By Amy Pigeon
Once upon a time, on a late evening in Lago di Garda, there was a very overwhelmed management member of our team, sitting on the edge of a hotel bed, bags half-packed, laptop open, frantically searching for somewhere—anywhere—to stay in Rome the next night. That poorly planned traveler was me. But hear me out—after just over two weeks of nonstop travel, which I may humble brag, was extraordinarily well planned and executed, my brain was even more fatigued than my body, and in true fashion of my spontaneous spirit (or chaotic spirit, to-MAY-to, to-MAH-to), I was booking my stay less than 24 hours before arrival because I was not entirely sure how long the Northern Italian leg of my trip would last. I also do get a bit of a thrill from hunting for a fantastic last-minute deal.
I’d been on the go for 15 days: Toronto to Rome on a brutal red-eye, a whirlwind day in the city, switching hotels after two nights, then a flight to Sicily, hopping between cities and hotels every few days. After planes, trains, and automobiles that brought me from Sicily to Milan, then Milan to Brescia, and finally to the serene shores of Lago di Garda, I was now heading back to Rome, the last stop before my flight home to Toronto. This Editor-in-Chief was finito.
I knew what I needed—a safe, well-rated, recognizable place that would give me a few precious nights of actual relaxation. Rome’s hospitality scene is not always hospitable on one’s wallet, so I wanted somewhere accessible and comfortable but also fair on price, without the expense of accessibility and comfort. With over 350 properties across 35 countries, NH Collection Roma Centro seemed like the answer.
Right in the heart of Rome’s Prati quiet yet vibrant neighbourhood, NH Collection Roma Centro feels like the comfort, security, and consistency of a large hotel brand but packaged with the charm of a cozy Roman residential area. This place has recently undergone a facelift, blending modern touches with classic Italian elegance. Prati’s calm, leafy streets make it feel miles away from the chaos of Rome’s centre, even though you’re quite literally minutes from some of the city’s most coveted landmarks: Vatican City, Sant’Angelo Castle, and Piazza Navona. And for shoppers, Via Cola di Rienzo is just around the corner, packed with Italian designer brands and lively cafés. You’re close to everything, yet somehow in your own little world—a juxtaposition of things I surely craved at the time.
The hotel lobby surprised me the moment I set foot inside, feeling more like that of a swanky boutique hotel—airy, stylish, and warmly lit. With cozy clusters of leather seating, polished marble floors, and plenty of natural light, the lobby had a way of welcoming you without trying too hard.
My junior suite was even better than expected—a spacious corner unit with big windows showcasing a view of Prati’s rooftops. Dropping my bags, I flopped onto the bed and let out a sigh, relieved to finally be in a room that felt both welcoming and cool, thanks to the blissfully strong air conditioning. After weeks of travel, this plush bed with its mountain of pillows felt like the true luxury. The space was just right: clean lines, warm tones, and enough room for both comfort and an Aperol Spritz-induced dance party on the way out the door to a weekend evening in Trastevere. An inviting sitting area with armchairs and a small coffee table turned into my spot for morning coffee, letting me ease into a day of remote work followed by aimless exploration.
The bathroom was just as large and calming—a bright, modern space that felt much like a sanctuary for this retired Makeup Artist. A spacious vanity and elegant lighting made it perfect for my full and unnecessarily large makeup spread without the usual cramped hotel bathroom feeling. The rain-effect shower, set in a glass-walled stall, paired with the marble accents and spotless chrome fixtures gave the space an inviting, refined touch.
After exploring my suite, I decided to do a quick surveillance of the hotel before heading out for an aperitivo (or several). As previously mentioned, NH Collection is a large hotel brand with larger hotels—oftentimes lending itself to catering to the needs of business travelers. I discovered there were 19 meeting rooms at this location, set up for anything from small gatherings to larger conferences, all with the AV support you could need. For business visitors or guests alike, there is also the convenience of off-site parking nearby for €25/day, cheaper than the $70 CAD you could expect for a single day in downtown Toronto.
On my way out the door I decided to visit the Lobby Bar—a laid-back space with cozy corners, a fireplace, and even a semi-private billiard table. An ideal spot for unwinding with a glass of wine or a nightcap at the end of a successful day of working or collecting magical memories.
Directly adjacent to the lobby bar was the dining room, where mornings would kick off with a continental breakfast buffet, held in a large and open space filled with natural light and soft, earthy decor. The spread was impressive—everything from fresh fruit to pastries, savory cheeses, cold cuts, and eggs any way you want them.
For dining beyond breakfast, the hotel’s new Antéla Restaurant & Cocktail Bar by Chef Natale Giunta offers a lovely taste of Italian-fusion. The atmosphere is polished but welcoming, with seasonal menus inspired by Sicilian, Roman, and Asian flavours. Each dish offered a new twist on Italian classics, with a wine list that showcased local Sicilian and Lazio labels. And if you’re here between March and October, the terrace bar comes alive with jazz and DJ nights—a perfect spot for a cocktail under the stars in a truly stunning pocket of Roma.
At the end of my three-day stay, I left the NH Collection Roma Centro with a sense of satisfaction, reassurance, and peace knowing that I had found a global brand I could trust for my future travels as well as recommend to just about any kind of traveler to Rome. When I am in need of a sure-fire bet for a wonderfully comfortable stay, the NH Collection of properties will be where I turn. – VV
Photography courtesy of NH Collection Roma Centro
