Ivanhoe Idiocy

Yesterday made me feel like the uber tourist.  We did have one serious setback though.  As we walked down the narrow cobblestone street to our hostel, we saw a bright, friendly looking building with the sign, "Hotel Ivanhoe" at number 49.  The place we were supposed to be staying was called HoStel Ivanhoe at number 50.  There were no signs for the hostel, though.  "Maybe this is where we sleep tonight!" we all hoped. 

The receptionist at the hotel took one look at three grungy, sleep deprived chicks with huge backpacks and said, "I think you girls are looking for the hostel?" (His polite way of saying, Yeah right-this place is not the place you were hoping it was!)  He then proceeded to tell us that the hostel was closed.  Since it was relatively late (close to 10 pm, or if you count your time the European way, 22:00), we thought he meant closed for check in. 

Nope, he meant CLOSED.  Like not open even during normal business hours.  The proprietor decided to go on vacation and not email OR call people with previous reservations.  (Actually, it was closed down due to a bedbug infestation...even more lovely.)  Go figure.  This was another of those "Greeaaaaaaaat" moments. 

We were all exhausted from the 6 hour train ride and severe sleep deprivation.  Now this news...our hostel wasn't open...I wanted to cry!  I think the receptionist took pity on us and said he would give us a reduced rate at the hotel.  A three person room normally costs 160 Euros, but he said we only had to pay 80 (26.67 a person).  The price for our room was the equivalent of 2 nights at the hostel.  However, there was really no choice-it was too late to go searching all over Rome for somewhere to sleep. 

Our room was clean and comfortable.  We had our own bathroom, towel and sheets.  It was so wonderful to climb in that little bed after taking a warm shower.  I'm never taking either of those things for granted again!