Crowne Plaza Rome – St. Peter’s

An attractive but slightly generic contemporary lobby features lounge-y leather sofas, swooping modern light fixtures, and decor in tones of mushroom and beige. Odd-looking circular cubicles with conference tables designed for private meetings dot the main area, while a less-trafficked "library" is a quiet place to check phone messages. A large, casual dining room with sunlight pouring through greenhouse windows serves an American-style buffet breakfast. An adjacent restaurant of similar size is for Italian fare.

The hotel is in a quiet residential area on Via Aurelia Antica, less than three miles southwest of Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica. Within walking distance is Villa Doria Pamphilj, one of the city's most beautiful parks, while Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is 20 minutes away by car. The hotel touts the benefits of its shuttle to and from the city center, which runs every 15 minutes and has 56 seats. There's also a bus to Fiumicino Airport. Public buses and taxis are readily available as well.

Rooms are spacious, contemporary, and well-equipped, varying in size from single rooms to suites. The decor, in shades of white, beige, and brown, is soothing and chain-like. The interactive web TVs with keyboards, the mounting docks equipped for both iPhone 4 and 5s, and reading lights by the headboard are modern touches not often found in Rome. The hotel offers comfortable beds, ample seating areas, and balconies with views of the parking lot or pool. Smoking rooms are available, so non-smokers should be sure to specify their preference at the time of booking. Bathrooms are modern and include wall-mounted magnifying mirrors, bidets, and tubs with showers. A couple of pet-friendly rooms are available.

The Crowne Plaza is one of the only hotels near St. Peter's with an elevator, a plus for seniors and guests with disabilities. The on-site spa offers a variety of massage and beauty treatments as well as a hot tub, Turkish bath, and sauna. The fitness center is extensive in its equipment, with Pilates and yoga classes offered as well.

For foodies, there are two on-site eateries -- Le Jardin d’Hiver, which serves breakfast, and Papillon, which serves lunch and dinner. There are also two bars, one indoors and the other located poolside, open only during the summer. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property for free. There are more than a dozen meeting rooms for business travelers.