Hotel Farnese

This charming hotel is housed in a 1906 five-story palazzo that's been beautifully restored inside and out. Public interiors are filled with fine antique furniture, original works of Italian art, stained glass, and period detailing such as moldings and arched doorways. Guests are greeted on arrival at the small marble reception desk with ornate carvings across the front, and the adjacent lobby bar is a popular spot for hanging out. The ambience is elegant and sophisticated, yet cozy, too. The property certainly has more charm than some of its mid-range competition, which can often be dated and fusty. Unfortunately, not all rooms are quite as polished, and some lower category bookings are a bit tired. It draws all sorts of tourists, and businesspeople as well. 

This hotel is located in the center of Prati, a busy area of Rome that's full of residential and office buildings, as well as many shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes. The hotel faces a quiet street of the same name, dedicated to Italian leader Alessandro Farnese. Guests can walk to Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica in 15 minutes, to Piazza del Popolo in 12 minutes, and to Castel Sant'Angelo in 17 minutes. The closest metro stop, Lepanto, is just a minute's walk from the hotel, providing easy access to other attractions around the city. The Municipal Court of Rome and other public offices also are in the immediate area. The location is ideal for tourists as it's central and within walking distance of many attractions -- many of which are just across the river (the Spanish Steps are a 20-minute stroll). Plan on about 45 minutes to reach Fiumicino Airport by car, or 50 minutes by public transportation. 

The hotel's rooms and suites are decorated in a classic style that swings between elegant and basic. Details in the nicest rooms include fine antique walnut furniture, period accents, and Murano glass lamps. The smallest Standard Rooms are the simplest of the lot, though even some of these do include upmarket details like inlaid tile flooring, rich damask drapery, velvet accent pillows, and stained glass windows. Of course, the more you pay, the more elegant the finishings. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are also traditional, with ornate mirrors hanging above the sinks and crisp white tiling. They include bidets, hairdryers, walk-in showers, towel warmers, and toiletries. Higher category rooms have shower/tub combos and add robes and slippers. The Junior Suite includes a separate sitting room with a sofa and chair. Quadruple Rooms with bunk beds are available for families. Several of the rooms have terraces, some with nice views of the city. 

Like most of its competitors, features are slim at this property. A free breakfast buffet is served daily in a bright and charming breakfast room on the rooftop. Wrought-iron chairs and lots of potted plants give it a garden atmosphere. Large windows look out on the city, with St. Peter's Basilica visible in the distance. Breakfast selections include cereals, breads, pastries, meats, cheeses, fruits, yogurt, and a hot item. Room service is available. The bar in the lobby is a lovely space to relax, with period furniture, rich rugs atop marble flooring, crystal chandeliers, stained glass windows, and elegant arched doorways. On-site parking is free, as is Wi-Fi.