Hotel Atlante Star

The Hotel Atlante Star is a fairly typical and staid property, with a traditional look some may find dated. Guests are generally on their way out the door to visit area attractions, but there are pleasant places to relax, including the lobby, done up in Old World decor. The hotel's crowning jewel is its spacious rooftop terrace -- one of Rome's best -- and guests gather here to dine in warm weather and take in the knockout views of St. Peter's Basilica and other major landmarks. Guest of the property tend to be tourists, primarily couples, looking for accommodations in a well-heeled neighborhood and easy access to top sights. 

Hotel Atlante Star is situated on the left bank of the River Tiber in the Prati district, a wealthy residential area with shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars. The hotel is ideally located for visiting the Vatican. The Apostolic Palace and St. Peter's Basilica are all an eight-minute walk away. The western edge of the Parco Adriano, which contains Castel Sant'Angelo, is just a two-minute stroll. St. Peter's Square and the Sistine Chapel are 11 minutes and 19 minutes on foot, respectively. The Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain can be reached in about 20 minutes on the metro. 

Public transportation is readily accessible: Vitelleschi bus stop is a one-minute walk, the Risorgimento - San Pietro tram is five minutes on foot, and the Ottaviano metro station is about a 10-minute walk. Termini station is a little under 20 minutes by metro from Ottaviano, or about a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is about a 40-minute drive or shuttle bus from the Atlante Star, or about 40 minutes by train from Termini. 

Rooms are a mixed bag at this hotel. While some have a more modern style that incorporates on-trend gray and slate-blue hues, most are done in decor that's past its prime and stuffy, such as heavily patterned wallpaper. Details include coffered ceilings, traditional artwork, and wood furnishings. Unfortunately, though, many of the classically styled units are beginning to look dated, and some show signs of wear and tear on the walls, furniture, and carpet. 

All rooms have minibars, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs, but they lack electric kettles or coffeemakers. Some feature views of St. Peter's Basilica. Bathrooms are a little cramped and there's limited storage, but traditional styling is attractive, with checkered marble floors and pedestal sinks. All come with bidets, bathrobes, and shower/tub combos with removable showerheads. Suite bathrooms are outfitted with jetted tubs.

While some rooms aren't excessively small by Rome hotel standards, it's a little hard to maneuver around the beds or find a place to set down luggage. Guests should note that some double beds are two singles pushed together. 

Hotel Atlante Star's standout feature is its spacious, landscaped rooftop terrace, featuring superb views of the surrounding area, Castel Sant’Angelo, and St. Peter's Basilica. Tables are set up for warm-weather meals, served by the property's traditional Italian restaurant. There's a decent free breakfast buffet, with hot and cold items and a hearty selection of baked goods. Gluten-free options are available, but the variety isn't on par. Satisfying local and national cuisine made with seasonal ingredients are on offer for lunch and dinner. 

The hotel's free pick-up airport shuttle (reservations must be made at least three days in advance) is a nice extra that's rare for central Rome hotels. There's a charge for return shuttles, which is a bit cheaper than a taxi. The Atlante Star also has a lobby bar and lounge, a public computer, concierge service, a 24-hour front desk, and parking (for a fee). Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and small pets are allowed for an extra charge.