Radisson Collection Hotel, Roma Antica review: 8/10

Why book Radisson Collection Hotel, Roma Antica

Radisson Collection Hotel, Roma Antica is one of the Eternal City’s newest hotels – a sleek, modern, comfortable hideaway perfectly positioned to explore the city’s best sites. The sixth in Radisson Collection’s Italian portfolio, a brand trusted across the world for its extremely high standards, the property sits near the iconic Pantheon, Piazza Venezia, ancient ruins of Largo di Torre Argentina, and the majestic Monument to Victor Emmanuel II. The hotel manages to tread an excellent line between being charmingly historic, desired from a Rome hotel, and comfortable and contemporary – built around a meticulously restored palazzo showcasing the city’s architectural heritage. There are just 84 rooms in total, which envelop you in a warm and cosy feeling thanks to their wooden floors and dark interiors – a juxtaposition to the gleaming Carrara marble bathrooms. There’s a restaurant, bar and coffee lounge, Turkish bath and fitness centre, but the real draw is the stupendous roof terrace – right in the thick of the city with views across the rooftops to the money and beyond. This is a fantastic option for a busy sightseeing, shopping or business trip.

The location

As far as locations go for sightseeing, you’d be pressed to find a better location than Radisson Collection Hotel, Roma Antica. The hotel sits on a busy thoroughfare almost bang in the heart of its main attractions, with most only a short walk away. To the left, there’s the grand monument leading onto the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Turn right, and you’re right by the Largo di Torre Argentina – where Julias Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC and the Pantheon. Further north, there’s the Trevi Fountain, or cross the road and head down the cobbles to emerge in Rome’s charming Jewish Quarter (Jewish Ghetto). The latter is well worth a visit: home to a lovely square, some great bars, kosher restaurants and the ruins of the Teatro di Marcello – an ancient Roman theatre pre-dating the Colosseum. The banks of the Tiber lie just beyond. The location is very commercial and busy, with trams, cars, high-street shops, sandwich shops cafes and more – so prepare for the bustle and crowds.

The vibe

Young, energetic, friendly, and welcoming, in just a few months of opening the Radisson Collection Hotel, Roma Antica has managed to create a soul and microcosm of city life. The lobby is always abuzz, with charming smiley door staff and the even more smiley general manager, who personally greets guests – often with a glass of prosecco. There’s a homely feeling in the public spaces – like you can tuck yourself away with a book in the lounge and watch the world go by from the picture windows. For now, the rooftop is a little-known secret – and for the minute, it’s a blissfully peaceful spot for a scenic lunch, aperitivo or dinner. The hotel sits right on a busy street, but arriving at our taxi further down the road, an endearing doorman appeared beside us to assist with our luggage.

Rooms and suites

The hotel hides 84 rooms and suites over eight floors. Categories start with the Collection Rooms, which, despite their very compact size coming in at 16 square metres, feel manageable – though those with lots of luggage might struggle. Our entry-level Collection Room has a shower bath, which is a delight after roaming Rome’s pavement. Despite the less expensive street view, it’s much brighter than its slightly more expensive and larger than the Collection Room with Courtyard view – which looks onto an internal courtyard with air conditioning vents. Following the two entry levels, there’s the chance for a balcony, followed by a gradual increment in size before arriving at the Panoramic Rooms with Terrace – a petite 25 square metres but with outdoor space. All have the same stylish dark wooden floors, greasy walls and slick patterned wallpaper, with a pop of colour from statement seating. Despite the busy location and historic building, rooms are surprisingly well soundproofed. Rooms are small, due to the nature of the hotel and its space, but they have everything you need – a fantastic Lavazza coffee machine (making some of the best coffee in Rome), kettle, fridge, robes and slippers, some lovely toiletries and amenities like toothbrushes and razor kits – so don’t worry if you forget yours.

Food and drink

Breakfast is served in the bright and airy downstairs restaurants, Modius, and offers a small but all-encompassing spread of fruit, yoghurts, cereals, cold meats and cheeses (including some fantastic aged Parmesan), freshly baked bread and a whole separate table for Italy’s favourite breakfast – cakes, pastries and sweet treats. Eggs and cooked items are available a la carte. Travelling with a vegan, the obliging staff quickly offered suggestions and brought avocado toast with flavourful toppings. Modius transforms into a casual Italian open for lunch and dinner, serving dishes like comforting Parmigiana, Roman favourites amatriciana and carbonara, fillet of beef and tiramisu. On the other side of the ground floor is a beautifully designed, art-deco-style bar and lounge for espresso, apertivo and nightcaps.

The piece de résistance is Modius on the Roof, the hotel’s beautiful wrap-around rooftop terrace offering cosy corners for romantic date nights, front-row views of the Eternal City’s greatest monuments, great Italian cocktails and small plates, cold cuts and sandwiches. We convene here post-sightseeing for Aperol Spritzes and focaccia – always grabbing a prime position – and before dinner for a crispy glass of Italian wine.

Spa and facilities

We were delighted to learn from the helpful front desk that the hotel is home to a Turkish bath, available for guests and bookable in advance, along with a fitness centre and steam room – perfectly appealing to the modern traveller. There’s also an on-site spa offering select treatments.

Anything to add?

Radisson Collection is a pet-friendly brand, and Roma Antica is no different – welcoming furry friends (cats, dogs, and service animals) in all its rooms. If booking a courtyard view, make sure to request a room on the upper floors – though we preferred the street view for more light and aesthetic. For a terrace, get your booking in as soon as possible, as they sell out quickly due to limited numbers.

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