Hotel Artemide

The Artemide presents an interesting mix of old elegance and modern flair. After taking in its white, majestic, and ancient exterior and classic lobby with its vaulted ceiling, arched doorways, and original oil paintings, the polished and totally modern look of the rooms might come as a bit of a surprise. With black headboards, nightstands, and dark browns and grays accentuating the furnishings, the rooms look like they belong in swanky Miami rather than Rome. The Ambrosia Restaurant and rooftop patio are also a tasteful blend of classic elegance and contemporary panache. Care, cleanliness, and attention to detail permeate every aspect of the hotel, but not to the extent that it feels stuffy. The vibe is classy, yet welcoming and comfortable.

The main train station is a five-minute cab ride from the Artemide's front door, from the station the airport can be reached in 30 minutes. The big appeal here is that all of Rome’s main attractions -- the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps are within a 20-minute walk from the hotel. The Vatican and Castel Sant'Angelo can be reached in about 15 minutes by taxi. There are also several fashionable clothing stores -– Italian boutiques as well as more affordable chains, within a few minutes’ walk, and dozens of restaurants and bars, cafes, and ice-cream parlors. Piazza della Repubblica, with its beautiful fountain, and the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli (designed by Michelangelo) are also within a 10-minute walk.

The renovated rooms are contemporary and stylish with artistic and simple lamps, shiny silver fixtures, and wireless mounted flat-screen TVs. Although the black leather headboards might look a little unusual, the beds are comfortable, and the leather couches and chairs in most rooms make for comfortable seating areas. The free minibars are regularly restocked with soda, beer, crackers, and nuts. The bathrooms, while immaculate and modern, have half doors on the tubs (not available in all rooms) and "rain" showerheads designed for hand-held use, a shower style common in Europe. Room views mostly overlook the street. There's a Honeymoom Suite on the top floor that offers a conservatory terrace and a hot tub.

Features at the Artemis Hotel are definitely upscale. The renovated Artemis Spa is compact but luxurious with a Turkish bath, Finnish sauna, and a hydromassage pool. Free breakfast includes a variety of hot and cold local specialties. There's a delightful rooftop bar offering tasty cocktails and cool ambience. Ambrosia Restaurant serves full meals and room service. A business center with phone, fax, and individual cubicles is a perk for business travelers. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Another nice perk is the small fitness center with cardio and weight-training equipment. Laundry services are available for a fee.