After stepping off our Etihad Airways Business Class flight from Abu Dhabi (AUH), my wife and I arrive in Rome (FCO), eager for the next stop on our whirlwind 5-year anniversary trip. This special journey has already taken us to unforgettable destinations, including a luxurious ride in Qatar Airways Qsuites and a serene stay at the Park Hyatt Maldives. Now, it is time to experience the magic of Rome.

For this leg of the trip, I choose the Palm Suite, a boutique property in Rome that offers a distinctive blend of charm and convenience. The hotel is housed in a stunning historical building, and I immediately notice the unique, funky décor that sets each room apart. Despite the vibrant design, the rooms provide a peaceful retreat — just what I need after long days of exploring the bustling streets and iconic landmarks of Rome.

While the Palm Suites is not a full-service hotel, I find that it works well for two reasons. First, as a guest, I can enjoy the amenities of its sister property, Palazzo Manfredi, located just a short walk away. Second, the location is unbeatable.

Hotel Award Booking (8/10)

As a top-tier Globalist member of the World of Hyatt program, I always prioritize Hyatt properties when planning my stays. Fortunately, the Hyatt partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) provides exceptional redemption opportunities, including the Palm Suite.

The Palm Suite is a Category 7 property within the World of Hyatt program (as of 2023). Award redemptions range from 25,000 points per night for off-peak stays to 35,000 points per night during peak periods, with the standard rate set at 30,000 points per night. When I book my stay, the cash rate for a standard room averages over $450 per night, making a points redemption an excellent value. Over my four-night visit, I redeem 120,000 World of Hyatt points, a decision I find well worth the cost.

Related: The Best Ways To Earn World Of Hyatt Points

Note: The SLH partnership with Hyatt has since ended. However, Small Luxury Hotels of the World now partners with the Hilton Honors program. Award rates with Hilton Honors points start at 95,000 points per night and can climb significantly, depending on dynamic pricing.

Hotel Location And Local Transportation Options (9/10)

The Palm Suite is housed in a charming 18th-century palace, offering a truly unique and historic setting for the stay. Its prime location places me steps away from the most iconic ancient landmarks in Rome. In fact, as soon as I step out of the front door, I can see the Colosseum towering nearby — a breathtaking sight that perfectly sets the tone for exploring the “Eternal City.”

For anyone fascinated by ancient Rome, this hotel could not be better situated. From here, I can easily walk to other major historical sites, including the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Piazza Venezia. Its central location not only saves time but also immerses me in the history and vibrancy of Rome at every turn.

For those planning a visit, here is the exact address of the hotel:

Via del Colosseo, 20, 00184
Roma RM, Italy

Local Transportation Options

The Palm Suite offers excellent access to the public transportation network in Rome. The Colosseo subway stop is just a short walk from the hotel, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the city. My wife and I use this stop to travel to Vatican City for a tour, and the journey is quick and hassle-free.

For those flying into Rome, it is relatively simple to reach the hotel using public transportation. From the airport, you can take the airport train to Roma Termini station, then transfer to the subway. The Colosseo stop is just two stops away from Termini, bringing you within minutes of the Palm Suite. Do note that there will be a few stairs you would need to climb to access the hotel from the subway.

Vibe And Atmosphere (8/10)

The Palm Suite is inside a beautiful 18th-century palace, giving the hotel a unique and historic feel. Since the building is so old, the renovation had to follow strict rules set by the Rome historical commission. The management of the hotel made sure to keep the original structural charm while creating a space that feels elegant and welcoming.

The exposed stone walls and historical bricks throughout the building make it clear how much care went into preserving its history. At the same time, the furnishings are modern and made with sustainability in mind, adding a nice mix of old and new.

Because the building is so historic, there are a few quirks, but I think they make it more interesting. For example, my room has a big open space in the ceiling that leads to an attic area. The historical commission required the hotel to leave it as it was. It does not bother me at all (it does not connect to any other rooms); I actually think it is a cool way to see more of the unique design of the building.

Staying at the Palm Suite is more than just a place to sleep — it is like stepping into the history of Rome itself.

Check-In (8/10)

Our flight from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Rome (FCO) lands at around 5:45 AM local time. Since my wife and I are flying Business Class, we get through immigration quickly and hop into a taxi to head into the city.

Note: About two weeks before the trip, I receive an email from the Palm Suite. The email explains that the front desk is only staffed between 7:30 AM and 10:00 PM. Thankfully, the Palazzo Manfredi (the sister property) is staffed 24/7, and my wife and I can drop off our luggage at this property if we arrive outside the front desk hours. 

The Palazzo Manfredi Check-In

My wife and I expect to arrive at the hotel around 7:15 AM. Knowing that our room probably will not be ready and wanting to start sightseeing right away, I direct our taxi to the Palazzo Manfredi to drop off our luggage.

