Hotel Impero
by the TopOfHotel team
Hotel Impero is the rare 3-star where couples hand out a 9.2 on Booking.com — almost entirely because of a rooftop terrace that frames the Teatro dell'Opera for around $86 a night.
Hotel Impero is the rare 3-star where couples hand out a 9.2 on Booking.com — almost entirely because of a rooftop terrace that frames the Teatro dell'Opera for around $86 a night.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
The rooms are clean and tidy, but they run smaller than the listing photos suggest — several reviewers say the same thing, so it's worth knowing before you book. Decor is simple but well kept, with a clean bathroom and basic toiletries. There's no coffee maker in the room, though that's less of a loss than it sounds: Via Viminale is lined with proper Italian coffee bars that reviewers rate higher than any room service. If you can, ask for a room on the 4th floor or above for a better outlook and less street noise.
Food and amenities
The standout here is the rooftop terrace, which looks straight across at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma — a view you almost never get at a hotel in the $83-a-night range. It's a popular spot for an evening glass of wine and the city lights, especially on nights when the opera house is lit for a performance. Breakfast is a paid extra rather than included; reviews say it's good, but a local bar is cheaper. Beyond that you get free Wi-Fi, air-con in every room, and a 24-hour front desk.
Location and getting there
Via Viminale is a small, quiet street sitting between Termini and the Esquilino district — calmer than the blocks directly in front of the station. It's a 4-minute walk to Roma Termini, where Metro A and B and the Leonardo Express to Fiumicino Airport all connect. The Colosseum is three Metro B stops away, and Santa Maria Maggiore is a 7-minute walk. The streets around the hotel have local trattorias, coffee bars and Italian wine spots, which makes this a good base if you want to soak up everyday Roman life rather than tourist-strip Rome.
Things to know before booking
Set your expectations on size: rooms are compact and noticeably smaller than the promo shots. There's no in-room coffee maker, so your first espresso of the day means stepping out. Breakfast is an add-on cost, not part of the rate. The rooftop is an evening-into-night space rather than an all-day lounge, and street-facing lower rooms can pick up some noise — request a higher floor or the rear courtyard side if quiet matters.
Our take
Hotel Impero is at its best for couples who want a 3-star with a little atmosphere on a budget under about $86 a night, plus a rooftop opera view you won't find elsewhere in this pocket near Termini. Accept the small rooms and skip any expectation of luxury extras, and the value here is genuinely high for Rome — which is exactly why couples keep handing it a 9.2.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- The rooftop terrace overlooks the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma — an unusual, genuinely lovely view you almost never get in a 3-star at this price.
- Couples rate it 9.2/10 on Booking.com, far above the 8.4 overall score, which tells you the rooftop and the rooms land well for a romantic trip.
- Staff get praised consistently across reviews for being friendly and helpful — a steady theme rather than a one-off comment.
- Rates start around $83 a night, which is a lot of hotel for a 4-minute walk to Termini plus a rooftop view.
- The Via Viminale address is calmer than the streets directly in front of Termini, with real Italian coffee bars and wine spots a few doors down.
- Rooms are smaller than the promotional photos make them look — multiple reviews flag this, so set your expectations accordingly.
- There's no coffee maker in the room, so your morning espresso means a trip to a bar nearby.
- Breakfast is a paid add-on, not bundled into the rate — reviewers say it's good, but a local coffee bar is cheaper.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
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Insider Tips
- Ask for a room on the 4th floor or higher on the Via Viminale side — the view over Rome is better and it's noticeably quieter than the lower floors; if you want maximum silence, request the rear courtyard side instead.
- The rooftop opens in the evening into the night — buy a small bottle of wine from a shop near the hotel and bring it up. It's far cheaper than ordering through the hotel and the atmosphere is just as good.
- Skip the paid breakfast and walk to one of the Italian coffee bars on Via Viminale — a proper espresso and a fresh cornetto costs a fraction of the in-house option.