Hotel Adriano

Housed in a cute 17th-century building with common spaces that feature stately architectural elements, Hotel Adriano has been updated with metallic, modern decor that give the property a hip but comfortable vibe. The lobby is big and welcoming, with lots of homey sitting areas decorated like private living rooms, and walls hung with abstract and contemporary art that stands in stark contrast with the classic arched doorways, coffered ceilings, chandeliers, and antique-style pieces of furniture. This mix of modern and classic continues throughout the rest of the public areas and even in some rooms. The hotel is housed in several buildings, some of which are connected, and the decor style varies. The aptly named Classic section (which was undergoing some updates when we visited in November 2018) features dark woods, handsome wooden floors, high ceilings, and some original architectural elements, while the rest of the main building has a more contemporary, stylish feel with its darker palette and dimly lit hallways. The annex building, which houses five rooms, is simpler and lacks historic charm. Rates at Hotel Adriano are competitive for location and amenities, but travelers on a tighter budget can find a number of other solid options not far from major attractions, including Auditorium di Mecenate, Hotel Anahi, and Hotel Alexandra, all of which have fewer amenities but offer good value. In the same price range as Hotel Adriano, the Radisson Blu Es. Hotel, Rome -- featuring sleek rooms, a seasonal rooftop pool, and a spa -- is a good alternative for those who need to be within easy access of Termini train station.  

The Adriano is in the bull’s eye of historic Rome. The location is ideal for those wanting to explore the city on foot, with Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain all just a 10-minute walk away. The Vatican and Colosseum can each be reached in about 25 minutes on foot as well. Although the area is busy with tons of restaurants, shops, and cafes, the street where the hotel is located is narrow and doesn’t get a lot of foot or vehicle traffic. For those who prefer to take public transport, there are several bus stops within a five- to 10-minute walk from the hotel, but the nearest metro station, Spagna, is a 13-minute walk away through busy streets. Rome–Fiumicino International Airport is a 45-minute drive from the hotel.

Hotel Adriano has 76 rooms, five of which are housed in a separate building (known as Domus Adriani) located just a few doors down. Units in the main building come in two different styles: classic or contemporary. Classic rooms have elegant wooden floors, high ceilings -- some with exposed wooden beams -- and heavy drapes, plus a few pieces of furniture with minimalist lines that add a touch of contemporary design. The rest of the rooms, including Superior and Deluxe units, have a more modern, streamlined style, with a dark palette, laminate floors, padded headboards in gray hues, clean-lined generic furniture, and open closets that add visual space. A few units have large terraces with lovely rooftop views and plants. Rooms are equipped with a good array of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, minibars, air-conditioning, safes, and smart TVs with a great selection of international channels. All but entry-level units are outfitted with electric kettles, robes, and slippers. Bathrooms vary between rooms, but all are up-to-date and feature walk-in rain showers or big shower/tub combos (some with jets), spacious sink areas, and heated towel racks. Some units have open bathrooms with separate frosted-glass cabins for toilets and showers, plus a heavy curtain for privacy. A handful of rooms feature fully equipped kitchens with stovetops, ovens, and full fridges. Guests with mobility issues may want to know that some of the rooms in the annex building are only accessible via stairs. 

A tasty, free breakfast buffet with fresh fruit, freshly baked pastries, bread rolls, cake, and a few hot items is served every morning in an elegant room off the lobby. Tucked away in a small room across from the elevators, the fitness room -- a rarity for small hotels in Rome -- offers three cardio machines for a quick workout, and guests have access to a spacious meeting room with a long table for business events. The intimate bar features a stunning variety of rare gins and is a good spot for a relaxed night cap after a long day exploring the city. The hotel also offers parking for a daily fee at the neighboring underground lot.