Palma

Hotel Description

So I’ve stayed at the Palma a few times now, and honestly, it’s one of those places that just works. You know what I mean? It’s right there on Via Varese, literally a three-minute walk from Termini Station – and I’m talking about actually timing it, not that tourist-website nonsense where they claim everything is “steps away.” You can hear the trains if you really listen, but it’s more of a gentle urban hum than anything disruptive, especially once you close the windows.

The thing about this spot is that it sits in this weird sweet spot where you’re close enough to everything that matters but far enough from the chaos around the main station entrance. I mean, Termini can be pretty intense with all the crowds and street vendors, but once you duck down Via Varese, it actually feels like a neighborhood. There’s this little café called Bar Centrale about halfway down the block where the locals grab their morning espresso – you’ll see the same faces every day, and the barista will start making your usual after day three. The hotel itself is proper old-school Roman, three stories with that slightly faded elegance that you either love or hate. The lobby smells like furniture polish and has these worn marble floors that click under your heels in the most satisfying way.

What really sells me on the Palma is how it handles the basics without trying to be fancy about it. The rooms are clean and bigger than you’d expect for central Rome – I’ve had friends stay in places near the Spanish Steps where you literally can’t open your suitcase fully. Here, you’ve got space to actually live for a few days. The WiFi works (crucial, obviously), the shower has decent pressure, and the air conditioning doesn’t sound like a jet engine. Sure, the décor is stuck somewhere in the early 2000s, but everything functions properly, which is honestly more than I can say for some four-star places I’ve tried. The front desk staff – there’s this older gentleman named Marco who works mornings – they actually know the neighborhood. Like, they’ll tell you which metro entrance to use during rush hour or where to find a pharmacy that’s open on Sunday. It’s that kind of local knowledge that makes a difference when you’re trying to navigate Rome without looking like a complete tourist. I’d say it’s perfect for people who want to be central without paying those insane prices you get closer to the Vatican or Colosseum, and who don’t need a rooftop pool or marble bathroom to feel like they’re having a good trip.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $79. Double Room with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $123. Triple Room – Separate Building with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 3
• Estimated price from: $151. Classic Quadruple Room – Separate Building with 2 single beds and 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $79. Single Room with Bathroom with 1 single bed for Max persons: 1

Reviews

• Very good – Shang from Canada – 6 July 2025 (8/10)

  Very good location and clean room

• Great. – Jules from Malaysia – 25 June 2025 (8/10)

  Friendly staff.
  
  What could be improved: The soap n shampoo were too small. We practically have to ask every day.

• Cheap and cheerful and a great apartment to explore Rome – Simon from United Kingdom – 22 June 2025 (9/10)

  Really good for the money. Very clean. Safe in room. Great location if you’re coming by train. 24 reception.
  
  What could be improved: Not the greatest location for the “sights”, but it’s priced accordingly I feel. Shower was ok. At night, the street is pretty dark, so might be one to think about for female travellers.

• Superb – Nenad from Serbia – 22 June 2025 (9/10)

  Super comfy beds, like seriously. Not your average bed experience. Very beatuful garden.
  
  What could be improved: Other then beds and towels you won't find anything else in the room. Like, a simple glass or sth. Though there was a small fridge, but no mini bar. Good for a night or two max.

• Perfect all you need to stay in Rome – Kasia from Australia – 1 June 2025 (8/10)

  It was great! It was pleasantly surprising. We had a little balcony, bar fridge, own bathroom. Felt very private from the hustle and bustle. Also we had 4 keys, one for the main gate, then to our building, next to our floor then our room. So I felt very safe and secure! Pictures are just the views from our balcony, sorry non of the room but pictures online were the same.
  
  What could be improved: We had a bit of confusion locating the property, but that is probably my own fault. Palma has 3 different buildings, so if you just type up Palma residence maps may not take you to the wring one. Just double check which one you are staying at and you should be all good. ☺️

• Comfortable and clean . Would preferred a room facing the interior of the building gust to be more quiet from roads noi – Konstantinos from Greece – 9 May 2025 (8/10)

  Extremely clean
  
  What could be improved: No good soundproof

• Superb – Olga from Colombia – 4 May 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment is very well located. It was very clean and quiet

• Great location, mostly clean and generally a good place. – Cinthya from Canada – 14 April 2025 (8/10)

  The location of the property is perfect. You can get everywhere super easy from here. They have a lift which is great of you travel heavy as we did. It is kept mostly clean and they change towels daily but we opted not to. The gentleman running reception is also very nice.
  
  What could be improved: I wish they would offer breakfast but not a huge deal. The beds are not comfortable at all. The walls are super thin so you can hear everything. From people coming and going at all hours of the night to snoring. The floor was quite dirty. We are used to taking off our shoes at the door and walk around in our socks. Our socks were brown and also when we used a towel to clean up a water spill it was so dirty.

• Basic accommodation near Rome station. – Joseph from France – 10 April 2025 (8/10)

  Located near the train station which is also a metro hub, bike rental nearby and also a food shop (Pam local).
  
  We asked for two separate beds and that request was made.
  
  There was a fridge.
  
  What could be improved: This is a small basement room with a bathroom, nothing special. being a major European city the prices are high for all of this city so I don’t think you can find better for this prices.

• Superb – Debbie from New Zealand – 9 April 2025 (9/10)

  Great location. Zaid was lovely. 🙂

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities