The Church Palace

A small paved driveway shaded by a canopy of pine trees leads to the stately Church Palace. The tan stone building is surrounded by expansive grounds with pine trees and furnished patios. Inside, the lobby's shiny black front desk, black-and-white tile floors, and striking contemporary artwork give the space an unexpectedly sexy vibe. At the concierge desk is the cheekily titled Mr. C, who wears a bowler hat and helps guests with theater tickets, restaurants reservations, and even personal shopping. 

The romantic and quiet ambience appeals mostly to couples, but families can utilize the grassy playground with swings and a slide. Business travelers may appreciate the several meeting and event spaces available. There’s also a charming on-site church with wooden pews for up to 600 people, green marble pillars that bolster archways, and fresco paintings. 

This hotel is a quiet refuge on the northwestern edge of Rome, across from the large park Villa Carpegna. There’s not much within walking distance, other than a few restaurants, gas stations, and hotels on the main road. The Cornelia metro station is a 10-minute walk from the property, and it's a 20-minute ride to the Vatican; “skip the line” tickets are available through the concierge. Rome’s other major attractions are farther away. Within 30 to 45 minutes by metro are the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, and the Pantheon. Free shuttle service takes guests to the city center and there is ample free on-site parking. For an additional charge, airport transfers are available to Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, which is 30 minutes away, and Ciampino Airport, which is a 35-minute drive.

The hotel has 200 rooms that while comfortable, are a bit generic. They're decorated in a black, white, and brown color scheme, with striped wallpaper in some rooms adding the only touch of personality. All rooms feature wooden wall panels with mounted 26-inch flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, safes, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Upgraded rooms also have Nespresso machines. White-tile bathrooms have stall showers, bidets, and hotel-brand toiletries. Junior Suites, on the other hand, have striking bathrooms with red mosaic tile and shower/tub combos, plus separate living rooms with sofa beds, desks, and additional flat-screen TVs. The defining feature of the top-floor Smart Rooms are their lovely skylights. 

The Church Palace's most notable feature is its extensive meeting and event space. There are 11 event spaces total, including a modern two-floor auditorium that can fit up to 544 people. Weddings ceremonies are also regularly held in the on-site church with marble floors and columns. A 24/7 business center has computers and a printer, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.

A varied buffet breakfast is included in room rates (though omelets cost extra) and served in the Circus Restaurant, which is decorated with striped drapes, lucite chairs, and a piano for live music. The Nero Terrace Restaurant has seating inside a chevron-patterned dining room, as well as outdoors on a covered wooden terrace. The Office Lounge Bar and Square Lounge Bar Restaurant serve drinks in sophisticated settings. Room service is available during limited hours.