Caravel Hotel

Caravel Hotel is an elegant property located far from the city center and therefore removed from the noisy tourist areas. It’s a modern building with a blocky exterior -- a structure that lacks the historic essence of this ancient city. Interiors underwent a major renovation that was completed in 2012. Grapefruit-colored accent walls, tiled floors, and a sleek front desk create a lovely first impression in the lobby, while the lounge area has contemporary furnishings in cooler tones of blue, gray, and purple, as well as fresh flowers in vases. It’s a simple but elegant look, with white walls throughout brightened by colorful accents. The restaurant has a more formal, posh vibe, with white tablecloth-clad tables, chic purple chairs, and circular wall cut-outs with wine displays. Curtains drape from railings, offering a more private dining option. Business travelers are the largest clientele here, though leisure tourists and couple can also be seen enjoying a meal in the restaurant or breakfast in the morning. 

The hotel offers a quiet location away from Rome’s city center, yet close to several bus stops and a 15-minute walk to the nearest metro station. The Colosseum is just a six-minute drive away or about 20 minutes by public transportation, while other top attractions like the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Spanish Steps can be reached in 15 to 20 minutes by car, or 35 to 40 minutes via public transit. Vatican City can be reached in 20 to 30 minutes by car, or around 45 minutes on public transportation. There are a few restaurants on surrounding streets, but it’s definitely not a lively neighborhood -- plus, some areas nearby may feel a bit sketchy. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is a 20- to 30-minute drive or about an hour by public transit. 

The contemporary guest rooms at Caravel Hotel have a serene mood, with soft lighting, blond-wood floors, white linens and furniture, and curtains with floral print accents. Modern furnishings include small IKEA-like desks, platform beds with white tufted headboards, and wardrobes. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Mini-fridges can be requested, but there are no coffee- or tea-making facilities. Some rooms have accessible balconies, but they’re unfurnished and don’t offer decent views. Bathrooms are stylishly decked out in mocha-colored tiles with black trim, vessel sinks, and shower/tub combos with half-glass doors. They’re equipped with hairdryers and toiletries in wall-mounted dispensers. 

Caravel Hotel offers a number of solid amenities, like a free breakfast buffet in the mornings that receives positive reviews from guests. The on-site restaurant serves Italian cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. Room service is available for breakfast and dinner and costs an additional fee per person. Late-night snacks can be purchased from the vending machines found on each floor. For business travelers, there are three fully equipped meeting rooms and an Internet center with two desktop computers and a printer. Free Wi-Fi is also available. A hair salon is located in the hotel and provides service to guests and non-guests alike. The hotel may lack on-site parking, but there are plenty of parking garages and lots nearby. Pets are welcome.