The old South America Handbooks gave for concern because they recommended hotels in a somewhat curious way. "No hot water beyond second floor, some theft of luggage reported" was typical. Wonder what the ones they didn't recommend were like.
Did stay in a recommended hotel in Italy : "a wonderful old building, rooms full of antiques" The 'antiques' included the wardrobe; trying to open it, the door fell off, and the bed, which collapsed a few seconds after we discovered it was both musty and lumpy. And service? We arrived at 9pm, and asked for food. No, there was none, not even a sandwich could be made, but "the pizza place down the road may be open". We left within hours.