Grande Albergo Roma

Grande Albergo Roma opened in 1958, and its blocky, redbrick facade sharply contrasts with the neoclassical refinement of neighboring buildings. Stepping inside, however, the mood certainly changes to something a little more elegant, with a lobby characterized by pretty glass sconces, polished terrazzo floors, and a spiral staircase sweeping up to an ornate Murano chandelier. The hotel joined the family-run INC Hotels Group in 2015, and it was renovated in classical Italian style with enough modern touches so as not to feel old fashioned. A pair of elevators service the hotel's seven floors, running from the underground parking garage up to the top-floor restaurant and terrace, which offers lovely views over the surrounding town. Italian travelers on business make up the bulk of guests, and the rest are mostly European tourists passing through.  

The hotel is located in the center of the city of Piacenza (named "pleasant place" by the Romans) set in the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. The picturesque Piazza Cavalli is just a block away, featuring a fine Gothic-style palazzo and Romanesque church, while the surrounding streets are lined with charming historic buildings. There's no shortage of shopping and dining options within strolling distance (though renting a car is recommended) and plenty of pretty squares and ancient monuments are nearby to explore on foot. The city is also conveniently positioned between Milan and Parma, both about an hour's drive away, and each with an international airport.  

The hotel has 72 guest rooms remain fresh from their 2015 renovation, with decor that combines modern monochrome styling -- carpeted floors, simple contemporary furniture, and leather headboards -- with a few classical Italian touches. While also all updated, the four suites are more traditionally finished with herringbone parquet flooring and patterned rugs, plus separate space to work or relax. Despite the city center location, street noise is kept to a minimum.

Amenities include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars, free digital safes, slippers, fluffy bathrobes, and electric kettles with free tea and coffee (though with paper cups). In-room Wi-Fi is free of charge, though the signal could be better. Bathrooms are clad in travertine stone, with shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and decent toiletries. Suite perks include more spacious bathrooms with whirlpool tubs. 

The hotel's highlight without doubt is its seventh-floor restaurant, bar, and terrace, which affords spectacular views over the city's rooftops. Breakfast costs extra, though the price is reasonable and the buffet includes cereal, yogurt, and fresh pastries, plus precooked eggs, bacon, and sausages; there's also a corner with local produce and a coffee machine. The bar opens for evening drinks, and a la carte menus of traditional Italian cooking are on offer for lunch and dinner, with room service available.

There are no wellness facilities, but other amenities include four fully equipped meeting rooms, on-site underground garage parking for an extra charge (though space can be a bit tight), plus free Wi-Fi throughout the building.