Hotel dei Borgia

From the outside, the Hotel dei Borgia appears to be a traditional neoclassical building with a first-floor facade carved out of stone. The upper floors of the former bank have Roman-inspired window frames and black shutters. Inside the entryway, polished brown marble covers the floor, in line with the building's history as a financial institution. The Old World style has been given a new polish with large mirrors replacing some of the reception area's wall panels as well as modern light fixtures. White leather Chesterfield sofas and leafy green plants add to the space's opulence. The breakfast room is a bit more subdued with pale pink walls, wood chairs, and a gray stone floor. Conference rooms, however, are fairly forgettable with off-white walls and stackable blue chairs. The style speaks well to young couples, and business travelers would also be comfortable here.

The hotel is situated in Rione Monti, which is home to several of Italy's famous landmarks, including the Colosseum (a 15-minute walk) and Santa Pudenziana (a seven-minute walk). There are many restaurants, cafes, and shops nearby, and the area is well serviced by public transportation, with several metro stations within walking distance -- the closest one is a seven-minute walk away. Rome's main train station, Termini, is 11 minutes away on foot. Other nearby attractions include the Trevi Fountain, which is a 12-minute walk from the hotel, while the Spanish Steps can be reached in 15 minutes on foot. Leonardo da Vinci Airport is about a 30- to 50-minute drive, depending on traffic, or around an hour by public transportation.

Hotel dei Borgia's 80 rooms put a new sheen on old European luxury style. The beds have tall, curvy headboards upholstered with colorful fabric that matches the curtains; colors range from mint green to navy shades, which pair well with the rest of the cream and beige hues. Damask wallpaper behind beds adds a royal accent. White desks and frames around the flat-screen TVs suggest a modern take on Louis XIV design. Rooms range from Standard to Superior, with the larger rooms offering more space for lounging, including sitting areas with couches. Room amenities include minibars, safes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, but lack tea/coffee facilities. Bathrooms have slate gray and white tile and bidets. Standard bathrooms only have showers, while upper-category rooms also include separate tubs.

Most of Hotel dei Borigia's amenities cater to an executive lifestyle, but they're also convenient for sightseeing couples. A breakfast buffet, which includes meats, cheeses, pastries, and yogurts, is free and well-received. Beyond breakfast, the hotel has a bar and snack bar, but not a full-service restaurant. The fitness room is small and offers a few weight and cardio machines. Hotel dei Borgia's spa offers massages and also has a sauna, Turkish bath, and hot tub. The meeting rooms fit up to 70 people in spaces set up for large meetings or presentations. A business center offers photocopying and fax services. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.