Hotel Capannelle

The Hotel Capannelle, which opened in 2007, was originally designed and constructed to be a hospital, and it retains that look. The five-story brick structure has a curved design, and despite banks of floor-to-ceiling windows and lots of potted plants, its low ceilings and institutional elements give the narrow lobby a rather sterile ambiance. Earth tones are the primary decorative colors, with beige tile floors and lots of columns in gold hues. Clusters of dark wooden upholstered armchairs around small coffee tables are placed by the windows and provide plenty of seating. The large reception desk has lovely tiger wood-style paneling on its facade and the rear wall. The same wooden paneling is used in the Marco Polo restaurant, which offers outdoor seating on a small terrace. This large hotel buzzes with activity at times with various meetings and other events, as well as when group tours arrive and depart en masse. It also attracts travelers seeking proximity to Ciampino Airport.

The hotel is located south of Rome in a relatively quiet and leafy residential area, about 25 to 30 minutes from the Termini train station by car or public transportation. A few restaurants are a brief walk away, but a greater selection requires a drive. A bus stop is a four-minute walk away, and it’s about 10 minutes by car to the Cinecitta metro station. The Parco degli Acquedotti and the Ancient Appian Way Park are both just a couple of blocks away, where guests can visit several archaeological sites, like the Villa dei Quintili. It’s only an eight-minute drive to Ciampino Airport, but almost an hour by public transit. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is about 30 minutes driving or 90 minutes by public transit. Vatican City is a 35- to 40-minute drive (70 minutes by train).

Rooms are clean and spacious, but decor is a bit dark and bland, with dark wooden furniture and brown carpets contrasting the creamy yellow walls and bedspreads. Armchairs, desk chairs, and wood headboards are all dark brown, with other wooden furniture including desks, dressers, and nightstands. Some of the furniture is showing obvious signs of wear, with visible nicks and scratches. Curtains sport large horizontal stripes, but they're not enough to offer any decorative oomph to the spaces. 

Amenities include free Wi-Fi, safes, and mini-fridges stocked with bottled water (available for a fee). Using the small flat-screen TVs requires a fee as well. Standard Rooms measure approximately 270 square feet, while Executive Rooms offer about 323 square feet of space. Six suites are available, and range from 538 to 645 square feet. Bed options in Standard and Executive Rooms include single, double, and triple. Note that several past guests have complained that the beds are uncomfortably hard. Some rooms have spacious balconies, but no tables or chairs. Views from some rooms are quite nice, encompassing the lush greenery of the surrounding residential buildings; other rooms overlook the street. Rooms are relatively quiet, as the surrounding neighborhood is peaceful, but some ambient noise can be heard at times from other rooms.

Bathrooms offer ample space and are nicely decorated with beige marble tile vanities, floors, and walls. The shower/tub combos have hinged glass dividers, and bidets and magnifying mirrors come standard. 

This is a popular hotel with business travelers as it offers a conference center with over 21,000 square feet of meeting space. There's also a business center with two computer stations and Internet access, as well as free Wi-Fi that’s accessible throughout the property.

The full-service Marco Polo Italian restaurant serves a hot breakfast buffet (not included in room rates), lunch, and dinner. There's also a lobby bar with an outdoor patio. Free coffee/tea and newspapers are available in the lobby, and room service is available as well. A small gift shop sells sundries, souvenirs, and jewelry.  

Other amenities include an outdoor pool that's open seasonally, as well as a fitness center. Concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry, and there are self-serve laundry facilities on-site. The hotel operates a free scheduled shuttle service to Ciampino Airport and the nearest metro station. For guests traveling by car, there is a 280-space parking garage, but parking incurs a fee. Free off-site parking is nearby, however.