When we arrive, a doorman helps us with our bags. I give the front desk staff my name, and they kindly call the Palm Suite to check if the front desk there has opened early…

Luckily, it has! 

The front desk staff arranges a taxi to take us to the Palm Suite and even prints a cab voucher to cover the cost. The doorman hands the voucher to the driver and explains everything, so we do not have to pay.

The Palm Suite Check-In

When my wife and I arrive at the Palm Suite, we are greeted by a locked gate for security. There is a callbox at the entrance, so I press the button, give my name, and we are buzzed in. We walk through a peaceful courtyard to reach the entrance.

The “lobby” is more like a small office. The staff formally checks us in and explains that our room is not yet ready since it is still occupied, but they promise to call us as soon as it is available. They also offer to hold our luggage and place it in our room once it is ready.

After the check-in process, we are offered coffee and pastries to enjoy in the courtyard —  our first taste of Rome! Refreshed, we head out to explore the city.

WhatsApp Check-In Notice

Around noon, I receive a message via WhatsApp letting me know my room is ready. We return to the hotel, where the front desk staff welcomes us and escorts us to our room on the second floor, at the end of the hall, room 23.

The hallways are stunning, with elegant marble and beautiful artwork. Once my wife and I reach our room, the staff explains how the keys work — one for the room and one for the gate — and provides details about breakfast. With that, we finally enter our room, excited to settle in and continue our Roman adventure.

Palm Suite Court Room – Bedroom And Living Space (9/10)

One of the most interesting things about the Palm Suite is that every room is unique. Because of the historic nature and the intricate work done on the building by the designers, no two rooms are exactly alike. However, they all follow the same overall design style.

When my wife and I enter our room, the first thing I notice is its funky and creative vibe — I absolutely love it. The interior design at the Palm Suite is exceptional and makes the space feel both stylish and memorable.

The layout of the room is not what you would expect for a suite, but it works well. Typically, suites in modern hotels have a living room or dining room you walk into, with a separate bedroom behind a door. In this suite, it is the opposite. I enter through the bedroom, and a door near the bed leads to the living and dining area.

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The Bedroom

As I step inside, the bathroom is to the left. To the right, there is a bold piece of artwork above a funky, decorative piece of furniture — not something to sit on, just to admire. Next to it, there is a snake-print chair with a small side table and a phone to call the front desk.

Directly across from the chair is the “closet,” which has a modern, open design. It features hangers and four floating drawers, leaving space underneath for storing luggage.

Moving further into the room, I see a king-size bed with a cane headboard. The mattress is firm but comfortable enough to fall asleep on after a long day of exploring. There are outlets on one side of the bed, but I cannot recall if they are on both sides.

Across from the bed is a small TV. While all the channels are in Italian, the real highlight here is the funky mask vase underneath the TV — my favorite design piece in the room. Past the bed is a window that looks out onto the charming old buildings surrounding the hotel. While the view does not include landmarks like the Forum, I enjoy the atmosphere created by the historic architecture outside.

The Living Space

To the left of the bed is the entrance to the dining and living area. Inside, there is a daybed / couch on the left with a large mirror hanging above it. To the right, a proper dining table with two chairs (and a welcome amenity of sparkling wine and dried fruit) and a stylish lamp behind it creates a cozy dining space. This is where breakfast is delivered each morning by the staff.

Across from the dining table is a large wet bar with a counter. I love the thoughtful design of this space, especially the caning detail on the ends of the counter. The wet bar includes a sink, a microwave, and a mini fridge stocked with a variety of snacks and drinks. All non-alcoholic drinks are included in the room rate, while alcohol and food are available for an additional fee.

The wet bar also includes plenty of glassware, table settings, and cutlery. This is where I find the Nespresso machine and kettle, with coffee pods replaced daily by housekeeping.

In the corner, tucked away behind the cabinet, there is a safe, a luggage rack, and a small trash can.

Palm Suite Court Room – Bathroom (6/10)

The bathroom is located directly to the left as I enter the suite. Because the building is historic, the bathroom is modest in size, but it is well-designed to make good use of the available space.

On the left side, there is a toilet and a bidet, thoughtfully placed to maximize functionality. Straight ahead, the singular sink is set beneath a mirror. Below the sink is an open storage area stocked with plenty of towels, which I find very convenient and well-organized.

To the right, there is a shower along with a small storage area. The shelves hold spare toiletries, including bottles of shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion. These products are replaced daily, and the scents are absolutely wonderful. I even take a few home with me and use the lotion sparingly to make it last.

It is worth noting that there is no bathtub in this suite. I am not sure if any standard award rooms include a bathtub, but I believe some of the higher-tier suites do.

Hotel Amenities And Facilities (5/10)

The Palm Suite does not offer traditional hotel amenities, but there are still a couple of great features to highlight.

