Meininger Roma Termini

4.6 out of 5.0 stars4.6

This was my third visit to the Meininger Roma Termini hotel. Like in the past I enjoyed my stay. Here are some details…

Location

The location of the hotel is one of the best reasons to stay here. It’s in a safe area close to many amenities. The Roma Termini railway station central to much of Rome’s public transport: fast trains, regional, suburban, metro and buses, is 5-7 mins walk away; Castro Pretorio underground station a hundred or so metres; and the CONAD City Supermarket 200 metres down the road in Piazza dell’Indipendenza where you can acquire food to be prepared and consumed at the hotel.

The footpaths to and from the hotel are mostly better than other areas around the Termini station allowing for smoother running of wheeled luggage. Rome is notorious for narrow bumpy and dirty footpaths. Dog excrement is the worst. Try dodging turds and you’ll find yourself all over the place. You’ll find plenty of them directly to the northeast of the Termini, in that quarter where there are many small hotels. I’d steer clear of those hotels, besides it’s also noisy at night.

Check-in/check-out

I checked in a bit early about quarter past one in the afternoon and had to wait until a room was available. Check-in is at 3pm. In that time I sat in a back room around the corner behind the kitchen with my roller case and backpack. They do have storage for luggage but I didn’t want to inconvenience them for such a short waiting period. There are also lockers but these are best for other items that require secure lock-up. One can stay in the lobby and wait and have a drink but there were already a few people waiting there. I had already paid for my stay by using a debit card which I don’t recommend doing for pre-authorising. I used my Wise account and had paid in Euros. I got a receipt to keep for check-out which was going to be an early one four days later. At check-in showed my passport, got my keycard and off to my room. Check-out was just as smooth. Actually there was no need to show my receipt all they did was check me off and that was it.

Rooms

The rooms are styled in IKEA furniture and fixtures. They are clean with spacious bathrooms and showers. My room had two single beds with firm mattresses and covered in duvets. Sleep quality was reasonable as you need to get used to the mattress. At the head of the beds there are power points for charging devices. Each side has a small reading light that can be angled. There’s central heating and cooling that can be regulated.

Ambiance and Noise

The place can be noisy if you have young inconsiderate neighbours, talking loudly in hall ways, running or slamming doors. It is a hotel frequented by a lot of youngsters and you may be unfortunate to have some as neighbours. The higher floors seem to be better. I stayed in room 222 facing the inner courtyard.

Amenities

If you can get around the small inconvenience of noise, the hotel’s facilities make up for it. Adjacent to the reception desk there is a bar where drinks and snacks can be bought, then enjoyed in the lobby area. There’s a games room with table soccer and a pool table. A small kitchen is available for the preparation and consumption of food and is equipped with utensils, dishes, cups, a kettle, a microwave and a fridge. The microwave could be cleaner. I suspect many of the guests who have used it in the past haven’t bothered to check whether any of their food has splattered anywhere, so it does need a good clean. The fridge is better but I think that too should get a clean.

Any food item can be labelled and dated to be stored in the fridge. Important not to forget your food. Anything that has expired ends up in the bin. Anything else that has a long shelf life and doesn’t require the fridge can be donated (salt, sugar, coffee etc.). In the kitchen there’s room for eight people at the two tables. A washing machine and dryer is also available. Around the corner there is a locker room where luggage and personal effects can be stored under lock and key. There are no safes in the rooms so anything valuable is best stored here. A separate luggage room is for temporary use when waiting to check-in/check-out. WiFi is of high quality with very good coverage. Tours and tickets to museums and events can also be purchased at the front desk. The staff is young, polite and diverse speaking several languages.

Breakfast

The hotel others a buffet breakfast between 6.30am and 10.30am in the underground cellar-style breakfast room. Plenty of different sized tables for individuals, couples, family of four or benches for groups. To eat there is plenty to choose from, to name a few: toast, cornetti, cake, cheese, ham, salads, fresh and dried fruit, fruit in syrup, yoghurt, cereals, coffee, tea, etc. Breakfast can be purchased at time of booking but also at the hotel.

Sustainability

Recycling of materials and cutting water wastage are encouraged. The reuse of towels saves a lot of washing. Changes of towels only on request.

Price

I booked direct with the hotel on their website during the Black Friday sale. Got a good discount which if I remember correctly was approximately 8%. If you stay again there is a 5% welcome back coupon but I’m sure they can do better, probably 10% discount. It is a matter of asking. I stayed in early February in the low season but in these kind of hotels it is always busy. The clientele are mostly young people who travel in large groups either as part of their school or a cultural tour.

Final Word

You cannot go wrong staying at the Meininger Roma Termini. Location alone, in a safe neighbourhood close to transport is a must. It’s clean with modern interiors and good facilities to lounge and eat in. Breakfast is ample attended by good staff as is their reception. It’s a place I’ll come back to again for sure. Been three times why not a fourth?

All Photos © Carlo Irlitti

Ambiance	4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
Cleanliness	4.5 out of 5.0 stars4.5
Comfort	4.5 out of 5.0 stars4.5
Facilities	4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
Food	5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Location	5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Noise	4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
Service	5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Staff	5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Value	4.5 out of 5.0 stars4.5
WiFi	5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0