citizenM Rome Isola Tiberina

The hotel is close to the places we visited, and most sights are an easy walk away, including the Pantheon, Colleseum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City. The rooftop bar was peaceful and comfortable. Rooms are small but nicely designed. I wasn’t keen on having to climb over the end of the bed or not having nightstands, but we appreciated the hotel overall. The mood lighting and iPad controls were a distinctive touch, and being able to set the shades to open automatically in the morning was nice.

The room was really comfortable, and the comforter was a particular favorite. Even though we faced a noisy street, I slept well every night. The bathroom was huge, and it was the first hotel of the three on our trip to provide face-sized washcloths and lotion. The shampoo and conditioner were great quality too. At first the room felt small, but we figured out how to make the most of it with the shelves and closet, unpacking only what we needed. It was also fun and vibrant in the lobby, with a main bar there and another on the rooftop, though I didn’t try either. I skipped breakfast too, partly because it wasn’t complimentary. I did appreciate the water filling station and being able to take carafes back to the room. Our room had a high-tech, unusual feel, with an iPad to change the color and brightness and adjust the mood. Front desk staff were often busy, but stayed friendly. Check-in and checkout could be done by self-service. The location is excellent, by the river and a bridge from Trestavare, about a ten-minute walk. The Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and the centrico storico neighborhood are also about ten minutes away. A bus stop is steps from the hotel, with other local transit stops easy to reach. I’m a Marriott Bonvoy member and recently saw citizenM hotels added to the brand. I booked citizenM Rome Isola Tiberina for our four-night stay and was highly impressed with the amenities and experience.

The iPad was handy for controlling the lights, TV, and blinds, and the shower was excellent. The room worked well for me as a solo traveler who just needed somewhere to sleep. The bed was very firm and the pillow could be better, though I still slept fine each night. That wouldn’t be a big deal for me, but if those things are deal breakers for you, book elsewhere. I only spoke with staff twice, once at check-in and once when ordering a coke, so I didn’t give five stars for service. Most of check-in and all of checkout were done on the iPad, which was very easy. The location is amazing for the price. Trastevere is a five to ten-minute walk for great food, and most highlights are 15 to 30 minutes away on foot, except Vatican City. I’d stay in this neighborhood again. Background noise doesn’t bother me, but there’s a nearby hospital, so ambulances often pass with sirens on. Just something to know.

The hotel’s style is great, and the quirky design was genuinely fun. The room was a shoebox, though, even with an XL king bed, and the iPad ran everything from the lights to the blinds. Check-in was a technological hostage situation: scan your passport, try again, scan it differently, and maybe it’ll work. Then you have to make your own room key, while a front desk employee stands there watching you do their job. I have status, so they offered a 4 p.m. checkout and assured me it was noted. It wasn’t. On checkout day I got a 9 a.m. wake-up call asking when I was leaving, three hours before standard checkout. They have style for days, but details matter. Would I stay again? Not unless that iPad learns to remember my checkout time. The hotel does market tablet-controlled everything and contactless check-in, which explains a lot.