The Independent Hotel

One of the newer hotels in the Termini area, The Independent Hotel is housed in a six-story cream-colored building and packs in plenty of contemporary style. Inside, the hotel’s tiny lobby has a chic vibe with a flashy front desk and large, funky spherical lights. Public spaces include a lounge room with dusty mauve walls and wooden furnishings -- a pleasant space to read one of the books on hand, watch TV, or utilize the business corner. It all makes for a nice departure from the often fusty and dated hotels in the center of Rome, and the welcome drink is a classy touch. The top floor lounge is a bright space furnished with rattan furniture and panoramic windows that open out to a terrace with impressive views of the city where guests can sit with a glass of wine and light fare. Weekly dinner buffets with live music are hosted on the rooftop, and dinner menus are offered on special occasions, creating a laid-back yet semi-social environment. The majority of guests here are couples, though some families do pass through as well. 

The Independent Hotel is tucked between two buildings in an area with lots of hotels and casual restaurants. It’s two blocks from Termini Station and a six-minute walk to Piazza della Repubblica. The Baths of Diocletian, the oldest in Rome, are only a two-minute walk from here as well. It’s around a 20-minute walk to the Trevi Fountain, while the Colosseum is a 25-minute walk or 10-minute ride on public transportation. There are a number of metro stations within a five-minute walk, including at Termini Station, Repubblica, and Castro Pretorio. The trendy, artsy, and nightlife-packed Pigneto Quarter is about 25 minutes away by public transit. Vatican City can be reached in 35 minutes by metro, as can the Roman Forum and Campo de' Fiore. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is 40 minutes away by train, or a 30- to 40-minute drive, while Ciampino Airport is about a half-hour drive from the hotel, a journey that takes about an hour via public transportation.

Rooms at the hotel have a sharp, contemporary look that's defined by minimalist decor and an almost masculine style. Expect to see hardwood floors, white walls, and striped curtains alongside soft furnishings and accents in deep blues, classic taupes, dark oranges, and lots of cool browns and wood tones. Dramatic padded headboards with wood frames look handsome over beds made with white linens. Space is fairly generous given this hotel's central Rome location, with entry-level Classic Rooms starting at 25 square meters of space (269 square feet). All rooms feature wall-mounted 32-inch LCD TVs with cable channels, air-conditioning, laptop safes, and free Wi-Fi. High-end amenities include Nespresso coffee machines and pillow menus. Minibars are stocked with free soft drinks and bottled water, those these are only free for the first night of a stay. Some rooms have small balconies, and many have views out over the rooftops of Rome. Bathrooms are white and modern, with magnifying mirrors and hairdryers as well as either stand-up showers or shower/tub combinations. Bathrooms in Classic Rooms are small with limited counter space. 

The Independent Hotel provides a free breakfast including cold cuts, fruit, and pastries as well as hot items like scrambled eggs, sausage, and bacon. There’s a rooftop lounge that offers wine and light fare, as well as panoramic views over the city. The hotel hosts live music on the rooftop as well as free cocktail hours on select nights. The hotel has a tiny fitness center with a treadmill, a weight machine, and a mini-fridge stocked with free bottled water. There’s a 24-hour lounge with tables and chairs and an Internet corner with a computer and a printer. Check-in drinks are offered, and iPads are available for guests to borrow. A meeting room is available for private events, and the hotel has an agreement with a parking garage where guests can receive a discounted rate. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and babysitting services can be arranged.