Hotel Re di Roma

Open since 2007, this little hotel is housed in a five-story former palace. It's been completely refurbished and is now colorful and contemporary, with bright hues such as gold, purple, and red found throughout interiors. The lobby is a warm, welcoming space with a huge sectional wrapping around the walls. It's a great spot for hanging out to watch the large-screen TV, read, or just relax on the splashy pillows. Even so, most guests are out and about all day. An adjacent bar serves cocktails and light fare, and mood lighting adds a romantic touch. It's a quiet, intimate setting, quite different from the busy, noisy tourist areas. Expect to see mostly couples here, though it has appeal for nearly every type of traveler.

This hotel is situated in a quiet residential and commercial area, just a two-minute walk from the Re Di Roma Metro station and a 12-minute walk from the beautiful Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano. The area has a far more low-key vibe than Rome's city center, but is still packed with many shops, supermarkets, restaurants, pizzerias, bars, ice cream shops, and inns. Tuscolana railway station is also nearby. The iconic Colosseum can be reached in about 10 minutes by car or 20 minutes by public transportation. It's also about 20 minutes by a combination of metro and walking to the historic heart of the city for sights like the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is about 35 minutes away by car or just under an hour by public transportation. 

The modern rooms here are a nice change of pace in a city where budget-friendly options are often dated and stuffy. Decor includes polished wood floors, brightly colored accent walls, deep plum-colored drapery, chic modern lighting, and clean-lined dark wood furniture. We did spot just a touch of wear on furniture during our visit. Expect standard features like air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Standard and Single Rooms are tiny, as are their bathrooms, but the style is modern and they include bidets, hairdryers, toiletries, and towel warmers. Some have just showers, but upgraded rooms have whirlpool tubs. Family Rooms have two bathrooms, one with a shower and one with a jetted tub. Some rooms have balconies, where guests can smoke. These rooms also are pet-friendly. 

This simple little hotel offers little in the way of features, but a free continental breakfast buffet is served daily in a cozy breakfast room. Selections include yogurt, fruits, breads, cereal, cheese, and cold meats, and a beverage machine dispenses coffee drinks. Room service is available. There's also an attractive bar with black leather club chairs and mood lighting. A multipurpose events space can accommodate business and social gatherings, with business services and catering provided. An internet station in the corner of the bar provides a computer for guests to use, though Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The hotel provides discounted passes to a nearby fitness center. Bikes and cars can be rented through the hotel.