Starhotels Metropole

Part of the Starhotels chain, the Metropole offers standard
amenities -- such as a spacious lobby, bar, and restaurant -- that are considerably larger than
those of the many boutique hotels in the area. Situated in a newer, eight-floor
building on a busy side street in central Rome, this large hotel lacks the authentic Roman charm that can often be found in the area’s independently owned hotel, but
includes more features than most. There
is a large, drippy chandelier hanging over the lounge area and a slick modern
bar occupying nearly one wall of the lobby area. The bountiful buffet breakfast
occupies two counters, offering a large assortment of pastries and croissants
as well as eggs, meats, fruits and vegetables. Breakfasts are busy but take
place in the spacious Apicio restaurant with its wood and fog glass walls,
modern cherry wood tables and cushioned chairs. There is a spacious parking
garage under the hotel and a decent-sized fitness room with several
state-of-the-art bikes, treadmills, and weight machines. There is also an
enormous conference center with all necessary audio/video equipment that can
accommodate up to 180 people, and nine other meeting rooms. There are nine
floors altogether at the hotel which are served by three elevators. Guest demographics vary,
but most are 50 and older, hailing from elsewhere in Europe or North America.

The Metropole is located on a busy, narrow side street in
the center of Rome’s Esquilino district. There is a myriad of shops,
restaurants, bars, gelato shops, and cafes within a five-minute walk and Termini
train station is a seven-minute walk away. Piazza della Repubblica and the Rome
Opera House are also right down the street, accessible on foot in less than 10
minutes. Many of Rome’s biggest attractions are also not far away. The Spanish
Steps, Coliseum, and Trevi Fountain are all about a 20-minute walk or
10-minute Metro ride away. Both the Republica and Termini Metro stops are a
five-minute walk from the hotel. There are also numerous buses that stop within
a five-minute walk from the hotel. Vatican City is 25 minutes away by bus and Leonardo
da Vinci International Airport is about an hour away by train or 30 minutes
away by car.

There are a variety of rooms at the Metropole, ranging from standard classic up to executive and junior suites. There is not a huge difference in
size between the least expensive and most expensive rooms. All rooms feature
modern cherry wood furniture in the form of large wardrobes with robes and slippers, desks and chairs, and large headboards; silver-plated mirrors and
lamps also dot the rooms. Each room comes with reliable free Wi-Fi, a satellite TV, a mini-fridge, a safe, and coffee/tea-making facilities. The largest suites each have a lounge area
with a sofa bed, but they are not separated by rooms or closing doors. There are
individual air-conditioning units in every room. In spite of the busy area,
when windows are closed, there is little street noise. The executive suites each have
an extra TV in the bathroom. All bathrooms are spacious and modern, featuring slick
marble tiled floors, counters and walls, and shower/tub combos with partial glass
doors; many guests find them to be the highlights of the rooms.

The Metropole offers free buffet breakfast for guests which is a
large spread of fresh pastries, coffee, juice, meats, cheese, cereal, fruit, and
yogurt. There is free Wi-Fi access in rooms and throughout the hotel. The lobby
is equipped with a full bar and plenty of seating. Guests have free access to
the fitness room and there is a large conference room and eight meeting rooms
that can be reserved for special events. Apicio restaurant serves local Italian
fare for lunch and dinner. Room service is available. There is a 236-space
parking garage under the hotel, subject to a daily fee. Laundry service, and tour
and restaurant recommendations are available. Small pets are allowed, but are often subject to an extra fee.