First, the hotel has a charming courtyard with seating areas. Although it is not a large space, it is peaceful and would be a lovely spot to relax on a warm evening with a bottle of wine and some fresh bread.

Second, guests at the Palm Suite have access to the Gladiatorial Gym, located at the sister property, Palazzo Manfredi. This gym is a fun and fitting addition, given that the hotel is right next to the Colosseum. To use the gym, all you need to do is take a short walk over to Palazzo Manfredi. We do not partake in this amenity.

Breakfast (6/10)

Since the Palm Suite does not have a formal restaurant, breakfast is included with all room rates and delivered directly to the room. This makes for a cozy and convenient way to start the day.

When my wife and I are ready for breakfast, I simply call the front desk to place our order. The staff asks about our coffee preferences — cappuccinos and drip coffee are our go-to choices — and if I want juice and how many people will be eating. About 10 minutes after I order, breakfast is brought up and set on the dining table.

The spread is extensive for a continental breakfast. It includes:

• A basket of pastries
• A basket of bread
• A basket of fresh fruit
• Yogurt
• Jams, jellies, and Nutella
• Packaged bread (yes, even more bread!)
• Corn flakes with milk

While there is plenty of food, the quality is mixed. The fruit is fresh, the yogurt is tasty, and the coffee is great. However, the bread and pastries seem pre-packaged and are just average at best. I enjoy breakfast with my wife every morning, but we make it more of a “pre-breakfast.” After eating, we head out to a local café to have a proper Italian breakfast — standing at the bar with a fresh pastry and espresso, just like the locals do.

Note: Housekeeping takes care of the breakfast tray when they service the room later in the day.

On-Site Dining Options (N/A)

The Palm Suite does not have a formal on-site restaurant.

For those seeking a more elevated dining experience, the sister property, Palazzo Manfredi, offers access to its Michelin-starred restaurant, Aroma. This fine-dining venue features incredible views of the Colosseum and an unforgettable culinary experience. As a guest of the Palm Suite, you can dine at Aroma and conveniently charge your meal to your room.

Staff And Service (10/10)

The service at the Palm Suite is truly exceptional. What sets this hotel apart is its attention to the small details, which is where great service often shines.

First, when I check in at the sister property, Palazzo Manfredi, the staff goes out of their way to make the process seamless. Before my wife and I head to the Palm Suite, the receptionist calls a cab for us and even pays for it, explaining that it is their way of making up for the inconvenience of having to stop at the Palazzo Manfredi first.

Second, the hotel staff continually goes above and beyond what is required. For example, my room is on the second floor. When my wife and I return to the hotel to complete check-in and head to our room for the first time, the receptionist personally directs us to the elevator. Because the elevator is tiny, she chooses to run up the stairs to meet us at the top, ensuring we do not have to wait once we arrive on the second floor.

Third, whenever I need assistance and call the front desk, my call is answered promptly. Every staff member I interact with speaks excellent English, which makes communication easy and smooth.

World of Hyatt Status Recognition And Benefits (5/10)

One of the unique advantages of booking a Small Luxury Hotels (SLH) property through the World of Hyatt program is that all members receive the same benefits, regardless of their Hyatt status. For members who enjoy maximizing their points, SLH redemptions are a “sweet spot” in the World of Hyatt program, offering excellent value and perks.

The standard benefits for SLH bookings via Hyatt include:

• Complimentary Continental Breakfast
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Early Check-In (subject to availability)
• Late Check-Out (subject to availability)
• A One-Room Category Upgrade (subject to availability)

While these benefits are generous, I am not entirely sure my Hyatt Globalist status added any extra value during this stay. For example, all guests receive sparkling wine and candied fruit upon arrival, and breakfast is included for everyone. Additionally, the small hotel size (with just 12 suites) means it is often fully booked, so upgrades are rarely available.

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Note: The Palm Suite now follows Hilton Honors benefits, as SLH properties are no longer part of the World of Hyatt program. Hilton Honors benefits are more standardized and aligned with those offered across the Hilton portfolio, with additional perks tied to your Hilton status level. 

Final Thoughts

My stay at the Palm Suite in Rome is nothing short of delightful. From its unbeatable location steps from the Colosseum to its unique and stylish design, the hotel strikes the perfect balance between convenience and luxury. While it does not offer extensive amenities, it makes up for it with thoughtful touches, such as in-room breakfast, personalized service, and access to facilities at its sister property, Palazzo Manfredi.

For travelers who want to immerse themselves in the heart of Rome while enjoying a luxurious yet intimate stay, I highly recommend the Palm Suite. It is the ideal base for sightseeing in the Eternal City without sacrificing comfort or style.

Next, my wife and I are off to Vienna, where I am excited to stay at the stunning Park Hyatt Vienna. 

Stay tuned!