Smooth Hotel Rome Termini

For travelers seeking a reasonably priced, modern place to crash in central Rome, Smooth Hotel Rome Termini is a decent pick. In fact, at this price point you're more likely to find outdated, drab rooms and almost no services in this part of town. However, this Smooth Hotel outpost is clean as a whistle, with simple and bright interiors plus a few funky details that give it a dash of boutique personality. It's a bustling place, especially in the morning as everyone is fueling up in the breakfast area, and buzzing out the hotel's front doors for days of sightseeing. It also makes a convenient base for those on one-night stopovers from train journeys. All in, this is a simple hotel that's a nicer alternative to its mid-range competitors. Expect to see families, couples, and solo travelers of all stripes here.

This hotel's location isn't its strongest suit, though what at first seems like an out-of-the-way corner of central Rome is actually more convenient than it appears. However, the immediate area doesn't have anything much to see or do, aside from a few tourist-friendly restaurants. Additionally, you'll need 20 to 30 minutes if you plan on walking to major sights like the Trevi Fountain or Piazza Venezia (and more for destinations farther west, like Campo de' Fiori). Closer at hand, it's a 10-minute walk to Termini Station and Piazza della Repubblica, where you'll find metro stations and more lively scenes. Heading west from Repubblica puts you in the heart of Rome's retail district and leads to the scenic Monti district. The closest metro station is at Castro Pretorio, which is just over a five-minute walk from the hotel. From there, it's only a 10-minute journey to the Colosseum. Fiumicino Airport is best reached by Airport Express train from Termini Station, a trip that should take about 45 minutes altogether. A taxi takes the same amount of time, but costs significantly more.

While the rooms here aren't packed with bells and whistles, they're quite attractive when you compare them to the other budget and mid-range properties that crowd the periphery of Termini Station. Expect simple color palettes of white, dark wood, and black with just a few pops of color. The style is basic, but contemporary and attractive, including details like textured wallpaper and distressed whitewashed wood. Some entry-level rooms do have small balconies, and you'd be wise to request a room on the back of the hotel if you're a light sleeper (the road outside the hotel is busy day and much of the night). Features include flat-screen TVs, individually controlled air-conditioning, electric kettles, free Wi-Fi, laptop safes, and open hanging space for clothes. All rooms also have some sort of built-in desk, but almost no other seating. Some units fit three to five people, making them good options for families. Bathrooms are likewise modern and fresh, with rainfall showers plus toiletries and a bit of counter space. 

The hotel is short on features, which isn't surprising in central Rome. The highlight is the free breakfast buffet, which is a busy affair and includes a generous spread of hot and cold dishes for both European and American tastes. For lunch and dinner, the restaurant sits next to a quiet terrace and offers evening specials and an aperitivo hour as well. An elevator accesses all floors, but keep in mind that there is a small set of stairs to enter the hotel. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.