Hotel Cristoforo Colombo

Pulling of the main road and into the Hotel Cristoforo Colombo, cracked asphalt and scuffed curbs hardly make for best first impressions. Renovations and additions in 2017, however, have improved the look of much of this motel-like property, starting with a fresh lick of pastel pink paint across its low-rise buildings. Pink (but slightly weather-worn) awning mark the entrance to the reception area, an octagonal rotunda that has also been on the receiving end of some sprucing, with smart velvet seating, polished brass accents, and white marble floors. A carpet-lined curved staircase sweeps up to a dining room, while accommodation blocks have external walkways. A garden offers patio seating, a gazebo, and a lawn shaded by pine trees, though most of the hotel's four buildings are surrounded by a parking lot. Like a motel, the atmosphere is transient, with most guests on short stays and layovers. The hotel attracts Italian business travelers plus some budget-conscious tourists.  

Just off a major road on the outskirts of Rome, the Cristoforo Colombo is well-removed from the region's main tourist sights. The hotel is in Eur, a residential and business district about seven miles south of the Italian capital. Next to the hotel is Euroma2, a busy shopping mall with numerous retail outlets and a handful of dining options. PalaLottomatica, a popular concert and event arena, is about a 20-minute walk away. A bus stop can be found just outside the hotel and connects to the metro, and it's roughly a total of 30 minutes to reach central Rome. It's about an 18-minute drive from the hotel to Fiumicino/Leonardo Da Vinci Airport. 

The hotel has 310 rooms, all of which were updated in 2017 with a bright and attractive mix of wood floors, simple contemporary furniture, and crisp white walls. Matching green drapery, bedding, mosaic artworks complete the modern, breezy feel. Single rooms start at a compact 150 square feet (14 square meters) and Doubles are only slightly larger, though Suites reach a roomy 430 square feet (40 square meters), with two separate areas. All units open to spacious balconies or terraces, though don't expect much in the way of views. Several past guests have complained that rooms are noisy and poorly soundproofed. 

All units are air-conditioned (but only during summer months) and come with 32-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and electronic safes. Wi-Fi is free of charge, though stronger in some areas of the hotel than others. Bathrooms are clean and traditionally-styled with red-marble accents, most with shower/tub combos (some walk-in showers), wall-mounted hairdryers, heated towel racks, and hotel-branded toiletries. 

A continental breakfast buffet is served in the octagonal La Caravella Restaurant (also updated for 2017), which consists of breads, pastries, cereals, fruit, juices, and freshly brewed coffee. Breakfast is not included as standard though it's reasonably priced. The restaurant is also open for dinner and serves traditional Italian cuisine that receives positive reviews. There are two bars, one in the lobby and a second poolside that opens during warmer months. The pool itself is large enough for a swim and lined with loungers and umbrellas, but it's only open seasonally and there's a charge for pool towels. Plentiful parking is available on-site free of charge and there's ample space for meetings, however there's no gym or spa facilities. Wi-Fi is free throughout.