Starhotels Metropole

Part of the Starhotels chain, the Metropole offers standard amenities -- such as a spacious lobby, bar, and restaurant -- that are considerably larger than those of the many boutique hotels in the area. Situated in a newer, eight-floor building on a busy side street in central Rome, this large hotel lacks the authentic Roman charm that can often be found in the area’s independently owned hotel, but includes more features than most. There is a large, drippy chandelier hanging over the lounge area and a slick modern bar occupying nearly one wall of the lobby area. The bountiful buffet breakfast occupies two counters, offering a large assortment of pastries and croissants as well as eggs, meats, fruits and vegetables. Breakfasts are busy but take place in the spacious Apicio restaurant with its wood and fog glass walls, modern cherry wood tables and cushioned chairs. 

There is a spacious parking garage under the hotel and a decent-sized fitness room with several state-of-the-art bikes, treadmills, and weight machines. There is also an enormous conference center with all necessary audio/video equipment that can accommodate up to 180 people, and nine other meeting rooms. There are nine floors altogether at the hotel which are served by three elevators. Guest demographics vary, but most are 50 and older, hailing from elsewhere in Europe or North America.

The Metropole is located on a busy, narrow side street in the center of Rome’s Esquilino district. There is a myriad of shops, restaurants, bars, gelato shops, and cafes within a five-minute walk and Termini train station is a seven-minute walk away. Piazza della Repubblica and the Rome Opera House are also right down the street, accessible on foot in less than 10 minutes. Many of Rome’s biggest attractions are also not far away. The Spanish Steps, Coliseum, and Trevi Fountain are all about a 20-minute walk or 10-minute Metro ride away. Both the Republica and Termini Metro stops are a five-minute walk from the hotel. There are also numerous buses that stop within a five-minute walk from the hotel. Vatican City is 25 minutes away by bus and Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is about an hour away by train or 30 minutes away by car.

There are a variety of rooms at the Metropole, ranging from standard classic up to executive and junior suites. There is not a huge difference in size between the least expensive and most expensive rooms. All rooms feature modern cherry wood furniture in the form of large wardrobes with robes and slippers, desks and chairs, and large headboards; silver-plated mirrors and lamps also dot the rooms. Each room comes with reliable free Wi-Fi, a satellite TV, a mini-fridge, a safe, and coffee/tea-making facilities. The largest suites each have a lounge area with a sofa bed, but they are not separated by rooms or closing doors. There are individual air-conditioning units in every room. In spite of the busy area, when windows are closed, there is little street noise. The executive suites each have an extra TV in the bathroom. All bathrooms are spacious and modern, featuring slick marble tiled floors, counters and walls, and shower/tub combos with partial glass doors; many guests find them to be the highlights of the rooms.

The Metropole offers free buffet breakfast for guests which is a large spread of fresh pastries, coffee, juice, meats, cheese, cereal, fruit, and yogurt. There is free Wi-Fi access in rooms and throughout the hotel. The lobby is equipped with a full bar and plenty of seating. Guests have free access to the fitness room and there is a large conference room and eight meeting rooms that can be reserved for special events. Apicio restaurant serves local Italian fare for lunch and dinner. Room service is available. There is a 236-space parking garage under the hotel, subject to a daily fee. Laundry service, and tour and restaurant recommendations are available. Small pets are allowed, but are often subject to an extra fee.