Columbus Hotel

The Columbus Hotel has a long history that dates back to 1490 when it was originally built for Domenico della Rovere, Cardinal of San Clemente. It has catered to such guests as Charles VIII and was the residence of many other cardinals. It wasn’t until 1950 that it opened its doors as a hotel. Many of the ceilings still have the original frescoes from the 15th century and much of the wooden furniture and religious or portrait paintings are antiques. A large lobby with an antique wooden desk; large common areas with antique couches, gilded tables, and arched hallways; as well as an inner courtyard garden are all features that represent the Renaissance and Baroque style of the hotel. But the traditional Old World surroundings could strike some travelers as too stiff and museum-like to be comfortable. Guests should note that common areas lack air-conditioning. Many guests are couples and families that have chosen the hotel for its proximity to Vatican City. 

This hotel is within easy walking distance to many of Rome’s biggest attractions. Only five minutes away by foot is Parco Adrian, where Castel Sant’Angelo can be found. A three- to five-minute walk will take travelers to Saint Peter’s Square, Vatican City, and St. Peter’s Basilica. For shoppers, the famous shopping avenue of Via Cola di Rienzo is an eight-minute walk. As for dining, the closest restaurant is three minutes away on foot, however, a more diverse selection can be found in the Borgo Pio area, a five-minute walk away. A bus stop is a three-minute walk away on Via della Traspontina, and the Ottaviano Metro station is a 13-minute walk away. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport requires a 35-minute car ride. 

The three room categories are somewhat similar in style but with significant differences. Junior Suites have a more elegant flair with deep-blue bedding and curtains, fading wall frescoes, large windows, and separate seating areas with plush antique chairs. Superior Rooms are also spacious, but like Classic Rooms, they are somewhat simplistic in style, with neutral gray colors and antique wooden furnishings. Rooms include TVs (some with older tube models), stocked minibars, safes, and air-conditioning. Guests have made complaints about the lackluster air-conditioning and shaky Wi-Fi connectivity in the rooms. Most guests suggest booking rooms with garden views so as to diminish the chance of street noise. Junior Suites have large bathrooms, ample counter space, and free toiletries. Superior Room bathrooms are smaller, though not by much, and Classic Rooms have small showers. All bathrooms have showers or shower/tub combos and hairdryers. 

The best feature of the Columbus Hotel is its upscale restaurant, La Veranda, which serves guests on circular tables in a large, long hall under original frescoes and large bay windows. The restaurant is pricey and serves gourmet Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner. During the summer months, the attractive outdoor garden terrace is used as part of the restaurant and serviced by the first-floor bar, Le Colonne. In the mornings, a buffet breakfast is served in the breakfast room, though it should be noted that breakfast isn’t free, and guests have complained about the lack of diversity and quality of the food. The hotel has five stunning meeting and event spaces with exposed beams or frescoed ceilings; they have only microphones and speakers, however, and other equipment must be rented elsewhere. A computer workstation with Internet is available for guest use. There is free parking but with limited spaces. The hotel allows small and medium pets.