The small, family-run Lirico Hotel occupies part of a renovated 19th-century palace in the heart of Rome; the historic building looks like it has been updated at various points in the last 40 years, with some rooms appearing quite dated, while others appear modern and well-maintained. The building's entry hallway is especially picturesque, a red carpet-lined marble staircase leading up from a marble foyer lined with colorful modern artwork. The lobby up the stairs, though, feels like it was last touched in the 1980s, thanks to tan tile, dark faux-wood panels, and a brown leather sofa; the adjacent bar and breakfast room have wooden furnishings, peach-colored tablecloths, yellow walls, and kitschy artwork. There are a number of windows throughout the common areas. The hotel caters to both business travelers and tourists looking for somewhere safe, comfortable, and well-located to stay.

The Lirico Hotel is located in the center of Rome, around the corner from the Piazza della Repubblica and the Roma Termini train stations. The Rome Opera House, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Santa Maria degli Angeli are within walking distance, as are the Diocletian Bath, Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, Quirinale Palace, and Palazzo Barberini. The area is filled with restaurants, public transit options, and shops. The Ciampino Airport and Leonardo da Vinci International airport are both around a 30-minute drive (one-hour public transportation ride) away.

Rooms at the Lirico Hotel come in a range of sizes, from singles through family-friendly quads. The decor is classic and a bit dated, with brightly colored striped wallpaper, hardwood or tan tile floors, blue patterned bedspreads, and metallic padded headboards. Accents include crown moldings, mid-toned wood furniture, and blue couches or tan daybeds that provide seating. Some rooms are more recently updated than others. Flat-screen TVs with Sky TV are attached to the walls, and all windows are soundproofed. Rooms come with free newspapers and air-conditioning. Some have picturesque city views and new, walk-in slate showers; however, other rooms are small, only have showers, and are obviously older. Bathrooms are generally contemporary, with walk-in shower stalls, and toiletries are provided. Bathrooms lack counter space, though.

The Lirico Hotel has limited amenities. The free continental breakfast is popular, and includes cheeses, pastries, cereal, breads, meats, and eggs. Coffee and cocktails are served at the hotel bar, open 24-hours a day, and there is 24-hour room service. Concierge services and a business center are available in the lobby, and laundry facilities are offered. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, but there is no on-site parking.