeah I think for me it’s the multiple mentions of things being stolen, plus the other safety concerns, that mean I just wouldn’t be able to relax.

Again I’ll ask if it really matters?

I'd say thats literally what reviews are for and you did the right thing.

Why not? We've just come back from a holiday abroad and used netflix. Having said that, I wouldn't take my laptop. The hotel will most definitely have a smart TV you can use to log into your account.

Just as well you looked !
Good plan to change.

This is why you never trust hotel reviews. I only read independent sites like trust pilot or trip advisor. YANBU to change BTW, I did exactly the same in NYC when I realised I’d booked something awful.

Don't blame you at all.

And I'd check with the hotel about a smart TV. Like pp said saves taking a laptop. Or I'd take a tablet or watch on my phone. But I'd probably read.

I think the shows are often tailored to different countries but I assume op will download some content.

You must accept though that to have had multiple conversations that early in the morning about something that only happened last night is a bit odd however close you are to your family.

How does that come about?

How old are you? You can get Netflix on your phone on the bus babe. Rome will be no problem.

I think in this situation you just have to do you, and do what you feel comfortable with. I’ve visited lots of cities in Europe and stayed in hotels where reviews have cautioned on the problems of safety in the area, and survived okay with no incidences. I guess like with everywhere where there are thousands of people around, sleeping on streets etc, you just have to be aware of your surroundings.

Huh?

I started looking last night about 6 - had a chat with my mum as I do every night, my grandmother called for a catch up and I also spoke with my sister in law as she has been to Rome a lot! I don’t think it’s unusual to speak to three family members in an evening 🤣

The unnecessary rudeness and nitpicking on this thread is ridiculous!

YANBU OP; think I’d have changed hotels too.

Don’t need a VPN if you can use mobile data. The app or website will think you are in the UK. I have unlimited data in Europe and watch Netflix BBC iplayer etc fine