Hotel Abruzzi

The Hotel Abruzzi, a peach masonry building from the 19th century, sits on one of Rome's most lively squares, so guests staying at this hotel might prefer to be outside most of the time. That's good because there are really no common spaces at this boutique hotel except for a curvilinear sofa in ash-colored fabric in the stylishly monochromatic entryway. The tiny reception counter in limed wood features three clocks reporting the time in New York, Rome, and Tokyo. Guests receive a free breakfast and discount coupons one minute away at the restaurant owned by the hotel, the 'Scusate il Ritardo, a Roman trattoria with umbrella tables on the square. The hotel is popular with couples, especially for a romantic getaway, as the company of others will be scarce.

Hotel Abruzzi is on the Piazza della Rotonda, considered one of the most beautiful -- and crowded -- squares in Rome. Expect hordes of tourists and almost never ending noise just out the hotel's front doors. The Abruzzi is a one-minute walk to the majestic Pantheon, the ancient building it overlooks. The hotel is also within walking distance of several top attractions. The ornate, Gothic St. Maria Sopra Minerva Basilica is a two-minute walk. The Trevi Fountain and the Piazza Navona are a six-minute walk. The Campo dei Fiori and its bountiful markets are a 10-minute walk. The underground is not nearby: The closest metro stops are Barberini, a 14-minute walk or Spagna, a 16-minute walk. To reach Vatican City, it's a 16-minute drive or a 12-minute train ride. Termini Railway Station is a 19-minute drive or metro ride. Fiumicino Airport is one hour away by train and a 38-minute drive without traffic. 

Each of the 26 rooms at the Hotel Abruzzi are clean, well-lit, and decent-sized by Roman standards, but rooms in the main hotel, with the potential for views of the Pantheon and the Piazza della Rotunda, are better than they are in the annex, where there is less charm and the views are of the side street. All of the rooms look crisp. Walls are painted white and feature murals derived from reproduced maps and black-and-white drawings of ancient Rome. The floors are dark wood and wide board. Bed linens are white with throws in pops of color like orange velour with bedskirts and throw pillows to match. There are simple, contemporary furnishings such as a loveseat in dusty gray or a leather covered bench set in front of a simple desk. Windows have shades in semi-sheer, white linen. Whether it is light streaming in from a window or the creative use of LED lights sprinkled overhead and in niches tucked into the headboard area, the rooms feel cheerful. 

Standard Rooms are bright but the stripped down decor in a small room creates a more monastic atmosphere. The bigger rooms may have a rustic beam or two. All of the rooms have glass-door minibars, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes, and electric kettles for coffee, tea, and -- a nice touch -- hot chocolate. The modern bathrooms have black, brown, and white tile in various combinations and stall showers with glass doors. Big mirrors set over counter-top sinks are set off by globe light fixtures. There are also hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and toiletries, including shower caps. Guests in the main hotel get a wake up call while those in the annex do not. Wi-Fi is free in all of the rooms.

Features are limited at this small boutique hotel. There is no gym at this hotel nor much of a lobby except for a small loveseat near the reception desk and a shelf of books. The restaurant next door, owned by the hotel, supplies the free breakfast, discount coupons for other meals, and the food for the hotel's room service. Quite thoughtfully, the hotel will also provide take-away breakfasts at no charge for guests leaving before the restaurant opens. The hotel will also, for a fee, provide laundry and dry cleaning services. Small pets are allowed at this hotel. The reception desk is open 24 hours and can print boarding passes, arrange for a rental car or transfers to the airport, for a fee, in a Mercedes so guests can arrive and depart in style.