Hotel Fontana in Rome: Tourist Trap or Treasure

I’ve had the pleasure of going to Rome a few times in my life,  but the very first time? It was so bad I didn’t think I’d ever go back… Let’s just say I will never rent a Vespa again for as long as I live, and I avoid birds at the Colosseum.

My first trip to Rome I didn’t even stay a full 24 hours before changing my flight back to Germany early. Then the second time to Rome? It was much better but the company wasn’t the best. It’s true what they say – third time’s a charm! Especially when staying at Hotel Fontana.

So on this third visit, I arrived in Rome after spending the weekend in an Italian villa where I’ll soon marry my fiance. I really had my head in the clouds so honestly, I didn’t really put too much thought into Rome this time.

The bar was very low based on past experiences, but I did research enough to find a deal on a hotel that had gone viral: Hotel Fontana. This hotel advertises its stunning view of the Trevi Fountain from the rooms, but in the busy seasons these rooms can go for over $500 a night. The off season? The rooms aren’t even half that cost! I knew we had to jump on this deal with only having a night in Rome, and wow.

If you’ve ever seen a map of Rome, you’re aware of just how big the eternal city is. The location of where you’re staying could save you miles on your feet trying to take in all the sights. Here’s all you need to know and if I’d recommend this hotel below:

We trained from the Rome airport to the main train station (Roma Termini) and from there hopped on the Metro A Line to stop Barberini and walked the rest of the way to the hotel. It’s imperative to protect your belongings on the Metro – try and have everything in your suitcase and/or bags. This means nothing in your jacket pockets, pants pockets, or anything like that. We even took our fanny packs and stuffed them in our bags while we were on the train to lessen target points for pickpockets. The last thing you want to do is start your trip by losing something.

Okay once we got to the hotel, it was too early to check-in but we were able to leave our bags and begin exploring. What’s nice about staying next to the Trevi Fountain is you can keep walking when it’s busy because you know you’ll be back later! With having only one full day in Rome, the location of the hotel couldn’t have been better. We were able to see the Colosseum, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Vatican City, Piazza Navona, and more with time to rest before heading out for dinner. 

I’ve already complimented the location, yet I think the true pro of this hotel was the accessibility to a Roman landmark away from the crowds. The Trevi Fountain is busy from 7am until nearly midnight every single day.

The ability to go up to our room, open the window, and take in the surroundings without maneuvering around other visitors felt like a luxury. I think the total count of proposals we heard while we were in our room was three, and we spent two hours total in the room? The joy we could hear from our room with people celebrating without having to be in the big crowds was wonderful.

If you’re visiting Rome in peak season and this hotel is out of the budget, it may be worth making a reservation at their rooftop lounge. We were shocked to find open seating up there and Justin and I had the best cocktails we’ve had all year with the best view we could ask for. If you don’t drink, I know you can also make reservations for breakfast. 

If you plan on booking a hotel reservation, I kindly ask you to book through this link. I like using booking.com for a few reasons, but the best perk is when you book with them enough times, you earn Genius Levels which you then gain access to exclusive deals or offers. This past year we’ve earned free breakfasts, room upgrades, and even up to 10% off our stays which has been so nice for our travel budget!

Overall, the hotel is an absolute treasure in the off-season. The rooms aren’t nice enough to warrant a $500 price tag per night, even with the views, so please don’t pay that price in peak season. Keep in mind the weather in Italy in the off-season is still warm, so consider your timeline when planning your next trip to Rome. Please tag me if you stay at Hotel Fontana so I can vicariously live through your trip!