This is one of the few hotels available in the Fleming District, located in the North of Rome across the Tiber river. There are few reasons for tourists to stay in this area, since it is relatively far from any points of interest, and the neighborhood is mainly modern residential. The hotel itself has a very helpful staff, and a pleasant entry area, done in dark woods, green and gold, with a sort of East Asia colonial theme to the place. The rooms themselves are variable. My first on this visit was a small, musty double with a dubious-looking carpet and a tiny shower, and was suffering from a lack of maintenance. All sorts of things were falling apart - door frames, handles, drawer pulls were literally dropping to the floor. I changed room and was given a considerably nicer room, with wooden floors, more space, and fewer falling objects. Both rooms were quiet. Breakfast appears to have a large selection, but virtually nothing is fresh. Every morning I saw the same selection dates, figs, a huge piece of cheese, and inedible pastries. There was a little fruit, but only two types. The coffee, however, is excellent.
I have stayed here many times, and with only the much reviled Fleming Hotel as an alternative, would return if needed. Although the staff is great, the place needs some upkeep and rethinking to justify the 135 Euros per night I was charged. The small touches need to be improved - the breakfast as noted above, the spotty internet, the return of the the complimentary newspapers (not the free rags handed out now) - are examples of where one's stay could be made better.
- Colony Hotel Rome
