Does anybody else cringe when the question, “Can anybody recommend a good hotel” question pops up on Tripadvisor? Yes I can…but what exactly are you looking for and what’s your price limit? Nobody asks can anyone recommend “a car” do they? Well do you want a Rolls Royce or a Reliant Robin? Like most sensible folks, we choose a hotel based on the four criteria of location, cost, amenity and – last but not least – recommendation. It was the lack of one amenity that precipitated our first stay at the Nazionale last year. Our usual hotel in the Centro Storico had no bar. The couple we were travelling with on that occasion were notoriously poor timekeepers and the thought of waiting for them, (without the comfort of a stiff drink), threw us into the arms of the Nazionale. It has now become our first choice when visiting Rome and not just because of the bar. This trip proved conclusively why the Nazionale is such a fine hotel. Our initial intention was to visit in March of 2020 and everyone must be aware why that trip got cancelled. We had also booked the “no cancellation”, pay upfront, no refund deal; so I steeled myself for the inevitable. Instead of disappointment, I got the option to postpone our trip to a later date. There may be some who will snort about that being the least they could do but I would say to those – read the small print. The hotel would have been well within its rights to simply say “Sorry” and no more. So I thought to myself, “Why not book for early November 2020, to coincide with our wedding anniversary”? Surely this Covid thing will be over by then? We then made two trips back to other parts of Italy in late summer and early autumn. Plus, things on the Covid front were finally looking up. Until that is, the spectre of the “second-wave” loomed large and once again, it looked as if fate had decided that Rome was not to be for us. All was not lost at this time however and the hotel did contact me to ask were we still intending to visit? I replied that we most certainly were and we had booked a UK Covid PCR test that, (if negative), would mean we could visit as planned. Our tests did prove negative and we arrived at the Nazionale to the good news that the bar, (scheduled to be closed), would now be open due to the influx of a few guests, from the parliament building next door. From that moment on, the potential nightmare turned into the best trip we have ever had to the Eternal City. We almost had it to ourselves. All the usual wonderful attributes of the hotel were still evident. Superb staff, comfortable room, as good a breakfast as you could imagine, during these difficult times and above all – the bar. Not because of the drink, (our tardy friends being absent on this occasion), but having a place to enjoy a light meal, when Rome “closed” at 1800. We were prepared to buy snacks at a local shop to eat in our room, had the bar closed. However Natasha and Pino delivered the usual bar menu, plus some extras that were on offer during this period, along with their admirably concise but wide ranging drinks list. We could not have been better looked after – truly. Rome was empty and for us tourists who risked it - a dream. For the poor business owners and workers – sadly quite the opposite. On the day we left, we were told that the hotel was closing completely for a few days, simply because they had no guests. I know this virus is killing many and I do not mean to minimise its impact, (or offend those who have lost loved ones). However, sooner or later, the world will have to come to terms with it – vaccine or not. In the meantime, (when the various lockdowns and curfews allow), I can thoroughly recommend the Hotel Nazionale as a friendly, well-run, well-situated and reasonably-priced hotel. It’s the perfect destination for your stay in Rome. I cannot recommend it highly enough.…
The hotel is very clean and comfortable. The staff couldn’t have been more helpful. The hotel is centrally situated for all the main sights in Rome, and just around the corner is one of the best gelato shops in Rome. I would highly recommend this hotel
This review is from a visit in June 2019, a little late! We had booked two nights before a cruise and then one night after the cruise. For the 1st visit we had booked classic rooms and we were a little disappointed with the rooms, they were very small, no view bathrooms were a little cramped. Nothing they could do as it was the room category we had paid for, but they said they would see what they could do when we returned. When we did check in on our return they had upgraded us to these beautiful suites that were AMAZING!! The staff were helpful throughout the stay and also helped with the booking of the transport to airports, cruise ports and back. The location of the hotel is excellent everything is located walking distance and there are some lovely shops and restaurants close by. Breakfast was lovely good selection. If you can splurge I would recommend paying for the superior rooms rather than the classic.…
Hotel Nazionale was perfect in every respect. great location. elegantly decorated and spacious room with view. spotlessly clean. very comfortable bed and pillows. good breakfast coffee. charming and very helpful staff
When in Rome...I always stay at Hotel Nazionale! because this is what Romans (from Parliament ) do! The hotel is elegant and perfectly situated next to Pantheon The room are large, comfortable and beautifuly furnished. And above all the staff is really friendly and helpfull and will endavour to make your stay perfect.
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Listing