Hotel Napoleon

The Napoleon is housed in a beautiful five-story 19th-century Umbertine building with arched windows and columns across the front. The property's facade certainly makes a grand statement that matches its refined legacy, and it's been run by the same family for several generations -- the founder was the grandfather of the current owners. Inside, the style is perhaps unsurprisingly Old World, and the lobby is divided between two adjacent rooms that are elegantly decorated with antiques, rich rugs, elegant artwork, and historic maps. Groups of blue sofas and chairs give everyone plenty of places to hang out, and two desks are set up with computers for guests to use. The space is used to host the hotel's popular, free wine and cocktail receptions on select weeknights. Overall, this is a quiet, cozy hotel that appeals to travelers who appreciate antiques and traditional decor. It's especially popular with couples celebrating weddings and anniversaries, but families, groups, individuals, and businesspeople are also seen here.

The Napoleon Hotel is in the Esquilino neighborhood just under the arcades of the famous Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, whose gardens are located opposite the hotel. It's a multi-ethnic zone that's considered the Chinatown of Rome, and can be a bit chaotic and hectic. It's full of shops, but there also many restaurants and eateries, supermarkets, and bars within the immediate area. Attractions within a 15-minute walk of the hotel include the Colosseum, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and the Opera House. The metro at Vittorio Emanuele is also only a two-minute walk from the hotel for anyone wanting to see the rest of the city. Termini Station, Rome's main rail hub, is on the other side of the Piazza, a short walk from the hotel. As with most neighborhoods surrounding major transportation hubs, the vicinity of Termini can be seedy, though there's lots of nightlife nearby as well. The bars and clubs of scruffy Quartiere San Lorenzo are a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is about 35 minutes away by car, or 50 minutes by public transportation. 

While the hotel packs in plenty of historic charm and character in its public areas, the rooms can feel a little fusty, though everything is well kept. Decor is classic, old-style Italian, with a gold and blue color scheme, walnut or white furniture, upholstered headboards, rich striped drapery, patterned carpeting, and old-fashioned bedspreads. It won't appeal to everyone, and there's a lot of matching when it comes to color schemes (think: green on green on green), though it's all pleasant enough to please most guests. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, electric kettles, minibars, and work desks. All rooms face the interior courtyard, which helps create a quiet, calm atmosphere, although the view isn't particularly desirable. Bathrooms are small, but attractive, with Italian tile, bidets, wall-hung sinks, towel warmers, hairdryers, and the hotel's own brand of toiletries. About half the rooms have showers only, and the others have shower/tub combos. Superior Rooms add a living area with a sofa bed, and guests in these rooms get free room service. Connecting rooms are available. Some rooms have tiny balconies with a table and chairs.

Features here aren't numerous, but most of what's on offer is enough for a pleasant stay and the hotel does many things well. Guests can start their day with a free American-style breakfast buffet served in a cheerful breakfast room with yellow walls and tablecloths. Lunch is served in the bar, and dinner is in the hotel's restaurant, an intimate, elegant space with rich green tablecloths and gold cushioned chairs. Food gets solid marks from previous guests for being reasonably priced and tasty. Room service is available, and it's free for guests celebrating weddings or anniversaries, or for women traveling alone. Free wine tastings are held for guests every Friday, and free cocktails are served on Monday. 

A small fitness center on the top floor is equipped with cardio and weight training equipment, yoga mats, and exercise balls. The floor is carpeted, and two lounge chairs are available for guests who tire of working out. An adjacent terrace also offers chairs for relaxing outside. The hotel's dedicated concierge is staffed around the clock, and airport transfers can be arranged for a fee. A business center has computers for guests to use, and printing, copying, and faxing services also are available. A group of arm chairs is suitable for small meetings. The hotel's lovely banquet room can accommodate up to 70 people for business or social gatherings. Additionally, Wi-Fi is free throughout.