Taormina Hotel

The Taormina is situated in an Umbertine building that's more than 100 years old, on a wide, busy street in central Rome. It became a hotel in 1956 and has been run by the same family, who've added more rooms in the same building over the years, ever since. An unassuming double wood-and-glass door leads to a flight of stairs and a small glass elevator that reaches all floors. The reception desk is classically European, backed by a small wood box where the heavy door keys are kept in cubbyholes. The narrow lobby lounge has terra cotta tiles, a couch, two armchairs and flat-screen TV -- it feels austere, but should be brought more in line with the stylish guest rooms in the near future. The breakfast room is a humble space with heavy wood furniture, purple table runners, and a few old paintings hanging on the white walls. There is a bar with espresso machines and beer available, plus a small outdoor courtyard with several potted plants but no seating. The hotel seems to draw many German tourists, and guests are mostly couples on holiday.

The hotel is situated in central Rome, on a wide street frequented by buses, although the hotel isn't terribly noisy. The surrounding area, in the multi-ethnic Esquilino District, is full of shops, Chinese restaurants, pizzerias, trattorias featuring local fare, bars, and cafes. It is less than a five-minute walk to the historic Sicilian gelateria G. Fassi, in the famous Palazzo del Freddo. Piazza Vittorio, with its beautiful gardens, is less than 10 minutes away on foot, as is Termini Station. All historic sights are within easy reach of the hotel, especially when using the metro at Vittorio Emanuele. The Spanish Steps are 13 minutes away via metro and the Colosseum is 17 minutes away, though ambitious guests can reach both in less than 35 minutes on foot. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is about a 30-minute drive depending on traffic, or about 50 minutes away by train from Termini. 

The Taormino’s 56 rooms are all similar in style, and come with double or twin beds and either hardwood floors or light-colored large-square tiles. The walls are painted in a selection of cool shades and modern hues ranging from slate to eggplant to light blue, and they're decorated with modern abstract photography or paintings. Striped drapes complement the walls, and though we would have loved to see proper duvets on the beds, the bedspreads have a chic, vintage look to them. All rooms come with small flat-screen TVs, desks, chairs, and safes; a few have air-conditioning units (for an extra fee) and mini-fridges. Some rooms also have private, walk-out balconies, but they don't offer much in the way of views. En-suite bathrooms are especially stylish for this category of hotel, and feature lovely, dark marble tiles, glass-door showers with contemporary fixtures, heated towel racks, toiletries and hairdryers. Some Triple Rooms come with two separate rooms, while others have all beds within the same space, ideal for families or small groups. 

A simple breakfast of wrapped pastries, cereal, juice, and coffee is included in the room price, though it's nothing spectacular. There is a communal computer in the lobby with Internet and printing that is free for guests' use, but in-room Wi-Fi is subject to a daily fee. Air-conditioning units are available in some rooms for an extra fee as well. The hotel has a small bar that sells beer, wine, and coffees, and metro cards can be purchased in the lobby. Small pets are permitted for an extra fee and parking is available at a nearby garage, also for a fee.