Excel Hotel Roma Montemario

Situated at the edge of a park among lush green, manicured lawns, the Excel Hotel Roma Montemario feels even farther from central Rome than it really is. The distinctive building, which dates back to the 1900s, has the imposing look of an old school with five tall stories and a yellow facade accented with white trim, a row of arched windows, and rust red shutters. Inside, the scholastic vibe continues with broad, tiled corridors that double as lobby lounge spaces with slouchy couches, a reception desk, and big windows that let in lots of natural light. Decor is a pleasant mix of old and new: antique furnishings topped with trinkets like vintage typewriters are paired with bright modern art, funky pendant lights, and contemporary accents like playful patchwork chairs. The big grounds and wellness facilities attract a range of leisure and business travelers and while tourists come here, too, some are disappointed by the distance to Rome sights. 

This hotel is situated in a fairly isolated area at the edge of a regional park, about a 20-minute drive to Rome's city center. Nearby interests include the Catholic University (10-minute walk), Gemelli General Hospital (12-minute walk), and Olympic Stadium and Foro Italico sports Complex (about a 10-minute drive).As for Rome's city center, the 913 bus, which can be crowded, is a five-minute walk from the hotel and can take guests to the Ottaviano metro station in about 20 minutes. Guests can expect to get to Vatican City or central Rome via public transport in about 35 to 40 minutes via public transit. Termini Station can be reached in about 25 minutes by car or 50 minutes by public transit. The hotel is about a half hour drive from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport and Ciampino Airport. Driving times, of course, depend on traffic. Parking on site is free.

Compared to the grounds and common areas, guest rooms, particularly Standard Rooms, may feel austere. Decor varies from room to room, but tends to be simple, neutral, and contemporary, often with wood floors, white walls, and wood-laminate furniture. Upgraded rooms get classier, adding accents like pendant lights, patchwork chairs, or modern art. Bathrooms range from contemporary to dated, and can be small in entry-level rooms with tiny shower stalls.Rooms have air-conditioning, lightly stocked minibars, flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi, while bathrooms come with hairdryers and free individual toiletries. Rooms are available in range of sizes, and can be quite big -- like the Suite we visited, which had a massive bathroom featuring double sinks, a whirlpool tub, and a free-standing shower stall. Some guests look out onto the parking lot, but views of the grounds can be quite pretty. The biggest complaint here is about the thin walls, so light sleepers should consider bringing earplugs. 

Features are a major reason travelers select the Excel Hotel Roma Montemario, with a sprawling array on hand. The wellness facilities are impressive, though they're run as a sister establishment (under the Excel Sporting Club name) and guests complain about extra fees for use. There's a beach volleyball court, five red-clay tennis courts, and an extensive gym that goes well beyond standard hotel fare, with rows of cardio machines, a range of weight-lifting equipment, exercise balls, and empty wood-floored rooms with mirror walls for classes. Classes include spinning, pilates, dancing, and more. There's also a sauna and massages and beauty treatments can be arranged. The lagoon-style outdoor pool isn't huge, but it's set in the hotel's lush grounds and features an arched bridge and is surrounded by loungers, umbrellas, and a pool bar. The pool, though, is only open in the summer. Access to the gym, sauna, and pool all cost extra fees, though guests in higher-category rooms are offered free access to some of these areas.The hotel also has a decent casual restaurant with a wine list, outdoor seating, kids' menus, and live music some nights, plus a lobby bar and room service. Guests tend to be disappointed in the continental breakfast, though, which usually costs an extra fee. The hotel has three meeting rooms and free Wi-Fi. Staff are available at the front desk 24 hours. Pets are allowed for an extra fee.