Barberini Hotel

Sculpted ceilings and a marble staircase greet guests at the Barberini Hotel, a quiet option set in a 19th-century palazzo. While it's aiming for that very typical mid-range old-school vibe that's found across Rome's center, things do feel a bit dated. Expect details like generic red pleather sofas paired with green upholstered armchairs that look like they’ve been plucked from a '90s chain hotel, Baroque-patterned wallpaper, and heavy floor-to-ceiling drapes. Romantic city views from the rooftop restaurant -- including a vista to St. Peter’s Basilica -- are the hotel’s prize asset. It’s a favorite guest spot during breakfast or evening drinks, and the basilica is also visible from some rooms. Though it’s not exactly a boutique establishment, the hotel has a boutique feel: guests are remembered by name at breakfast, and there’s an overall pleasant, cozy atmosphere. The majority of guests are couples from the U.S. and Western Europe, with occasional families and groups also visiting. 

Barberini Hotel’s location -- on a quieter cobblestone street just off a main artery housing the stately Palazzo Barberini -- is conveniently central, and just a two-minute walk to Barberini Metro station. However, there's plenty to see within an easy walk as well. It’s just a six-minute walk to Trevi Fountain, while other attractions such as the Spanish Steps are about 10 minutes away on foot. The Pantheon and Piazza Venezia can both be reached in 15 minutes on foot, while the Colosseum is either a 22-minute walk or 16-minute metro journey from Barberini station. The Vatican is a straightforward 30-minute bus ride, while both Ciampino and Fiumicino Airports are about a 45-minute drive. You can reach Fiumicino by metro and train as well in about an hour. 

The 35 rooms here have simple wood furniture and classic decor that can definitely come across as dated. However, rooms are comfortable and equipped with modern features including flat-screen TVs and USB outlets for phone charging, which conveniently eliminate the need for converters. All rooms come with soundproofing, well-stocked minibars, electric kettles, and free safe and Wi-Fi access. The marble bathrooms are somewhat dated as well, but fairly spacious and clean, with either tubs or showers. Superior Rooms are slightly larger than entry-level Standard Rooms and feature city views. Junior Suites are the highest category room, and include comfortable seating plus sofabeds to accommodate two additional adults. Bathrooms in these units are equipped with jetted tubs and separate showers. 

Barberini Hotel has a decent range of facilities for its size: the top-floor Italian restaurant doubles as the breakfast room, and features a terrace with romantic city views. Guests can also relax with a drink in the lobby bar, though options are limited and the layout is somewhat awkward. The free breakfast buffet is a decent spread of sweet and savory dishes, plus hot options including scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausage. Those seeking further relaxation can try the wellness center, though facilities here are basic and include only a sauna and hot tub. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and a small meeting room with natural light is booked on occasion by business guests. The hotel also partners with a nearby public garage for guest parking, but rates aren’t particularly discounted.