After two great days in Atina, it was time to return to Rome and begin the journey home. While there are several decent hotels in the vicinity of Rome (FCO) Airport, only the Hilton is located on airport grounds. Thought it cost a bit more, I determined it was worth the convenience.
I took the Leonardo Express Train from Rome Central to the airport, arriving to the hotel around 9:30pm.
It was quite a walk from the airport rail station to the hotel. Just follow the signs, but give yourself 20 minutes.
No Status Recognition on Third-Party Booking
I have Gold Status at Hilton by virtue of my American Express Platinum Card, but I booked the hotel via Orbitz. Why? Because I had about $100 in Orbucks that was expiring. That dropped the rate of the hotel from $250 to $150, but it also precluded me from receiving the full range of my Gold benefits.
This is very hit or miss, based on property, but the associate who checked me in informed that this hotel did not honor status benefits for third party bookings. Even so, she offered me an unsolicited breakfast voucher which I appreciated.
I shared the elevator with a group of Korean Air flight attendants: it seemed my room was surrounded by FAs!
Hilton Rome Airport Guest Room
There was nothing sexy about the room: it featured dated but well maintained furniture and a view of the tennis courts outside.
The bathroom was small, but functional. It included standard Hilton toiletries from Peter Thomas Roth and a bidet.
In short, a very “average” room but it was certainly convenient.
Hilton Rome Airport Room Service
By the time I got settled the hotel restaurant was about to close downstairs. I rushed down, but was not really impressed by the menu (noting that room service prices were identical).
I hate sitting alone in restaurants so I returned to the room and ordered a hamburger and French fries. Actually, I tired for a couple hours to hold off until breakfast, but was just too hungry.
That was 20EUR down the drain, for the hamburger managed to be dry and tasteless. Looks good, though, doesn’t it?
Hilton Rome Airport Fitness, Pool, and Spa
I slept well and awoke early the next morning to workout before breakfast. The hotel gym was crowded, so I limited my exercise to cardio only. There is an assortment of strength training equipment and free weights as well.
After my run I spent 15 minutes in the sauna and steam room, which was empty.
Outside the fitness center is a nice sitting area and tennis courts.
Hilton Rome Airport Breakfast
The breakfast buffet was not fully set-up at 7am: most items were there, but the omelet bar did not begin until 8am. No matter, I enjoyed some fluffy scrambled eggs with bacon and fresh fruit. Fresh-squeezed orange juice (do it yourself) and very nice cappuccino as well.
CONCLUSION
Upon checking out, I simply walked outside, proceeded upstairs, and entered Terminal 1, where my Alitalia flight would depart from.
While not my favorite airport hotel, the Rome Airport Hilton is very convenient and therefore is ideal for an early-morning flight out of FCO.
Nice review. A hotel on airport property that doesn’t have breakfast available until 7am’ish ? seems rather late.
I always find it interesting that hotels don’t want to recognize status if you book it through someone else. I understand why but they should reflect your status no matter how you booked the room. You got status somehow, right.
Great review. I also prefer to stay on-premises at airports, and love the atmosphere and amenities of such hotels (FAs coming and going, always a good spa and fitness center to alleviate the jet lag, etc.)
I also note from my Europe travels that room service prices tend to be the same as restaurant prices — no upcharge and 20% service fee like in US hotels. Maybe that’s why room service is being discontinued in favor of “grab and go” markets at so many hotels these days.
Matthew, agree its very convenient for AZ flights, but if you are outbound on UA/DL or AA and need to schlep to the dreaded T5, does the bus pick-up near the Hilton?
Also worth noting the free Shuttle bus that takes you in and out of downtown rome for free on a pretty decent schedule.
It’s a good thing you were not expecting a fresh eggs frittata, topped with farm-to-table roasted vegetables, shaved black truffles and Grana Padano. Fresh squeezed blood oranges juice and 19 bars espresso Jamaican Blue Mountain. A basket of rosemary focaccia, not croissants. 😉
Is the walkway from Rome daVinci arrivals to the hotel, open after midnight?
Yes, it is. Safe travels.