Albergo del Senato

Housed in a 19th-century building and situated directly next to the Pantheon is the 56-room Albergo del Senato -- a relaxed mid-range option with classic decor. Jaw-dropping views of the Pantheon are a big draw, and the jovial ambience of Piazza della Rotunda -- complete with buskers, merrymaking, and the general din of tourists -- makes its way into the hotel, setting a lighthearted atmosphere. Effective soundproofing keeps noise levels down at night however, and the hotel is quiet overall. Though its imitation historical features aren’t original, they lend a classical feel, and occasional modern touches keep it from coming across as dated.Immaculate upkeep -- the hotel refreshes its rooms and furnishings on a regular basis -- makes this hotel stand out among competitors. Summer sunsets on the rooftop terrace, accompanied by sweeping views over the city and the Pantheon, are a guest favorite. The hotel wins back many repeat guests, including those from the U.S., U.K., and Western Europe. 

Albergo del Senato’s prime location just next to the Pantheon is one of its strongest features. It sits right on the Piazza della Rotunda, with ample shops and cafes on the same block. Most major attractions are within a 15-minute walk -- including Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain (five- and seven-minute walks, respectively). Piazza Venezia and the Spanish Steps are 12 and 15 minutes away on foot, respectively, while the Colosseum and the trendy Monti district can be both reached in just over 20 minutes by walking. The Vatican is a straightforward 20-minute taxi ride, and Ciampino and Fiumicino Airports are both about 45 minutes away by car.

The 56 rooms at Albergo del Senato have an elegant, classical feel, and all come with minibars (well-stocked by mid-range standards), slippers, tea/coffee facilities, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have charming balconies with spectacular Pantheon views -- great for soaking in the light-hearted atmosphere of the piazza -- and effective soundproofing minimizes the noise at night. Bathrooms vary, with either marble tiling and classically-styled fittings, or mosaic tiling with more modern sinks and accents. All have shower/tub combos.Rooms are divided according to occupancy and views: Standard Single and Standard Double Rooms are beautiful, but lack a Pantheon view, while Superior Single and Superior Double Rooms have Pantheon views plus bathrobes. Suites are larger, with separate seating areas and jetted tubs, and most overlook the Pantheon -- save the Seminario Suite, which has its own original Renaissance-style ceiling fresco. The hotel also includes a mini apartment which sleeps up to four adults, set over two floors and suited to families and long stays. The Junior Suite Apartment comfortably accommodates three adults, or two adults and two children via a sofa bed.

Similar to many hotels in Rome, Albergo del Senato isn’t chock full of features, but one of the best views in town is from its elegant rooftop terrace, overlooking the Pantheon and Rome rooftops. There’s waiter service for drinks during the high season, and relaxing here at sunset is a guest favorite. The cozy, classy bar in the lobby serves drinks along with aperitif snacks in low season – and is accompanied by patio seating on the piazza. The international buffet breakfast is included and served in the hotel’s elegant, classically-styled breakfast room (or on the rooftop terrace in summer). Hot options such as bacon and sausage cost extra, though items like handmade cakes, self-serve pancakes, salad, and cold cuts are free. There’s also a small business corner with printing facilities, along with a naturally-lit meeting room. Wi-Fi throughout the hotel is free, and those with a car can park at a public paid garage roughly a five-minute walk away.