We stayed in Jan 2012 and although the initial impression is that of a motel, the hotel has been refurbished to a good standard. The room was spotless with a nice firm bed, satellite TV with chanels from all over Europe, mini-bar, very useful for my own snacks (does anyone ever pay for overpriced items provided by hotels?!) I came prepared with mini travel kettle and tea-bags as past experience revealed that tea-trays are not always provided in Italy. The bed was firm and comfortable. It was clearly a newly-decorated room as there was still a bit of masking tape around a light fitting!The bathroom was very nice - all marble with powerful shower.
We found the staff in reception friendly, though not all of them spoke very good English - but we believe in trying to use the local lingo, however painful it might be to local ears. There were maps and posters about tours. The breakfast was varied and plentiful with lovely fresh rolls and good coffee although the quality of the juice was disappointing (overly sweet and probably made up from dried or concentrated mix - sad in a country that produces delicious citrus fruits. Lots of different pastries, cheese, salami and not very good ham. The restaurant advertised a 2-course meal with mineral water for 15 Euros, with specialities from a different Italian region each evening. We didn't get to try it during our stay but it sounds very good value, bearing in mind typical Rome restaurant prices.
It is not easy to get to the hotel from the airport by public transport. You can either get the Express train (expensive, takes 30 mins) into the centre, then go out again on the metro + walk or bus, or take a shuttle bus. Shuttle bus prices vary tremendously, as does the time they take. If you don't want to pay for the Express train, you have to get the stopping train, get off at Ostiense station, then change to the nearby Metro station, which confusingly has a different name, 'Piramide', then get the Metro to Palasport. The hotel is set back a bit from a very busy 6-lane road, but the traffic noise wasn't too intrusive.
Overall, a nice, comfortable hotel and you have to weigh up the good price against convenience.
- Hotel Cristoforo Colombo
- Cristoforo Colombo
- Colombo Hotel Rome
- Cristoforo Colombo Hotel Rome
