Appia Antica Resort

Appia Antica Resort is more like a large estate than a typical resort, offering spacious apartments, though not much in the way of traditional common areas like a lobby, lounge, or restaurant. However, the grounds of the property give guests plenty to enjoy, designed by landscape architect, Giordano Marracini, who worked on the Oscar-winning film "The Great Beauty." Tucked behind a stone wall and metal gate, the property is surrounded by greenery including orange trees, flower beds, large potted plants, grassy lawns, and all sorts of well maintained shrubbery and trees -- there's even a koi pond. The lawn offers lounge chairs to relax on in this charming and peaceful atmosphere. 

A 30-minute drive south of Rome, the Appia Antica Resort is part of the Appia Antica archaeological park. The archaeological area partially grew out of the activity on the Appian Way -- an ancient road that connected Rome with Brindisi (a city on the Adriatic coast) -- which is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Sites in the area include the Catacombs of San Callisto that house the remains of more than 50 martyrs and 16 popes (about a five-minute drive away). The tomb of Cecilia Metella, one of the best-preserved monuments along the Appian Way, is also a five-minute drive from here. The Colosseum is a 15- to 20-minute drive away, while other major Roman attractions like the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain can be reached in 25 to 40 minutes by car. Leonardo da Vinci Airport is about 30 minutes by car or 80 minutes by bus. 

The hotel offers three spacious apartments, each individually designed with stylish decor and eclectic, upscale furniture; some pieces are by designers, others are refashioned flea market finds. The apartments can sleep between four and 10 people, making them ideal for couples, families, or groups of vacationing friends. The large bedrooms have platform beds and garden views. Each unit has a full kitchen with a dishwasher, microwave, stove, toaster, tea/coffee facilities (including Italian coffeemakers), plus fridges stocked with drinks (including juices, sodas, mineral water, and even wine) and food like eggs, yogurt, meats, cheeses, and other breakfast foods; pastries, cereals, fresh fruit, and tea and coffee are also provided. Apartments also have dining areas and chic living spaces with couches. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, washing machines, safes, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. The bathrooms are designed to comfortably fit more than one person and are finished with modern fittings. They are outfitted with walk-in rainfall showers (but no tubs), and toiletries are provided.

While the Appia Antica Resort doesn't have many of the standard hotel amenities such as a gym or restaurant, it does come with several comforts. The lovely garden offers plenty of space to sunbathe and relax, plus guests can use the barbecue. Families will be happy to hear that babysitting can be arranged through the hotel (for a fee) and children's entertainment (DVDs and books) are also available. Though there is no business center on-site, photocopying and fax services are accessible. Guests can book cooking classes, massages and reflexology treatments, and Vespa or cycling tours. Private on-site parking is included. An airport shuttle can be arranged for a fee. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas of the resort.