Hotel Imperiale Roma

Situated in an 1895 building with a classic facade, Hotel Imperiale displays elegant lintel and cornice details. The interior, which was renovated in 2013, retains classic architectural features that lend a stately air, while furniture feels tastefully contemporary. The lobby is stylish, and extends into lots of little nooks where black and white marble floors are paired with velvety upholstered furniture in rich purple, fuchsia, and blue-gray. On the walls hang 19th-century paintings, mirrors, and cameos in gilded frames. Beautiful mosaic tiling along the bar and in the spa lends a distinctly Roman air, offering a kind of individual charm that can be hard to come by in larger hotels. While room decor isn't quite as luxe as what's found in the common spaces, the huge range of room sizes (from singles to quads), nice amenities, and excellent location attracts a range of travelers and tourists, including couples, families, and some friend groups. 

Hotel Imperiale is situated the heart of Rome, in a neighborhood immortalized in Fellini's "La Dolce Vita." The area is packed with luxury shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes, and is popular among tourists because of its proximity to major attractions. In less than 10-minutes guests can walk to the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, and it's about a 15-minute walk to the Pantheon. The Barberini metro station is just a two-minute walk from the hotel, and connects directly to the Roma Termini Railway Station (a two-minute ride). Vatican City is one of the few attractions not in walking distance, but guests can get there in about 20 minutes via public transit. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is about an hour away via public transport or 30 to 40 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

Rooms are small but tasteful with classic decor that pairs hardwood floors with yellow or cream-colored walls, often wallpapered. Leathery beige tufted headboards, rich wood furniture, and purple fabric accents, like long drapes, lend a classy vibe, though guests sometimes say room decor can feel tired, noting signs of wear and tear. Bathrooms are kitted out with marble sinks and floors, mosaic tiled walls, and bidets, though the shower stalls can feel small and pretty basic. 

All rooms are air conditioned and include desks, safes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Coffee and tea service isn't standard, but minibars are. Bathrooms are stocked with hairdryers and free individual toiletries. Guests occasionally note noise in alley-facing rooms in particular. 

Rooms come in a range of sizes including tiny Single Rooms, small Twins/Doubles, and Triples and Quads, which only measure 215 square feet. The largest suites top out at 270 square feet, but add nice extras like stylish furniture, bathtubs, espresso machines, or balconies. 

The hotel offers a nice array of features for a small property in a city center. A highlight is the restaurant, Il Gazebo, situated in a glass-walled room reminiscent of a conservatory and serving Italian dishes for lunch and dinner. The hotel also has a classy breakfast room where a daily buffet is served, presenting a range of hot and cold American and Italian favorites. Breakfast is often -- but not always -- included in the room rate. The hotel also has a small, mosaic-tiled bar and plenty of lounge spaces to encourage guests to linger. 

The hotel's small spa includes a hammam, sauna, and a hot tub surrounded by beautiful mosaic tiling, and massages can be arranged. On the downside, there's no gym. For business travelers, the hotel also has three meeting rooms, which can host up to 70 guests. Wi-Fi is free, and there are computers in common spaces for guests' use. The hotel offers concierge service and room service during limited hours and can arrange for laundry service, childcare, or airport shuttles, albeit for extra fees. Valet parking is available but it's an additional charge, too.