The Britannia Hotel

In a pretty stone building commissioned in 1865, the Britannia Hotel has balconies and a roof decorated with planter boxes holding leafy shrubs. After entering through the glass doors, guests walk down a small marble staircase decorated with metal rails and frescoes of trees and mountains. The lobby has an eclectic look with checkered floors, dark red and black leather furniture, and elaborately framed paintings. The breakfast buffet is served in a somewhat dim basement room with a mural of statues and stone architecture covering the walls, and the bar is a handsome space with a British vibe including plaid walls, equestrian paintings, and classy leather club chairs. The elevator that carries guests up to their rooms is lined with tufted leather and is notably tiny, creating a bit of an obstacle for guests traveling with a lot of luggage (or for the porter). Most guests are couples, along with some families, who are drawn to the classic atmosphere and proximity to Rome's historic sights. 

The Britannia Hotel has a convenient location within a five-minute walk of the Opera House and within a 10-minute walk to Termini Station. There are plenty of restaurants and shops in the area, including gelaterias and pizza spots, and it’s within a five-minute walk to Piazza Repubblica and its metro station. Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Colosseum are all within a 15- to 20-minute walk. It’s around a half-hour drive to Ciampino Airport or Leonardo da Vinci Airport, and trains to the airport are also available from nearby Termini station.

Rooms at the Britannia Hotel have heavy, homey decor that includes colorful carpeting, floral patterned bedding, and decorative pillows. Some rooms have light-wood laminate flooring and more classic, British-influenced style, however. Standard rooms are small, and families trying to fit three people tend to find the space inadequate; Executive and Superior Rooms offer more space, for three or four adults. All rooms are air-conditioned and have LCD TVs with satellite channels, minibars (with free items on arrival), tea/coffee facilities, safes, ironing facilities, solar lamps, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are tiled in a variety of colors, such as pastel purple, and some have tiny stand-up showers while others have shower/tub combos. Bathroom scales and generous amenity kits including rubber duckies (in some rooms) are thoughtful touches. Rooms with terraces lined with stone rails and holding potted greenery are available.

The hotel is in a convenient location for exploring the city. A free breakfast is provided that earns good reviews from guests for the variety, including warm dishes like frittatas and bacon, as well as the standard breakfast fare like cereal, cold cuts, fresh fruit, and pastries. There’s no full restaurant on-site, but there’s a cozy bar at the hotel where guests can grab a drink. Small pets are allowed, and limited parking is available for a fee.