Hotel Oceania

Family-run since 1975, this intimate, bed-and-breakfast style budget hotel occupies the third floor of a 19th-century building. Chandeliers and antique furniture decorate the common areas. The lobby is small yet cozy, with a small seating area, red-striped wallpaper, a flat-screen TV, and vintage furniture, while the front desk is a wood writing desk in a small room decorated with yellow wallpaper and red patterned carpet. The breakfast room is similarly quaint, with floral wallpaper, an antique chandelier, white tablecloths, and vintage photos on the walls. The breakfast room is also home to a vintage wood-and-stainless-steel bar, serving coffee and stronger drinks. Outside, on the terrace, there are metal chairs and tables, in addition to period light fixtures, potted, plants, and lovely views of the interior courtyard.

The Hotel Oceania is in the center of Rome, with the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Piazza Barberini, Quirinal Palace, and the Rome Opera House all within walking distance. The Piazza della Repubblica is just around the corner, and the Forum, National Gallery of Ancient Art, and Roma Termini train station are all nearby. Public transportation is convenient and abundant, and the area is filled with good restaurants and shops. Ciampino Airport is around a 30-minute drive (one-hour train ride), as is Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Fiumicino).

Single, Double, and Triple Rooms are available at the clean and affordable Hotel Oceania; all are simply decorated, but the crown moldings, high ceilings, and tan carpeting guarantee that they are not totally without style. Blue bedspreads and curtains complement yellow wallpaper, and the wood furnishings have a vague antique look to them. Flat-screen TVs sit on desks and all rooms are air-conditioned; all also have a mini-fridge. Updated bathrooms are decorated in orange and blue tile, and have white sinks and bright lighting. Hairdryers and Damana toiletries are provided, but there are only small showers available, no tubs. It's worth noting that some guests complain that the shower drains flood the bathroom or drain slowly.

The free daily breakfast includes coffee, cereal, pastries, yogurt, fruit, cakes, and juice, and is generally considered quite good. Even though there is no restaurant, room service is available. The welcoming staff offers a range of concierge services. There's a small common room where guests can lounge, as well as an outdoor terrace. Wi-Fi is free, but can be spotty. There is no on-site parking.