Hotel Review: Antico Albergo del Sole Al Pantheon
Our review of Antico Albergo del Sole Pantheon Hotel in Rome
The Eternal City, Rome, is packed with gorgeous hotels – from large-scale chain properties to boutique establishments. It can be overwhelming to narrow your choices, so today, we’re going to review one of the best reviewed hotels in Italy’s capital – the Antico Albergo del Sole Al Pantheon.
Iconic view of the Pantheon from my room.
Although the Antico Albergo is a relatively quaint 4-star boutique hotel, the hotel has become famous for its prime location, right in front of the Pantheon – one of Rome’s most famous and historic attractions. The hotel has recently undergone a major refurbishment and is looking better than ever – but did it measure up to our expectations? Read on to find out.
The views from my room were truly unbetable.
Getting to the Antico Albergo del Sole al Pantheon
Dining room at the hotel.
Getting to the Antico Albergo del Sole al Pantheon is relatively simple, thanks to Rome’s handy transportation options. Here are some ways you can get to the hotel:
From Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
By Shuttle Bus
There are plenty of shuttle bus companies offering easy transfers to and from the airport. The best one in this case would be the MySafePlace Shuttle, which leaves from Terminal 1 of the FCO Airport and heads directly to Rome Termini. However, you’ll want to get off after 2 stops at Piazza Navona. From here, the hotel is only a 4-minute walk away. The bus takes 40 minutes to complete a journey, but only leaves once after 30 minutes.
By Train + Metro
Beyond a shuttle bus, the train + metro combo is probably the most convenient option. From the airport, you’ll want to take a TrenItalia train to Roma Termini (RV 4641). This is the main train station in Rome.
From Roma Termini, transfer to the Battistini metro line and ride the metro 3 stops, to the Spagna station. From Spagna station, the hotel is a 15-minute walk away. Note that a lot of the roads in Rome are cobblestone paths, and you won’t have fun with this option if you have heavy luggage on you.
By Taxi
This is by far the most convenient, but also most expensive option so far. The taxi fare from FCO Airport to anywhere in the city centre is fixed at 50EUR currently and it’s approximately a 40 to 50-minute ride in moderate traffic (could be less, could be more depending on traffic conditions).
By Private Transfer
If you’re looking for the upmost convenience and want a private driver to wait at the airport with your name on a sign and then take you directly to the hotel, you can arrange a private transfer with the hotel.
From Rome Ciampino Airport Airport (CIA)
By Shuttle Bus
From CIA Airport, there are also plenty of shuttle buses going in and out of the city centre. Of these, we would recommend the SIT Shuttle Bus, which takes you to Rome Termini. From Rome Termini, take the Battistini metro line to Spagna. The hotel is a 15-minute walk from here.
By Train + Metro
This option isn’t the fastest, but is an option if you want to avoid taking the bus. From the airport, take the Cimapino Airlink bus to Ciampino station. From here, take the REG 20148 train to Roma Termini. From Rome Termini, take the Battistini metro line to Spagna. The hotel is a 15-minute walk from here.
By Taxi
The taxi ride from CIA Airport to the city centre takes about 35-45 minutes, and costs 30EUR.
By Private Transfer
Again, you can book with the hotel directly if you want to arrange a private transfer.
From Sofia Bus Station Serdika
If you’re arriving from Sofia’s main bus station, Sofia Serdika Bus Station like I did, the most convenient way to get to the hotel is by taxi. The journey takes just over 10 minutes and cost me about 5-6EUR. Don’t have a lot of luggage on you? The hotel is a 34-minute walk from the station
My room at the Antico Albergo del Sole Al Pantheon
Loving the use of velvet in my room.
I’m a huge fan of velvet (particularly blue velvet, my sofa at home is actually a blue velvet sofa) and I loved the use of blue velvet throughout my room. From the pillows to the bed headboard, I really enjoyed the colour scheme of the room. With its use of gold and wood tones, the hotel’s refurbishment has really made the establishment feel premium, luxurious and exclusive.
Rise and shine! Waking up to an amazing view.
The use of gold and wood tones accentuate the premium feel of the room.
Of course, we have to talk about THE view of the Pantheon from the window. This is the money shot that has delighted guests for years, and it was worth all the hype and anticipation, in my opinion. From my window, I was treated to a fabulous direct view of the Pantheon and surrounding square. It was so beautiful to take in the grand sight while people watching from above.
The view from my room. Iconic.
Asher enjoying the room at the Antico Albergo del Sole al Pantheon.
Food and Beverage at the Antico Albergo del Sole al Pantheon
Breakfast time at the Antico Albergo del Sole al Pantheon.
As the Antico Albergo del Sole al Pantheon is a smaller boutique hotel, I didn’t know what to expect for breakfast at the hotel – but I was pleasantly very surprised. There was a wide selection of yummy food such as pancakes, croissants, donuts, scrambled eggs, bacon, various fruits and an assortment of cheese.
Another look at the dining room at the hotel.
Table setup at the hotel.
The staff can also make some really good coffee here that I would recommend. The dining room itself is immaculately decorated and further gives off that premium boutique vibe that the rest of the property oozes.
Facilities, Hotel Grounds & Other Activities
The hotel’s mini ‘reading room’ at the lobby of the hotel.
The Antico Albergo del Sole al Pantheon has a sort-of reading room in between the lobby and dining room, and I utilised it by catching up on some work. During Christmas, this place is lit up with a huge Christmas tree adorned with pretty fairy lights.
Perfect area to just chill in.
Walking around the hotel and going up and down the floors, you’ll get to absorb some of the history of the building. There are numerous art pieces scattered throughout to keep you amused.
An example of the immaculately designed interior of the hotel.
You can find artwork everywhere here.
Asher at the Trevi Fountain
Besides this, the hotel’s location is the perfect gateway to exploring Rome’s iconic attractions – such as the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and beyond.
Staff
The staff were super friendly at the Antico Albergo del Sole al Pantheon.
The staff at the hotel were always super friendly and helpful throughout my stay. During my time, I needed assistance with luggage storage and they were more than happy to help. Nothing to complain about here whatsoever!
Final Verdict – Should I stay at the Antico Albergo del Sole al Pantheon?
The iconic Pantheon is right in front of the hotel.
There’s a lot of choice out there around Rome, but I can definitely recommend this hotel. If you’re a fan of premium, upscale boutique hotels, then you can’t go wrong with this recently refurbished gem. Here are some reasons to sum up why you should consider staying:
The Pantheon is at your doorstep. Other iconic attractions such as the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona are within short walking distance.
Modern, contemporary, luxurious interior design throughout the rooms.
Delicious breakfast and wide selection offered.
You can take a closer look at the Antico Albergo del Sole al Pantheon by clicking here.
For more information about the hotel, check out their Official Website.