Tucked away from the crowds near big attractions, but also just steps from the train station, the Radisson Blu Hotel is a sleek, stylish hotel that embodies modern Rome and leaves behind the ancestry and history — well, almost! First, as you walk into the lobby, you’ll pass ruins on display, secured safely beneath the building, as Roman law requires new construction to save any ruins uncovered during the process.

Still, the modern building is colorful and lively. Rooms are decorated with unique décor, like rubber, cushioned flooring (which feels like Heaven when walking barefoot after a day sightseeing by foot in the city) and lights that, when turned on, inflate colorful fabric “art.” Each room’s floor-to-ceiling window features its own colored lighting, which, in the evening, illuminates the building in one giant, colorful show (don’t worry, there are blackout curtains). And the rooftop pool becomes a playground for kids, as well as the “want to be seen” set during warm, summer months. As the sun sets and the pool closes, it is illuminated, and rooftop dining and a bar take the space into its trendy evening atmosphere.

Although we are enamored with the hotel’s style, particularly the oasis-like pool on a hot July day, what we really love is how easy it is to get around from this location. The Coliseum and Forum are just blocks away, and the proximity to the train depot and its rental car agencies provides guests with a quick getaway when it’s time to move on to another beautiful destination in Italy.

The Radisson Blu features 232 guestrooms and suites, all with clean lines and minimalist architecture that are so modern, you'll forget the ancient ruins you've spent the day visiting. Spread across seven floors, the rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi and individual climate control. Guests can choose from Standard Rooms (sleeps two adults), Superior Rooms (sleeps two adults), Business Class Rooms (sleeps two adults), Junior Suites (sleeps three adults), Executive Suites (sleeps three adults) and the Presidential Suite (sleeps three adults).

Obviously, the largest accommodation is the Presidential Suite, which features a large living area with a separate bedroom. The luxurious suite features a corner of floor-to-ceiling windows and an oversized terrace, as well as a PlayStation 2, hot tub and coffee machine.
Executive Suites also provide separate living and sleeping areas, hot tubs and terraces. Junior Suites have living spaces.

Cribs and rollaway beds are available for use in the suites, though note that space will be limited. You might want to consider booking two rooms.

Avoid Standard Rooms, Superior Rooms and Business Class Rooms, which are the smallest rooms with a "floating raft-like structure" that houses a bed and a round, tiny shower.

The one amenity that makes Radisson Blu truly perfect for kids is a infinity-edged rooftop pool. Tanned, toned guests with fruity concoctions may be seated around it in a way that might suggest children are not welcome, but that is not the case, as children are happily found swimming and splashing in the pool daily. Open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

The hotel features two rooftop-dining options. Restaurant Sette is the gourmet restaurant that overlooks the swimming pool, while Zest is the indoor restaurant that features a breakfast buffet (additional), lunch and dinner.

Zest
Zest is open for breakfast 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. on weekdays and 7 to 11 a.m. on weekends, 12:30 to 3 p.m daily for lunch, and 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. for dinner. It also provides room service from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. A kids' menu is offered and children can select from chicken nuggets, hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries and ice cream.

Sette
Sette is open daily for lunch from 12:30 to 3 p.m., and dinner 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. There is no kids' menu at Sette.

Other Options
Room service is available 24 hours per day, and a Grab & Run breakfast service is available for those who don't have time to sit and eat.

All About the Extras
There is an onsite health center (open daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.), fitness center (open daily, 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.) and spa (daily, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.).

The hotel is open to the public for a fee, so it might draw a crowd on hot days.

Internet is free throughout the property.

The Art of Smart Timing
Due to its vast history, Rome is a year-round destination for the many who have Rome on their bucket list. During the summer months, the city's tourism is at its peak, as are the hotels, and you'll hit long lines and crowds at every turn, and higher rates all around. Visit in the spring or fall to avoid the crowds, enjoy the more mild weather, and lower hotel rates.

Getting There
If arriving by air, catch a train into the city, which runs every 30 minutes. The Leonardo Express arrives in the city in 30 minutes, and the hotel is one block from the station. If electing to take a taxi from the airport to the hotel, expect to pay about 50 Euros with a tip. Taxis have set prices from the airport to the City Center, between 30 and 40 Euros, so you won't need to haggle.

For Mom and Dad
A full-day spa and fitness center is located on the seventh floor of the hotel, providing treatments like massages, facials and more. Locker rooms are available, with an indoor Jacuzzi and sauna.