The most international of Hilton hotels in Italy: review Doubletree Roma Monti

I had completely forgotten in the drawer the review of one of the latest facilities Hilton has opened in Italy, specifically in Rome. DoubleTree By Hilton Rome Monti, located in Esquiline Square in the heart of the Eternal City, opened at the height of the pandemic (April 2021) and I visited in December 2022.

Since then this review had been lost in drafts, and since we are in the midst of the Christmas season now is the time to publish it.

Reservation

As usual reservations if you want to accumulate points and benefits must be made through official channels: app and site. Of course you can always hunt for a lower price, to then trigger the BRG i.e., the protection that all large chains offer to their customers which promises the best public rate. I, when it makes sense always book the X2 rate, which is the one that doubles the points you accumulate from booking and is flexible to 100%, allowing cancellation up to the day before arrival without penalty.

Location

As mentioned, we are in the heart of Rome in the Monti district, an 8-minute walk from Termini station and overlooking one of the many iconic sites of Italy's capital, one of the world's most desirable cities for tourists. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is a stone's throw away and very visible from the hotel's rooftop.

I don't go to Rome much, or rather I usually do a/r in the day or I sleep near the airport of Fiumicino in order not to get lost in the city chaos. I find this hotel perfectly positioned for tourists and business travelers, the proximity to Termini is great for getting around, but also for appointments in the "hot" areas of the city.

Check-in and room

As I set foot in the hotel, I felt like I was not in Rome, but in a hotel in New York or London. It is not a new facility (how could it be since we are in the heart of the Eternal City) but the recovery was really good.

Contemporary design, lots of natuaral light, like being in a conservatory with the central part of the hotel being housed under a glass roof. Paperwork procedures done in seconds and, with my warm cookie in hand, I headed to my room.

The design that distinguishes the common areas is also found in the room, which is really large and finely furnished.

Inside is everything you would expect from a hotel of this category, and for Rome and the mid-level hotels I have visited in the city, it is really a level above the rest. Megascreen, work table and buttons that allow the guest to turn off all the lights in the room without having to go crazy looking for the switch hidden behind the chair.

Modern bathroom, large and and essential, although accessible was not the classic open air, but with na real shower that allows those who want to take a shower not to flood everything.

Welcome letter and small surprise. I am used to finding these cuddles in hotels, but never in Italy. I'm going by memory, but I think this is maybe the second time I've found a letter (handwritten) in the room. A treat, or a snack, had happened to me before, but the letter never. Again, this is a sign that the "Hilton Operating System" has been properly installed in the staff; recognition of loyalty is a must for all chains, and these small attentions are what make the brand-loyal traveler happy.

The rooftop

On the top floor of the hotel is a small rooftop with a panoramic terrace. Little used in winter but really perfect for the Roman climate.

Freshly prepared cocktails in a really nice environment, again not looking like a classic Roman hotel, but Milanese.

Food & Beverage

In addition to the rooftop bar, there is a cafeteria at the entrance of the hotel, starbucks-style, which is also open for passage.

Then there is the restaurant, with a panoramic kitchen, which serves breakfast for guests in the morning. The offering is the classic buffet, but the quality offered is superior to the other DTs scattered around Italy where I have stayed.

I don't think I've ever found, in Italy, prosecco for breakfast, but the rest of the offerings were also definitely above average for Italian breakfasts.

The only flaw is the lack of a real cafeteria, only hot drink machines for guests.

In conclusion

If you do not have a car it is a perfect hotel to stay in Rome, strategic location in a quality facility with great service. Of course a lot depends on the price, but in this respect right now the rooms in Rome have really crazy prices.

• Hilton Honors