Best Western Plus Hotel Universo

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve walked past this Best Western Plus on Via Principe Amedeo dozens of times over the years, and honestly? I used to think it was just another generic chain hotel trying to capitalize on being near Termini Station. Boy, was I wrong. The thing is, this stretch of Principe Amedeo – you know, the bit that runs toward the Baths of Diocletian – it’s actually got some hidden gems, and the Universo is definitely one of them.

What struck me first was how they’ve managed to create this bubble of calm just steps from one of Europe’s busiest train stations. I mean, you can literally roll your suitcase from the platform and be checking in within five minutes, but once you’re inside, the chaos of Termini feels miles away. The lobby has this warm, almost residential feel – none of that sterile chain hotel vibe you’d expect. Actually, the staff here knows their stuff about Rome in a way that surprised me. Not just the usual tourist trap recommendations, but real insights. The concierge pointed me toward this little trattoria on Via Cavour that I never would have found otherwise (and I thought I knew every good eating spot in Monti).

The rooms are… well, they’re what you’d hope for but don’t always get in central Rome. Proper air conditioning that actually works – crucial in those sweltering July weeks when the city turns into an oven. The beds are genuinely comfortable, not just hotel-marketing comfortable, and there’s enough space to actually unpack without everything ending up on the floor. What I really appreciated was the attention to soundproofing. Yes, you’re in the heart of a major European capital, so you’ll hear some street life, but it’s not the cacophony you might expect. The double-glazed windows do their job, and honestly, by Roman standards, Principe Amedeo is pretty quiet after 10 PM anyway.

Here’s what’s really smart about staying here – you’re positioned perfectly for both the obvious tourist stuff and the real Rome. The Colosseum is a pleasant 15-minute walk through neighborhoods that actually feel alive, not just museum pieces. But more importantly, you’re at the edge of Monti, which means you can duck into proper Roman life whenever the tourist trail gets overwhelming. There’s a morning market on Via del Boschetto that most visitors never see, and you can walk there in your pajamas if you want. The metro connections are right there when you need them, but honestly, most of central Rome is walkable from here – something you can’t say about a lot of hotels in this price range.

The breakfast deserves a mention too. It’s not just the usual continental spread of stale pastries and mystery meat. They actually have decent coffee (I mean, it’s Italy, but still), fresh fruit that looks like someone cares, and enough variety that you won’t get bored if you’re staying more than a couple nights. The breakfast room gets good morning light, which sounds like a small thing until you’re jet-lagged and need all the natural light you can get.

Bottom line – this place gets the balance right between location, comfort, and that elusive thing called value. It’s not trying to be the fanciest hotel in Rome, but it nails being exactly what most travelers actually need.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $249. Small Double Room with French Bed with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $261. Comfort King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $261. Comfort Twin Room with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $308. Comfort Triple Room with 1 single bed and 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $320. Superior King Room with Balcony with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $325. Deluxe King Room – Split Level with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $355. Junior Suite – Split Level with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $550. Superior Family Room with 2 single beds and 2 extra-large double beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $225. Standard Single Room with 1 single bed for Max persons: 1

Reviews

• Superb – Chari from Australia – 30 June 2025 (9/10)

  4 night stay here was very enjoyable.
  Close location to the Termi station and the Repubblica station.
  
  Lots of good restaurant options nearby.
  
  Clean hotel, very spacious.
  
  Buffet breakfast was plentiful with great options and table service for coffees.
  
  Complimentary water in the foyer appreciated

• Exceptional – Rogit from Australia – 28 June 2025 (10/10)

  A great hotel in a very good location. We travelled from the airport via the train and the hotel is a very short, easy walk from Rome Termini.
  Our room and facilities were first rate. The new rooftop area and its offerings was a bonus for our stay. The breakfast was excellent and the local area offers an abundance of choice for eating out if you so choose.
  The staff were friendly and professional but also attentive to our needs.

• Great hotel in the center of Italy. – Ly from Estonia – 27 June 2025 (10/10)

  The hotel location is excellent, all the attractions were 1.2 km away, a nice walk. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. The hotel was very comfortable, quiet and clean.

• We had a great time. – Rodante from United States – 27 June 2025 (8/10)

  Near the public transportation.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Perfect for a short city break with no sacrifice on quality. – Paul from United Kingdom – 24 June 2025 (10/10)

  Wanted somewhere close to Termini for an overnight stay – this hotel is an easy 5 minute walk from the station. Great modern facilities at the top end of the quality scale. The shower was as strong as you could wish for and the air conditioning superb in a city that operates in the mid thirties during the summer. Breakfast was more than reasonable and catered for most dietary needs.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Nice hotel in decent location – Sylvia from United Kingdom – 23 June 2025 (8/10)

  Staff were very accommodating.
  
  What could be improved: A little dates in places

• Great hotel to stay in. Great reception staff. Don't eat breakfast there. – Abdulmohsen from Saudi Arabia – 21 June 2025 (9/10)

  The reception staff were amazing and provided us with excellent service. I commend the hotel management for their wonderful, friendly staff.
  
  What could be improved: With one small note: When we wanted to stay for a fifth night, the receptionist on that day unfortunately did not serve us as expected, even though the rooms were available.
  
  Breakfast unfortunately was not what we expected at all. The quality of the food was below average, there was no variety, the bread was not fresh, and the coffee was not up to the required standard. In addition to the matter, the service staff were unprofessional, especially the waiter who prepared the eggs. He had bad manners, was not clean, did not shave, and his clothes were shabby, and the same goes for the other waiters. I recommend staying at the hotel, but I do not recommend eating breakfast there.

• Good value. Will good back again – Chin from United States – 21 June 2025 (10/10)

  Very clean and good design
  
  What could be improved: nothing

• A very comfortable, clean hotel with easy access to everything in the city and a 35 minute train ride from FCO. – Wendy from United Kingdom – 10 June 2025 (8/10)

  Located 5 minutes walk from Termini station made it an easy access point to the rest of the city. Multiple restaurants within a minute or two walking distance. Comfortable rooms and bed. We chose breakfast included option and there was an amazing array on offer. Very worth it.
  
  What could be improved: I don’t have any negatives to say about the property. I found my pillow too hard and uncomfortable the first night but I was given a pillow menu and a choice of 5 others straight away which solved the issue.

• Central location – Craig from Australia – 9 June 2025 (9/10)

  Location perfect as we travelled to and from Roma by train. Breakfast had great choice.
  
  What could be improved: Shower leaked

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities