Hotel Balilla

Hotel Description

You know what surprised me most about Hotel Balilla? It’s tucked right on Via Balilla – literally around the corner from Termini Station – but somehow it doesn’t feel like one of those sterile transit hotels where you just crash between trains. I mean, sure, you can hear the occasional rumble if you’re really listening, but honestly, after a day of walking Rome’s cobblestones, you’ll sleep through anything.

The building itself has this sort of faded elegance thing going on – you can tell it’s been around for decades, but in a good way. The lobby’s got these worn marble floors that have probably seen thousands of travelers, and there’s something oddly comforting about that. What really sold me though was how the staff actually knew the neighborhood. When I asked about getting to Monti (which is basically a five-minute walk, though they don’t really advertise this), the guy at the desk didn’t just point me toward the tourist traps – he mentioned this little enoteca on Via del Boschetto that locals actually go to. That’s the kind of insider knowledge you don’t expect from a three-star place.

The rooms are… well, they’re European-small, but cleverly laid out. Everything you need is there – decent WiFi, a bathroom that works, air conditioning that actually cools the room down (crucial in Roman summers, trust me). I stayed in July and while the streets were sweltering, my room stayed comfortable. The windows are properly sealed too, which matters more than you’d think when you’re this close to the station. Actually, being near Termini turned out to be brilliant – not just for the obvious train connections, but because you’re genuinely in the thick of things. Via Nazionale is right there with its shops and restaurants, and you can walk to the Colosseum in maybe twenty minutes if you don’t mind the stroll. The neighborhood has this lived-in feel that’s hard to find in Rome’s more touristy areas – there’s a market nearby where actual Romans buy their groceries, little cafés where you can get a proper espresso without paying tourist prices, and the streets have that authentic urban energy.

What really impressed me was how the hotel manages to punch above its weight. You’re getting solid value – clean, comfortable, well-located – without any pretense. The breakfast is nothing fancy, but it’s fresh and there’s actual good coffee. Check-in was smooth, they held my luggage after checkout so I could explore before my evening train, and when I needed recommendations for dinner, they suggested places in my actual price range rather than trying to impress me with expensive spots. For what you pay, especially considering you’re in central Rome, it’s honestly hard to complain about anything significant. If you’re looking for a base to explore the city rather than a destination in itself, Hotel Balilla delivers exactly what it promises – and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $233. Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $293. Triple Room with 1 single bed, 1 large double bed and 3 single beds for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Lovely stay – check the reception hours before booking – Alexandra from Romania – 23 June 2025 (10/10)

  The hotel is pretty and cozy and it gives you a nice feeling of privacy and safety. The room was very clean, equipped and the staff was very kind and helpful, the owner even gave us a little treat for the road after we check-out, really appreciated that!
  
  There are small restaurants nearby, the hotel is ~ 10-15mins walking distance from Termini Train Station, very convenient. Very good value for the money.
  
  If you land on Fiumicino Airport, we recommend you to take the train to get here.
  
  *If you're planning to visit Rome around 20-30th of June, check when the Festa di via Balilla is happening. If you love a nice street party, this is your place! If you'd love a good night sleep and want to book this place, consider to adjust the dates.
  
  What could be improved: Not that we didn't like – but check the reception hours before booking! It's open until 11 PM. We panicked a bit, but we made it in time, 30' before closing. But if our plane had been delayed even for 15', we wouldn't have arrived in time for check-in. The owner, the receptionist are very nice and kind, this is their policy, we respect that, but it's good to think about that if you already have a late flight.

• Exceptional – Ilana from Moldova – 27 May 2025 (10/10)

  It’s great value for money! The room was cleaned daily and the staff was friendly and welcoming . Great location to get all must have locations

• 2nd visit to hotel Balilla hopefully will stay again. – Paul from United Kingdom – 29 April 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent location 10 min walk manzoni metro can travel easily to trevi spanish steps and Vatican,25-30 minutes walk colosseum . Clean comfortable rooms. Welcoming and friendly owner and staff.
  
  What could be improved: I like everything about this hotel.

• Exceptional – Butucioc from Moldova – 31 March 2025 (10/10)

  We liked the staff; they were very welcoming and always smiling. The room was cleaned daily, it was nice and clean, the Wi-Fi was good, and there was hot water.
  
  A location close to many tourist attractions.👍🏻
  
  What could be improved: Check-in is strictly until 11:00 AM 😃, there is no self-check-in or late check-in beyond this time.
  
  Our flight was delayed, and we almost didn’t make it in time for check-in.
  
  The bed had only a thin blanket, not a thick one
  But the room was not cold. Despite these drawbacks, it was still a good stay for us.

• Clean comfy stay – Xenya from Greece – 16 March 2025 (8/10)

  Comfortable, clean tidy rooms. Easy walk to the city and access to the metro/trains. Staff were polite and helpful

• Excellent – Ioana from Romania – 11 March 2025 (10/10)

  Clean cozy small hotel just near the Termini train station. Nice room with heating, fridge, TV, Wi-Fi. Towels and toiletries provided. Hosts were very kind and polite. Definitely great value for money, would return anytime.

• Exceptional – Katarina from Italy – 3 March 2025 (10/10)

  Firstly the stuff was so friendly- they even let us leave luggages since our bus was leaving later that night. They were also very kind to give us some great advices, offered us umbrella when it was raining and always so sweet and with a smile! Location was also very nice, close to all main attractions, around 20 minutes from Colosseum. Room itself had comfortable beds, was very quiet and the heating and warm water were all working perfectly fine.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was almost perfect- if i had to add something bad then maybe towels and blankets that didn't smell so clean. Other then that, everything was amazing, especially for the money.

• Exceptional – Mehdi from Germany – 16 February 2025 (10/10)

  Very clean and located central

• Lovely hotel situated close to the train station and major tourist attractions. – Malgorzata from United Kingdom – 2 February 2025 (10/10)

  Perfect location to get from the Termini train station or to explore the city on foot. The staff were super friendly and helpful. Definitely worth the money.

• Exceptional – Batiz from Spain – 20 January 2025 (10/10)

  The staff were super nice and the place was very clean
  
  What could be improved: Everything was perfect

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities