ROME INVIA CAPO D AFRICA N.54Rome, Italy -See the map
Amy AdejokunSection editor
This hotel, located a five minute walk from the Colosseum, is almost without fault (apart from the absence of a relaxation area) and offers comfortable bedrooms, equipped with everything your heart could desire. The Capo d'Africa offers an attractive setting for those who like to be in the centre of the action but want a quiet place to return to during the evening. Its outstanding feature is the two roof terraces, perfect for summer's evenings when the day is slightly cooler and a relaxing evening meal is in order. However, the terrace is not open all year round so to make the most of your stay, this is a hotel best enjoyed during the summer months.
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Location
5.68/10
Accommodation
7.45/10
Overview
7.95/10
Food and drink
7.20/10
To know
The hotel is superbly located on the Via Capo d'Africa, a 5-minute walk from the Colosseum (metro station: Colosseo). This makes it extremely easy to make your way to the rest of the Ancient Quarter, as well as the shopping streets of Via del Corso and Via Condotti. If you don't fancy walking, the metro will take you to Termini train station, as well as Spagna, which will drop you right outside the famous Spanish Steps. Fiumicino airport is 16 miles away, with roughly a 45 minute transfer time, whilst Ciampino airport is 9 miles away and takes around 30 minutes.
The Capo d'Africa offers four different room types - Superior, Deluxe, Premier and one unique Studio suite. Whilst there is Wi-Fi present in all rooms, it is only free in Deluxe, Premier and studio rooms. If you smoke, the hotel will cater for you on the 2nd floor. The only room with a private terrace is suite 416, and provides good views of the Colosseum and the ancient Church. Other rooms have a balcony, although these are town balconies; just big enough to be able to lean out of the French windows. If you come as a family, ask for an additional bed to be put into a deluxe room (floor area of 269 sq ft, as opposed to the 215 sq ft in the standard rooms). The decor is a little less pastel-based than the lobby but still warm and comfortable. All rooms have a mini bar (though it is only complimentary in the Premier rooms), a TV which can access the internet, air conditioning and a direct-dial telephone. The bathrooms are all clean, modern and spacious, providing a hair-dryer, bathrobes, bathtub or shower and 'Vrai' bathroom products.
The Capo d'Africa has chosen a style of design that is inoffensive to all. The lobby is decorated in pastel shades, with wicker furniture covered in soft cotton. The huge bamboo pots that flank the doors are reminiscent of an island paradise, complimenting the soothing colours and the discreetly contemporary paintings that adorn the walls. In terms of communal areas, the restaurant and two sun terraces are located on the top floor. From April to October you will find chairs and tables on the terraces, as well as a few loungers. During the winter months however, the restaurant still provides great views over Rome as well as relaxed place to take breakfast. Downstairs in the basement is the fitness room, well equipped, clean and bright. TVs provide motivational music and there is disabled access via a lift from the lobby.
Breakfast is served in the room on the top floor, between the two sun terraces. From one side, you can gaze over to Mount Esquilin and the Colosseum, whilst the other side overlooks the area surrounding the Via Capo d'Africa. The hotel will serve breakfast and meals outside when the weather allows so aim to visit during the summer months. The morning buffet is continental so does not provide hot dishes, however, there is plenty of ham and cheese on offer, as well as cereal, fresh fruit, croissants and bread rolls. During the day, you can order a snack from the bar (located in the reception lounge). Though the snacks are Mediterranean and use local products, it is always extremely quiet so if you want a better atmosphere, try one of the numerous neighbouring restaurants.
The Capo d'Africa takes its name from the street on which it is located. The latter takes its name from the place ("capo", or "campo") where gladiators, often from Africa, were trained to fight in the Colosseum. The boutique hotel opened in 2002 but the building itself dates from the early 20th century, lending the contemporary interior decoration a historical edge.
Of the 65 bedrooms only one suite has a private terrace: number 416. It overlooks the Santi Quattro Coronati church and its adjoining convent which is still in use. If this suite has already been reserved, ask for a room at the eastern end of the building, overlooking the church.
The Palazzo Manfredi is the lucky owner of one of the most enchanting views that Rome has to offer. Situated next to the crumbling, magnificent Colosseum, this hotel will set your mouth in a constant 'O', and not just over the view. It may not look like much from the outside, with its plain white washed walls and crumbling Roman shutters, but the understated luxury that awaits you inside is of a completely different world. The tiny hotel has only 15 rooms, making it personal, private and a wonderful place to take a few days relaxation.
Only a short walk from the central Termini train station, the Hotel Palladium Palace has lost much of its former splendour and seems to have fallen slightly into disrepair. Nevertheless, its positioning could not be more convenient and availability is always good. An imposing building, this hotel is basic but a perfect base if you're going to spend most of your time out roaming the streets of the capital. Its four stars is a little deceiving so be sure to expect something a little more simple and prices that are not really worth what you receive.
Of the three hotels in the Bettoja chain situated on the Via Cavour, the Atlantico is the most modest, but not necessarily the cheapest. To be chosen when the other two hotels are full. If this is the case, you will be reassured by the breakfast buffet, served at the Mediterraneo, and you will be able to use the gym in the basement like the guests of the Massimo d'Azeglio.
Opened in 2009, UNA hotel still looks brand new, both inside and out. Modern, minimalist and strangely quirky in parts (the zebra print couch in the entrance hall should give you an idea of what is in store), almost all guests will tell you that UNA is very good value for money. This is a hotel completely at odds with the ancient city around it and provides an ultra-modern alternative to most of Rome's authentically crumbling hotels. Of exceptional note are its extremely polite and attentive staff and superb bar and restaurant.
This is an historic hotel, which doesn't seem to have changed since it opened in 1875. As this type of hotel is disappearing and the prices are very reasonable, we shall recommend the Massimo d'Azeglio to anyone who likes old-style holidays. Well located, in the heart of the city centre: so it is not the quietest of its category, but the interior and the restaurant are so quaint that they are definitely worth spending some time in.
It may be on the list of Rome's hotels but the Villa Spalletti Trivelli is quite different from your ordinary hotel experience. It cannot be confined to any kind of category, nor can it be given any stars. It is simply in a class above the rest - an aristocratic home away from home if you will. Still owned by Count Trivelli and his wife, the Villa was converted from the Count's private residence and still retains its original furniture. You must be looking for the very best in luxury accommodation (with a budget to match) to appreciate the magnificence of this 20th century property, its beautiful rooms and gardens. Rest assured though, that you will receive only the best in exclusive service and ultimate privacy. If official photos tend to exaggerate the elegance of the hotels they picture, then those of Spalletti Trivelli don't do it justice. You must be sat in the grand drawing room with a hot drink or snuggled up in the library with a book in order to really see the restored beauty of one of Rome's most exclusive addresses.
Located in the centre of Rome, La Griffe will allow you to visit the city's main ancient sites (Coliseum, the Forum, Palatine Hill) on foot, without having to use the buses or the underground. An advantage for ancient history enthusiasts, but note that the design of the hotel is very Roman, and very contemporary. If you think that glossy black and red belong in a night-club rather than in a hotel, you should pick another hotel. Neo-Baroque enthusiasts will like it, as well as the curious ones among you who would like to test the effects of "chromotherapy".
This is the right choice if you're looking for a good place to stay at a lower price. Its location is both its plus point (next to Termini station) and its drawback (the hotel overlooks a very busy street). It is handy if you are arriving late, plan to leave early, or are staying on a tight budget. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and have undergone recent improvements.
The Hotel de Russie is one of the grand hotels in Rome with a garden. A privilege that is all the more remarkable because this garden, which backs on to the Monte Pincio (the hill leading to the Villa Borghese Park from the Piazza del Popolo), gives the impression of being in the very heart of the countryside. Perfect for getting away from the commotion and noise of Rome (which begins at the hotel door) whilst remaining just a few minutes by foot from Piazza di Spagna and the elegant shops in the area.
Take the winding roads through the gardens of the Villa Borghese (one of Rome's most historic villas and gardens) and you will emerge into the peaceful neighbourhood of Parioli, distinctly different from Rome's usual bustling centre. Here, flanked by large private residences, the Aldrovandi Palace hotel offers its guests an exclusive place to rest their heads. As a Leading Hotel of the World, the hotel is used to welcoming guests who expect only the very best - attentive staff, gourmet food and comfort. And this is exactly what it delivers, with elegance, style and a two-Michelin-star restaurant to boot.
It may be on the list of Rome's hotels but the Villa Spalletti Trivelli is quite different from your ordinary hotel experience. It cannot be confined to any kind of category, nor can it be given any stars. It is simply in a class above the rest - an aristocratic home away from home if you will. Still owned by Count Trivelli and his wife, the Villa was converted from the Count's private residence and still retains its original furniture. You must be looking for the very best in luxury accommodation (with a budget to match) to appreciate the magnificence of this 20th century property, its beautiful rooms and gardens. Rest assured though, that you will receive only the best in exclusive service and ultimate privacy. If official photos tend to exaggerate the elegance of the hotels they picture, then those of Spalletti Trivelli don't do it justice. You must be sat in the grand drawing room with a hot drink or snuggled up in the library with a book in order to really see the restored beauty of one of Rome's most exclusive addresses.
To make sure of a pleasant stay, impress your other half with a setting that lacks neither gilding nor history, and to discover ancient (or Renaissance) Rome within walking distance of your hotel, reserve a room at the Exedra. This is a luxury hotel but it is not flashy, with attentive and discreet service. It is like living in a palace and, from June to September, you really can get a feel of the "dolce vita", with the open-air swimming-pool on the roof.
The Regina Baglioni is one of the historical landmarks of the Via Veneto. Wander down as if to have a drink at Harry's bar (located on the same avenue): for a chic yet traditional atmosphere. Take in the luxury of early 20th Century palaces, the traditional service and the refinement of the decor. It is best suited to couples celebrating a special occasion (birthday or other celebration) to fully appreciate the hotel.
For true boutique style, class and impeccable service, the Lord Byron is our top choice of places to stay in Rome. There is a reason that this hotel has such a loyal returning clientele and it is simply because the service is outstanding. From the moment you walk up the steps to the reception, a relaxed atmosphere washes over you. It may be out of the immediate vicinity of Rome's biggest attractions, but it is all the better for it. After a long day of absorbing the endless roman culture, it is true heaven to come back to a hotel that really feels like home.
A pretty, well located hotel with a limited number of rooms: for those who want to experience the chic side of Rome, take a stroll through Villa Borghese park or do some shopping on the Via Veneto or in the Piazza di Spagna area. This rococo-inspired hotel is beyond reproach, if you can afford to stay in a suite and take lunch and dinner in the gourmet restaurant with no budget restrictions.
An upmarket hotel, well located for exploring the Piazza Navona and the Trastevere district on foot, the St George is recommended for a week-end away from it all... This will give you the opportunity to try the spa (maybe a treatment or two and a dip in the hydrotherapy bath), sample the restaurant menu and hang out in the wine bar. Ideally you would stay here when the panoramic terrace is open (between April and October). In practice, though, if the rates offer a better deal in January, don't hesitate to stay at the St George: the decor in the hotel (all beige, grey-green and glossy brown) makes it feel more like winter than summer anyway.
Amy Adejokun
Section editor
