Hotel Cortina

With only a small plaque on the wall marking the entrance, this tiny property is a little hard to find. Hotel Cortina occupies the first floor of an old, classic building that's home to another small hotel and offices, and guests must be buzzed in by the staff. A heavy wooden door opens onto a hallway with large clay vases placed in niches along the wall and a small foyer with an old iron elevator. The lobby is tiny and decorated in a classic style, with elegant wooden furniture, golden lamps, ceiling and wall molding, heavy drapes, and a large painting of Vatican City. Off the reception area is a compact bar serving drinks throughout the day, and a small breakfast room with thick embroidered curtains, wooden floors, and rugs. The diversity of room types here -- and the central location -- make this a popular choice with tourist couples and families.

The hotel is located on Via Nazionale, a busy cobblestone street that's a couple of blocks from famous Piazza della Repubblica and the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli. There's a high concentration of restaurants, shops, and bars in the immediate vicinity, and Termini Station is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Most major historic sights can be reached on foot, including the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, and the Colosseo -- all are within 20 minutes of the Cortina, which may seem long, but Rome is extremely walkable. Cabs are available, but with Rome's legendary traffic don't expect trips to take much less time to any of these sights. The Trastevere neighborhood, Vatican City, and other attractions a little farther afield can be reached by public transportation in around 30 minutes. The nearest metro station is Repubblica, located a five-minute walk from the hotel, and trips to the international airport can take just under an hour by taxi or metro.

The hotel has 14 traditional rooms, all featuring wooden floors and windows overlooking either the street or other buildings. Decor is classically elegant -- similar to so many other hotels in the city -- with heavy drapes in golden hues, matching comforters, mid-tone wood veneer furniture, and small lamps with golden accents. The look won't be everyone's cup of tea. Free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and air-conditioning are all standard amenities. En-suite bathrooms are clean and feature shower/tub combos, toiletries, and hairdryers. Most rooms are small, but the hotel also has two apartments for larger groups, families, or couples who want a bit more space. These units have one or two bedrooms -- each with its own bathroom -- separate living areas, and fully stocked kitchens. The one-bedroom apartment also has a furnished terrace. Style in the apartments is more modern -- in fact, they are sharp and contemporary. Expect on-trend grays, browns, and blacks throughout with black-and-white photography on the walls and handsome modern furniture. Keep in mind that the apartments are not cleaned daily. 

Hotel Cortina is a small hotel and lacks the amenities of larger properties, but it does offer a couple of convenient features, including a bar serving drinks throughout the day in a tiny room off the lobby. A nice, free breakfast is served every morning in a small room with a handful of tables and classic decor. Expect lots of pastries plus meats and cheese. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and airport transfer services can be booked for a fee at front desk. The hotel can also help arrange tours and tickets.