The upscale Hotel Imperiale is set in a 1895 building that retains much of its classic style inside and out. The location is excellent, near luxury shops, restaurants, and the metro, and in walking distance to many Rome attractions. There’s a conservatory-style Italian restaurant, a big breakfast buffet, and a small bar, plus a mosaic-tiled spa with a sauna, hammam, and jacuzzi (but no gym). The hotel’s 95 rooms range from Singles to Quads and Suites, and feature hardwood floors and marble bathrooms, plus upscale extras like bidets and minibars, though rooms are small and decor doesn’t feel quite as swanky as what’s found in the common areas. As an alternative, the Barocco Hotel nearby offers more refined room decor, but it lacks the extra features of Hotel Imperiale.
Rooms are small but tasteful with classic decor that pairs hardwood floors with yellow or cream-colored walls, often wallpapered. Leathery beige tufted headboards, rich wood furniture, and purple fabric accents, like long drapes, lend a classy vibe, though guests sometimes say room decor can feel tired, noting signs of wear and tear. Bathrooms are kitted out with marble sinks and floors, mosaic tiled walls, and bidets, though the shower stalls can feel small and pretty basic. All rooms are air conditioned and include desks, safes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Coffee and tea service isn’t standard, but minibars are. Bathrooms are stocked with hairdryers and free individual toiletries. Guests occasionally note noise in alley-facing rooms in particular. Rooms come in a range of sizes including tiny Single Rooms, small Twins/Doubles, and Triples and Quads, which only measure 215 square feet. The largest suites top out at 270 square feet, but add nice extras like stylish furniture, bathtubs, espresso machines, or balconies.
The hotel offers a nice array of features for a small property in a city center. A highlight is the restaurant, Il Gazebo, situated in a glass-walled room reminiscent of a conservatory and serving Italian dishes for lunch and dinner. The hotel also has a classy breakfast room where a daily buffet is served, presenting a range of hot and cold American and Italian favorites. Breakfast is often — but not always — included in the room rate. The hotel also has a small, mosaic-tiled bar and plenty of lounge spaces to encourage guests to linger.
The hotel’s small spa includes a hammam, sauna, and a hot tub surrounded by beautiful mosaic tiling, and massages can be arranged. On the downside, there’s no gym. For business travelers, the hotel also has three meeting rooms, which can host up to 70 guests. Wi-Fi is free, and there are computers in common spaces for guests’ use. The hotel offers concierge service and room service during limited hours and can arrange for laundry service, childcare, or airport shuttles, albeit for extra fees. Valet parking is available but it’s an additional charge, too.