Hotel d’Este

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to Hotel d’Este on Via Carlo Alberto, I wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star place so close to Termini Station. You know how that area can be, right? Sort of gritty, lots of tourist traps, and honestly, it smells like exhaust half the time. But here’s the thing – this little hotel actually surprised me.

The location is what really makes it work. I mean, yes, you’re literally a 3-minute walk from Rome’s main train station, which sounds terrible until you realize how incredibly useful that is. Need to catch an early flight? The Leonardo Express to Fiumicino leaves right from Termini. Plus, you’re walking distance to Santa Maria Maggiore (one of Rome’s most underrated basilicas, if you ask me), and the Monti neighborhood is just up the hill – that’s where Romans actually hang out, not in the touristy center. The hotel sits on this quieter side street, so you don’t get the full chaos of the main drags around the station, though you’ll still hear some traffic noise if you’re a light sleeper.

What I really appreciated was how the staff seemed to get that most of their guests are actual travelers, not just tourists doing the Vatican-Colosseum circuit. The guy at reception – I think his name was Marco – gave me this whole rundown of which metro lines to avoid during rush hour and where to grab decent coffee that wasn’t €4 a cup. The rooms are pretty standard for Rome (small, but clean), though the AC actually works, which honestly isn’t a given in older Roman buildings. The breakfast was simple but solid – real Italian coffee, fresh cornetti, nothing fancy but it gets the job done. And here’s a random detail that matters: they have a tiny elevator that fits maybe two people and a suitcase, but hey, it beats dragging luggage up three flights of narrow stairs.

The whole place has this lived-in feel that I actually prefer to those sterile chain hotels. You know what I mean? Like, the lobby has these old travel posters and worn leather chairs that look like they’ve seen a few decades of travelers. It’s not Instagram-perfect, but it feels real. The neighborhood comes alive at night too – there’s this excellent trattoria called Checchino dal 1887 just a few blocks away (though it’s pricey), and plenty of more casual spots where you can grab a proper Roman dinner without feeling like you’re in a tourist bubble. During the day, you’ve got easy access to pretty much anywhere in the city – the metro’s right there, buses run constantly, and if you’re feeling ambitious, it’s actually a pleasant walk to the Colosseum area through some of Rome’s less touristy streets.

Bottom line: Hotel d’Este works because it doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It’s a solid, no-nonsense base in a genuinely useful location, run by people who understand what travelers actually need. Perfect? No. But for the price and the convenience, especially if you’re planning to explore beyond the main tourist sites, it’s a smart choice.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $187. Double Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $265. Triple Room with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 3
• Estimated price from: $318. Quadruple Room with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $159. Single Room with 1 single bed for Max persons: 1

Reviews

• Superb – Hripsime from Armenia – 30 June 2025 (9/10)

  I really enjoyed my stay at this hotel. The location was excellent, very convenient and close to everything. The rooms were cleaned daily and had air conditioning, which made the stay very comfortable. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful throughout my stay. I also appreciated the free water available at the reception — a nice touch, especially on hot days. I would definitely recommend this hotel to others!

• The photo is just the basilica St Maria Maggiore(buried the Pope Francisco) few steps from the hotel – Laia from United States – 6 June 2025 (9/10)

  Nice staff, very professional and helpful, Mr. Simon, during our stay, he was so gentle and attention to all our requests. The location of the hotel is convenient closer to the area of interest.The breakfast was great in a beautiful solarium. I highly recommend this hotel ! Thank you
  
  What could be improved: I only stay short time.

• Perfect location – Gemma from United Kingdom – 2 June 2025 (8/10)

  Super location – all major tourist attractions within walking distance of 15-40 mins
  Just round the corner from the bus station
  Lovely views from balcony
  Friendly staff
  
  What could be improved: A little dated

• Very good – Tatyana from Israel – 26 May 2025 (8/10)

  excellent location

• This hotel room served the purpose of my 1-night stay, as it was near beautiful ruins, the colosseum, and a wonderful re – Elizabeth from United States – 17 May 2025 (7/10)

  Great location and very clean. Very clean and new bathroom.
  
  What could be improved: The room was very bare bones. There was no coffee in the room and no cup for water.

• Location was good. – Farrukh from United Arab Emirates – 25 April 2025 (8/10)

  What could be improved: Breakfast was not good at all. We had breakfast for 4 morning and the breakfast was croissants, plain bread, salami, cheese slices, cereal, juice and coffee. No eggs at all. Not even boiled.

• Very good – Muamar from United Arab Emirates – 21 April 2025 (8/10)

  good location , I visited many historical and tourist area on foot , Staff is very friendly espically Mr.Jani , bed is very good and amazing breakfast . Very calm area and hotel .

• Excellent location, not luxury, but great value for Rome – Neil from United States – 19 April 2025 (7/10)

  Good location to the train station and for the sites in Rome. Helpful staff and includes nice, simple breakfast.
  
  What could be improved: Clean room except for the smudgy children’s handprints on the wall. The bed was just okay with and old bed cover that needs to be replaced.

• Great service good hotel – יורלוב from Israel – 24 March 2025 (8/10)

  The room was very nice, wasnt far away from the center by walk distance and close to public transportation if needed.
  
  The absolute best thing was the service, when we entered we were greeted by someone who during our stay at least was there mostly morning – evening, he was really nice and he made my stay very good service was 10/10 for me.
  
  What could be improved: Mostly the small variety of food but it wad ok since what we had was good for breakfest and didnt really need more

• Very good – Stuart from United Kingdom – 17 March 2025 (8/10)

  Front desk were phenomenal! So friendly, helpful and seemed genuinely interested on how I did in the Marathon and generally about my stay!
  
  What could be improved: Bin in room needs to be bigger. Room was very warm (I should have asked how to use Air con so my bad).

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities