Mercure Rome Leonardo da Vinci Airport

There's not too much to be excited about at this hotel, though for low-fuss travelers who need a place to crash between or before flights, it might fit the bill. The public spaces and rooms are done in an unexciting style that incorporates oak-veneer surfaces and pops of red alongside more dated details like worn carpets and seating. The patchy grass on the lawns and overgrown pool walkways don't do much to inspire either. As guests are rarely here for more than a night, there's not much a social vibe, except during breakfast and around the outdoor pool in summer. Not surprisingly, the hotel draws mostly business travelers and airline crews, who benefit from the relatively affordable rates and close proximity to the airport. 

This hotel is located on a side street, about a five-minute drive from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. There's not much else in the area, but a supermarket and several restaurants are within a short walk of the hotel. The hotel is a little over 10 minutes by car from Fiera di Roma, a major exhibition and trade center. Rovine di Ostia Antica -- once the third-century ancient Roman harbor that now displays superbly preserved frescoes and mosaics -- is a 15-minute drive away. It's a 45-minute shuttle ride to Teatro Marcello in central Rome, or a 40-minute train ride from the airport to Termini Station. From the theater and Termini, most of the major Rome attractions are a short walk or metro ride away. Keep in mind that there are fees for the hotel's shuttles. 

The spacious rooms and suites at Leonardo da Vinci Rome Airport Hotel are bland and a bit worn. Expect to see oak-veneer furniture, all-white cotton bedding, and muted palettes of beige, brown, and blue-green. Carpets, furniture, and wallpaper were all looking a little beyond their prime during our visit. Additionally, past guests have found that in-room heating and cooling units are finicky. Keep in mind that the hotel turns off the air-conditioning in the winter, which can make rooms stuffy should it be unseasonably warm outside. Standard features include mini-fridges, electric kettles for instant coffee and tea, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Suites have sitting areas, and certain rooms add balconies and/or pool views. The spacious and well-lit bathrooms come with hairdryers, bidets, and shower/tub combos. One small pet is allowed for a nightly fee. 

The Leonardo da Vinci Rome Airport Hotel's key feature is its seasonal outdoor swimming pool. A large adjacent lawn has sun loungers and umbrellas, though it could use a little sprucing up (like much of the hotel). The fitness center has a good range of cardio and weight equipment in a space that gets good natural light. A breakfast buffet features hot and cold options (for a fee), and the restaurant serves decent Italian and international dishes for lunch and dinner. Room service available. There's also a cocktail bar, though inflated prices have been complaints of past guests. The hotel offers round-trip shuttle service to Terminal 3 at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. It also has a shuttle to the Teatro Marcello in the city center. Prices for the shuttles can be steep. Additional features include a flight crew lounge, meeting rooms, a business center/library, and parking (for a fee). Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.