Best Western Plus Hotel Spring House

Best Western Hotel Spring House is a family-friendly mid-range option that’s a decent value considering its proximity to one of Rome's most famous sights: the Vatican. The style throughout the property is pleasant enough, with a reception area that's airy and open, getting ample natural light. Despite slightly worn leather seating, the overall feel is upbeat and well-maintained. Other common areas such as the dark, handsome bar and garden are very much on trend. The hotel’s location -- practically in the shadow of the Vatican walls -- means that it's a popular choice, while the quiet side street is delightfully empty of the bustling tourist crowds just around the corner. Plenty of kid-friendly features make this a good choice for families (as do the bi-level suites), although the hotel draws couples as well as occasional business guests as well. Visitors hail primarily from Europe and the U.S., along with India and China.

Situated practically in the shadow of the Vatican walls, the hotel sits on a quiet side street away from the area's intense tourist hustle and bustle. It’s just a 10-minute walk to the Vatican entrance. While the neighborhood has tons of dining options and -- heading north -- you'll find some classically Roman spots for a meal, Rome's other big-ticket sights are a bit far away. The Cipro Metro station is a five-minute walk from the hotel and is convenient for reaching the Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese, and Termini Station. High street shopping on Via Cola Di Rienzo is a 15-minute walk away, and the second-century Castel Sant' Angelo is 20 minutes from the hotel on foot. Piazza Venezia can be reached in 30 minutes on the bus, while the Colosseum is accessible via straightforward 30-minute metro ride with only one change. Both Ciampino and Fiumicino airports are roughly 40 minutes from the hotel by taxi. If you want to take the train to Fiumicino, you'll need to reach Termini Station first. The entire journey to the terminal by metro and train takes about an hour.

In keeping with the rest of the hotel, rooms are a mix of modern and more dated styles, though all are clean and well-maintained. Unexpected perks include bonus freebies such as small gifts for kids and two bottles of water replenished daily. Standard amenities include electric kettles, minibars, individually controlled air-conditioning, decent pillow menus, and free Wi-Fi and safe access. Views vary: some street-facing rooms have balconies, while rooms on the seventh floor have views to the iconic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. Bathrooms may be a bit on the small side, but are clean and have modern fixtures -- most include showers. Rooms are divided according to occupancy, with the possibility of accommodating three in Triple Room and up to four adults via a Quadruple Room containing one queen and two twin beds. Standard Rooms are located in the older part of the hotel, and some of these may have a slightly more classic look. Located in the new wing of the hotel, Superior Rooms are larger, with a more modern style. Junior Suites are distinguished split-level spaces that can accommodate up to five, making them a good choice for families.

For a hotel in central Rome, Best Western Hotel Spring House has a surprising number of extras, including a bar serving drinks as well as full lunch and dinner menus. There's also a large garden with chic patio furniture that's well-suited to alfresco dining and drinks. Breakfast isn’t included in room rates, but can be added for a small fee. It includes a vast buffet spread of sweet, savory, hot, and cold items: scrambled eggs, beans and sausages, bacon, pancakes, sweet pastries, fresh salad and fresh fruit, small pizzas, and different breads and cereals. For early morning arrivals, a smaller breakfast corner is set up to welcome weary guests, and all guests receive free welcome drinks. A wellness center with a sauna and relaxation area is free for guests in evenings, while the small but well-equipped 24-hour gym is free at any hour. For business guests, use of a small meeting room is free, along with two internet corners that come complete with printing facilities. Wi-Fi is free throughout. There are also free bicycle rentals for exploring Rome on two wheels, and access to a private parking garage is available for a reasonable cost.