Black Hotel

Class: First

Style: Modern design

Rooms: 62

You certainly can’t accuse the Black Hotel of failing to live up to its name. The driveway’s lengthy line of trees sets off the black façade. Inside the lobby, an opaque floor made of resin sets off equally opaque walls. The occasional vibrant asymmetrical sofa or flamboyant assortment of wildflowers prevents it from feeling more like a nightclub than a hotel. The contrast is striking, as it’s supposed to be.

Located several kilometers outside of the city, the hotel offers two things you can’t get when staying directly across the street from St. Peter’s or the Colosseum: tranquil, landscaped grounds and a seasonal outdoor pool. Such creature comforts can’t be overstated, especially in the city’s intense traffic- and tourist-clogged summer. The tradeoff comes, of course, in the commute, but the hotel offers shuttle service to the nearest Metro stop, and a public bus runs even more frequently. All roads really do lead to Rome, especially in Italy, but you probably knew we were going to say that.

Thankfully, upstairs the theme is departed from somewhat — the sixty-seven rooms are all about lightness and air. Each overlooks the grounds or a residential neighborhood, and some have skylights. If you’re wondering about food, Edon Restaurant serves local specialties, and Bar La Luna has a good assortment of local beverages — you’re not going to leave hungry or thirsty. And you can watch the sun set from the terrace (with table service). A gym with sauna, a spa, and well-appointed meeting facilities complete the on-site activities, and when it’s over you’ll be glad you’re on the Fiumicino side of town.