Palazzo Montemartini Rome, A Radisson Collection Hotel

Originally a noble palace belonging to the Montemartini family in the late 1800s, the Palazzo Montemartini was renovated from 2009 until 2013 when it opened to the public as a hotel. It's a five-floor building (with four elevators), and the interior decor contemporary and luxurious. Some of the original interior design elements can be seen in several parts of the building, such as the terrazzo marble floors in some of the hallways and the beautiful coffered ceilings in the restaurant and some of the guest rooms. The hotel seamlessly blends classic touches (such as the statues in the entryway) with lovely modern additions such as the floor-to-ceiling floating wood bookshelves with both books and artistically arranged plants. While this hotel is mainly frequented by couples, it is also well-equipped for business travelers (there are five Business Suites, a banquet hall, and meeting rooms). For families, there are also age-specific amenities, games, and treasure hunts for little ones. There's even something special for pets. Overall, the vibe here is upscale luxury, though some of the lower-category rooms are surprisingly affordable (if cramped). 

Rome's main train station, Termini Station is across the street, and the ancient Baths of Diocletian are just around the corner. This area is quite chaotic and conveniently full of shops,
restaurants, local eateries, bars, and gelato and pizza parlors. There are a handful of buses, including night buses, with stops within a few minute's walk (or less), and three metro stations -- Termini, Castro Pretorio, and Repubblica/Teatro Opera -- are within a five-minute walk. Since the hotel is across from the train station, guests flying into Fiumicino Airport can simply take a 30-minute express train to reach the hotel. Ciampino Airport is around a 30-minute drive away. However, if you want to walk to the Colosseum, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, or Trevi Fountain, expect it to take 25 to 30 minutes. 

While all 82 of Palazzo Montemartini's rooms are clean and modern, there are major differences between categories. Superior and Deluxe Rooms look a bit more spare than they seem on the website, and start at 24 square meters (250 square feet). Deluxe Attic Rooms have stylish, but low and sloped wood beam ceilings, so watch your head. Still, these rooms have modern art and portraiture hanging on the walls, and curvy gray or neutral furniture. Bathrooms typically have black and copper swirled marble and feature stand-up rainfall showers, separate tubs, bathrobes, and Lorenzo Villoresi toiletries. Guests in Grand Deluxe Rooms and higher get the bonus of free spa access. Those who want to take wellness ever further can opt for one of the Fitness Suites, which each have a Technogym cardio machine right in the room. Each Business Suite has a separate living area and a separate meeting room that can fit up to 10 people, while the Pierre Chareau Suites display the eponymous architect's cylindrical divider design for the living and sleeping areas. Signature Suites include the gorgeous Skylight Suite which features a personal garden, the Noble Suite that has a large balcony, and the massive, dual-level Penthouse Suite that's got its own entrance directly from the lobby. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, kettles, tea and coffee facilities, stocked-to-the-brim minibars, and flat-screen TVs. 

One of the standout features of the hotel is the spa area. Designed to tend to the senses, this upscale and state-of-the-art spa contains a sauna, salt room, chromotherapy showers, hot and cold pools, and a traditional hammam. There's also a relaxation area with tea, and children under 16 are not allowed. There is no traditional swimming pool at the hotel, just the pools in the spa. Focusing on local ingredients and a blending of local and Mediterranean cuisine, the hotel's restaurant and lounge, Senes, serves gourmet food with a view of both the Baths of Diocletian and the ancient Servian Wall. The atmosphere here is upscale and the decor bounces between stylistic periods with its smooth and modern leather chairs and the large and rough columns that jut from floor to ceiling. The contrasting style continues into the hotel's Lounge Bar which has a more sleek and elegant martini bar vibe. Here the bar is slick and black, bottles of wine are stuck into a wooden wall, and cocktails, wine, and light appetizers are served. While breakfast is not always free (it depends on the package booked), there is a dedicated breakfast room. While the hotel is mostly frequented by couples, it's got a few kid-friendly features up its sleeve. The hotel can arrange for treasure hunts, games, and even has age-appropriate amenities for children of varying ages. The hotel also has special pet features, including a menu especially for dogs. There is a self-service laundry facility on-site and the hotel is non-smoking.