Hilton Rome Airport Hotel

The Hilton Rome Airport Hotel is situated in a large, seven-story brick-and-concrete building attached to Leonardo da Vinci Airport. The hotel was built in 1999, and its atmosphere mimics a large international airport, with bustling crowds of passengers, airline crews, and business guests in transit to other destinations. The common areas are major-international-hotel-chain generic, with a color palette that relies heavily on beige. The lobby is spacious with large front windows, plenty of marble and light wood, beige-speckled granite desk tops, large planters, and seating islands with leathery couches or Chesterfield-style armchairs. The casual cafe is pleasant, with a checkered floor and a faintly Mediterranean vibe. This hotel attracts travelers across the spectrum on layovers -- business travelers, couples, families, and of course flight crews.

The Hilton Rome Airport Hotel (not to be confused with nearby Hilton Garden Inn Rome Airport hotel) is attached to the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino, about a half-hour outside central Rome. The hotel is surrounded by office buildings, multi-story car parks, and airport facilities. A covered walkway connects the hotel to airport terminals 1, 2, and 3 (a five-minute walk), and there's a free mini-shuttle from the hotel to terminal 5. The hotel also offers free shuttle service to and from central Rome. The shuttle leaves from the hotel eight times a day (about every two hours during the day) and takes 35 minutes. The location is somewhat isolated for travelers not on layovers, but its proximity to the airport makes it extremely convenient for international travelers, flight crews, and business guests. Long- and short-term, non-valet parking are available on-site for a fee.

The 517 rooms at the Hilton Rome Airport Hotel are spacious, modern, and straightforward, with a neutral-toned color palette. Floors are light wood, furniture is darker, oak-colored wood, bedding is white, and upholstered chairs are beige. Standard Rooms measure about 300 square feet, and they can sleep up to two adults and one child, while Executive Room Pluses measure 560 square feet. Suites include separate living rooms, and the bedrooms have king-size beds. All rooms are air-conditioned and feature small sitting areas, desks with ergonomic chairs,  flat-screen TVs, and wardrobes with safes. They also include minibars, and coffeemakers. Wi-Fi comes with an extra fee, and guests have complained about slow speeds. Bathrooms carry out the neutral-beige theme, and include shower/tub combos, vanities, hairdryers, and Peter Thomas Roth individual toiletries. With double-glazed windows, rooms are well-insulated against the sound of planes taking off and landing.

The hotel has a nice array of amenities, but not all are included in standard rates, and the fees can add up. There are two restaurants -- La Colonne, which serves Italian fare buffet-style, and Caffe Tevere, whose forte is lighter fare, like pizza and burgers. There's also a bar for cocktails and coffee -- it's open from morning until late in the evening. There's a breakfast buffet, which has different prices for continental fare and hot items. Room service is available 24-hours. Guests in Executive Rooms have free access to a club room, where breakfast, snacks, and drinks are available all day at no additional cost.Wellness and sports facilities include an outdoor tennis court and a gym with a wide range of cardio and weight-training equipment, along with barbells and free weights. There's also an indoor lap pool (swim caps required) with an attached whirlpool. Access to the sauna and steam room requires an extra fee. The hotel is especially well-suited to business travelers, with 21 meeting rooms, including the on-site Congress Center's two ballrooms. The function facilities can accommodate up to 800 people. Computers and printers are available for guests' use, but Wi-Fi is free in the lobby only.The hotel also has an ATM and currency exchange in the lobby. Children's menus, cribs, and high chairs are available. Pets are allowed for an extra fee. The hotel has smoking areas. The front desk is open 24 hours and staff can assist with concierge services. Long- and short-term self-parking are available for an extra fee. The hotel offers free shuttle service to central Rome eight times a day.