EcoHotel Roma

High standards at bargain prices draw business and leisure travelers to this modern property, where nature settings make a change from city bustle, although downtown Rome isn't too far. Greenery-filled balconies outside introduce the hotel's theme, both aesthetically and literally, and the establishment's environmental commitment is showcased in the lobby, where panels display energy savings. There's a mostly monochrome palette throughout, though pops of lime in plastic chairs and jazzy wallpaper help the spaces feel less sterile. Trellis-clad seating in the garden evokes a country feel, and outdoor breakfasts are popular. Overall, this is a good pick for budget-minded travelers who don't mind being at least 20 minutes from the center of Rome.

West of Rome's center, the hotel's Gianicolense neighborhood is suburban, but attractive. Pizzerias and supermarkets are nearby, and 17th-century Villa Doria Pamphili sits in the city's largest manicured park, a 20-minute walk (or shorter bus/car ride). Free shuttles run to and from four city center points and Cornelia's metro station, but beware, these book up quickly and the last pick-up was at 9:15 p.m. during our stay. A bus stop location a three-minute walk away provides an alternative: Three routes here run direct to Piazza San Marco and other sights in around 40 minutes. Fiera di Roma complex and Ergife's conference venues are both a 20-minute bus ride, or quicker drive. Both Leonardo da Vinci International and Ciampino airports are 90 minutes by public transport, or around 30 minutes by car.

Palettes vary in attractive rooms, which are larger than anything you'll get downtown in this price bracket. Basic wooden furniture is accented by walls in deep reds, warm yellows, or charcoals, and generic artwork. Individual and Low Cost Room categories offer budget-priced options for those willing to compromise a balcony and valley view. Amenities include air-conditioning, safes, phones, desks, satellite flat-screen TVs, and minibars, but no tea- or coffee-making facilities. Deluxe Rooms addd jetted tubs and large balconies with gorgeous vistas, while the Suites provide a sitting area and Family Rooms can sleep five with bunk beds. Red or blue mosaic tiling in some bathrooms provide a modern touch, and all have cubicle showers. Toiletries, towels, and hairdryers are provided. Note, thin walls have resulted in complaints, but rooms don't suffer from traffic noise. All can be fitted with cribs.

There are no fitness or wellness facilities, nor a full restaurant, but there are still some good perks. A conservatory breakfast room serves the free morning spread that's hearty and organic, featuring continental fare, scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausages, plus home-baked cakes, Illy coffee, tea, and juice. Guests can dine al fresco, weather-permitting. The garden's lawns are beautifully maintained, and outfitted with loungers and dining furniture under gazebos. An indoor bar off the lobby sells well-priced beer, wine, and Illy coffees, and a small freezer has ice cream. The free shuttles are a great amenity, but they're best booked in advance. They run to various sights, including St Peter's Basilica and Piazza Navona, and though regular during the day, they stop running around 9:15 p.m. Handy bus routes or taxis are generally used after then. The hotel's meeting room with audiovisual equipment can seat 70 people. For those with cars, ample parking is available and free, plus bikes can be rented on-site. A lobby computer is free to use, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.