Pink-stone and wrought-iron facades here evoke a residential vibe, and it sits opposite Rome's Opera House. Drawing its name from the famous venue, the hotel goes a step further decor-wise, with marble stone steps at the entrance, and a striking foyer with gold-painted sconces, frescoed walls, and grand front doors. White carvings and patterned floor tiles are fresher-looking than interiors themselves, where the shabby-chic look is a bit mismatched. The small lobby's heavy sash drapes, gilt decor, and mirrored walls have theater grandeur, but pleather cream sofas look out of place amid period furnishings. Carrara marbles, a Murano glass chandelier, and velour valances with gold curtains in the adjacent breakfast room are elegant, but wood-framed chairs once again cheapen the look. Overall, though, it provides a good value for the location. 

Travelers choose the hotel for its location. The six-minute walk from Rome's main Termini train station makes for easy arrivals, and Repubblica's metro station and square are half that. Notably, Teatro dell'Opera di Roma is opposite the hotel. Nearby attractions include Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica and lively Via Nazionale boulevard (both seven minutes away on foot), with iconic destinations slightly farther. All within a 20-minute walk, the Piazza Venezia, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Colosseum can also be reached with nearby busses or metros. Metros run direct to the Vatican from the nearby Repubblica station. Via Condotti's designer boutiques, and more-affordable Via del Corso are a 17-minute walk. Shops, cafes, and restaurants surround the hotel, alongside palazzos and museums. Leonardo da Vinci and Ciampino International Airports are both an hour away by public transport, or shorter taxi rides.

Although on the dated side (often the case in Rome), rooms are mostly bright and pleasant. The majority benefit from high ceilings, large windows with sheer drapes in silvers and golds, and a likewise warm palette in walls, bedspreads, and swirl-print carpeting. Wood paneling and furniture, combined with cream leather headboards and beige bedding is drab. Note, beds can be twins pushed together (common for region), and some guests have found pillows too firm. Measuring 151 square feet (14 square meters), Budget Rooms are tiny, and basement or internal courtyard positioning can render them dark. However, standard amenities are more than sufficient, including desks, satellite flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi, safes, hairdryers, and AC.

Upgraded rooms offer more space, or a balcony. Compact bathrooms have lovely marble tiling, though the highlighter-yellow paint on half of the walls is cheap-looking. Still, they have showers, bidets, well-lit mirrors, toiletries, and heated towel rails. Instrument noise from the Opera House opposite can be disturbing, but many find it serenading. Rooms can be fitted with cribs.

On-site features are limited, but rates include a well-regarded free breakfast served buffet-style. Hard-boiled eggs, traditional cakes and pastries, cold cheeses, and meats accompany a typical continental spread, tea, coffee, and juice. No other meals or drinks are offered. Some armchairs and sofas in the 24-hour lobby offer a place to relax, alongside two, free-to-use computers. Reception stores luggage securely after check-out. Travelers tend to be without vehicles, and no parking is offered. Pets are not permitted. Property-wide Wi-Fi is free.