Clarion Collection Hotel Principessa Isabella

The three-pearl Clarion Collection Hotel Principessa Isabella’s six-floor brick exterior features black shutters on windows and an upper floor with red flags hanging from balconies. The Art Nouveau building’s entrance is accessible via an alley that’s flanked by two lampposts. Wooden wall panels create a warm atmosphere in the lobby that also features crests with the hotel’s name stamped on rugs and mirrors. Guests can be found watching TV in a small sitting area across from a piano or sipping coffee and cocktails in red chairs by the bar. Common areas are cramped and seating is limited, but there’s a lot of character packed into the interiors. Vaulted ceilings feature frescoes with dangling chandeliers and sconces light up walls like torches. Two Roman sculptures sit beside the elevator. The hotel appeals mostly to budget-minded couples who prefer a quieter location rather than a busy tourist scene.

Cars line the narrow street in front of this hotel, which is located in the quiet Ludovisi district beside the Villa Borghese park with the Borghese Gallery and Museum. It’s a 10-minute walk to Via Veneto, making banks, hotels, the U.S. Embassy, trattorias, bars, and cafes all a stroll away, but Rome’s historic monuments are a bit of a trek. The Fermata Fittizia bus stop is around the corner, and the Pantheon can be reached by bus in about 20 minutes. The Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps are about a 20-minute walk from the hotel. The Colosseum is a 25-minute bus trip. Vatican City, with the Sistine Chapel, is 25 minutes by subway. Rome Ciampino International Airport is a 30-minute car ride. The Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is a 40-minute car trip.

The atmosphere in rooms is classic with crimson damask bedding, oil paintings, and wooden furniture. Chandeliers dangle from ceilings with gold painted designs. The over-the-top decorations, however, can be perceived as gaudy. Crests stamped “Principessa Isabella” are on wardrobe closets, which have safes inside. Single, Double, Triple, and Quadruple Rooms can fit between one and four people. Balconies in some rooms have views of the city. Champagne, bouquets, fruit baskets, roses, chocolates, and other romantic extras can be requested. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, and writing desks. Simple, stone-tile bathrooms offer bidets, heated towel racks, hairdryers, and shower/tub combos or showers. In-room Wi-Fi is free, but it can be unreliable. 

The Clarion Collection Hotel Principessa Isabella doesn’t have many facilities, but that’s not uncommon of boutiques in Rome. With charming design, the breakfast dining room features frescoes, columns, red chairs, and a nice breakfast buffet selection. A small bar is in the lobby with an espresso machine and cocktail service. The bar’s lounge offers limited seating under frescoes. Guest services are also provided at the front desk, including luggage storage, currency exchange, and car or bicycle rental assistance. Maps are available on a counter at the entrance to the breakfast lounge. This hotel also allows pets in rooms at no extra charge. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but the signal is spotty.