"Super weird, dated hotel. Hotel Dorica is only on some levels of the building. It is accesible via a creepy, old-timey elevator. Press the 0, open the swinging door, enter the elevator, and go to the first floor. Sometimes it acts a little screwy so, if you don't have tons of luggage, just use the stairs. (Side note: the elevator buttons do not light up when pressed. If it never comes, someone didn't pull the swinging door shut on another level so go close it.)
Enter the hotel through the sliding glass doors on the right. You will likely be greeted by the friendly, loquacious Marco. Unprompted, he walked us through the metro access to various attractions on a map from the local Hard Rock Cafe. He also warned us about the roving packs of teen girl pickpockets. He gave each member of our party a tour of our individual rooms. We asked him how to turn on the AC and he turned it off. Luckily another employee showed as how to turn it back on. Despite this, we have no hard feelings toward Marco. That guy's awesome.
Hopefully, you are staying on the first floor in one of the updated rooms. Updated is relative in this case. These rooms had a less confusing thermostat, actual blankets on the bed, and a more spacious shower. By spacious, I mean you can turn around in it.
My husband and I were in a room on what Marco called the third floor but was actually the fourth floor. Classic Marco. He had our party pack into the elevator and sent us up. Then he came up after us with the keys, singing a merry tune.
There is a security door on the left. Swipe through and all the rooms are in that hall. The bed, like all European beds, was very firm. The top blanket was literally a tablecloth. (Pro-tip: That cabinet above the wardrobe? There's a spare blanket in there.)
The bathroom was a potential death trap. Flooring was this very glossy, easy to slip on tile. The stall shower was so small. I'm a bit claustrophobic so I just left the stall doors open. The bathroom fan was SO loud and it came automatically with the lights. Rough for those midnight bathroom runs.
Positives included the AC (once we figured out how to turn it on), the mini-fridge, the room safe, and the view. And Marco. Obviously. He's a national treasure. And the other staff who were also very friendly. Unfortunately the window shutters were not held open so the wind was constantly slamming them shut. So hard to take advantage of the view.
The location was very convenient for the price. Hotel Dorica is within a 15 minute walk of most of the big attractions in Rome. Tons of restaurants nearby. Parkng for cabs or rideshares right across the street. A pharmacy and minimart on the opposite corner. Skip the cafe right next door but do hit up the gelato place across from the minimart.
If you're looking for AC tips, look no further. First off, the window must be closed and latched. If it already is, open and close it again just to be sure. Turn the dial on the top control box to 3. Make sure the bottom control box is flipped to the sun icon. Seriously, being in this hotel was like a real life point and click adventure."
