Best Western Plus Hotel Universo Rome – A Comprehensive Guide
Travelers arriving at Roma Termini looking for a central four-star base will find the Best Western Plus Hotel Universo at Via Principe Amedeo 5/B. The hotel sits a five-minute walk from the station, with direct access to metro lines, buses, and airport shuttles Best Western Hotels & Resorts. This article answers the most common questions about its location, breakfast policy, and amenities using official data and guest reviews.
Last checked: 2026-10-02
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Location: Centre of Rome, 5-minute walk from Termini Station · Nearest transport: Roma Termini Station (5-minute walk) · Room count: 197 · Star rating: 4-star · Free WiFi: Yes · Gym and sauna: Available
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-10-02.
Sources reviewed: official property website (hoteluniverso.com), Best Western brand site, Booking.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, Expedia listing, Hotels.com, and Trip.com.
What we did not do: No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification.
Best Western Plus Hotel Universo at a glance
- Five-minute walk to Roma Termini railway station (Hotel Universo official site)
- 4-star hotel with 197 rooms and recently renovated suites (Best Western Hotels & Resorts)
- Breakfast scored 8.8 on Booking.com guest reviews (Booking.com)
- Fitness centre, sauna, and Turkish bath available on site (Hotel Universo official site)
| Location | Centre of Rome, 5-minute walk from Termini Station |
| Nearest transport | Roma Termini Station (5-minute walk) |
| Room count | 197 |
| Star rating | 4-star |
| Free WiFi | Yes |
| Gym and sauna | Available |
Is Best Western Plus Hotel Universo in Rome, Italy?
Yes. The official address is Via Principe Amedeo 5/B, 00185 Rome, Italy, placing the hotel in the Esquilino district directly adjacent to Termini station. The property’s own website describes it as located in the “centre of Rome,” a five-minute walk from Roma Termini, the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, and the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (Hotel Universo official site). The Best Western brand listing confirms the four-star category and the central Termini-area location (Best Western Hotels & Resorts).
“The Best Western Plus Hotel Universo is located in the centre of Rome, a 5-minute walk from Roma Termini Station, the Opera House and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.”
— Hotel Universo official website
The bottom line: The address is unambiguous — the hotel occupies a central position in Rome’s main transport hub.
How far is Best Western Universo Rome from the Colosseum?
The hotel’s official site does not specify the distance to the Colosseum. Guest reviews on TripAdvisor offer a range: one early 2024 review estimated the walk at roughly ten minutes, while other accounts suggest twenty to thirty minutes depending on the route and specific entrance TripAdvisor. The walk continues along Via Cavour or Via dei Fori Imperiali, passing through the Monti district. Two recent TripAdvisor reviewers described the location as well-positioned for walking to major sights while remaining sufficiently removed from the busiest tourist corridors TripAdvisor.
The trade-off: The hotel prioritises transport connectivity over immediate landmark proximity — the Colosseum is walkable but not adjacent.
How far is the Best Western in Rome from the city center?
The Best Western Plus Hotel Universo is itself located within the city centre. Expedia lists the walk to Piazza della Repubblica and Via Nazionale at roughly three minutes, and the Baths of Diocletian at the same distance Expedia. For guests arriving by train, Roma Termini connects to regional, high-speed, and metro lines. Hotels.com notes an airport shuttle is available for €55 per vehicle Hotels.com. The official site places the hotel within five minutes of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, reinforcing its central position relative to Rome’s landmark districts (Hotel Universo official site).
Is breakfast included at Best Western Universo Rome?
Breakfast is generally not included in the base room rate. The Best Western Hotels & Resorts listing states that the hotel “offers breakfast at a nominal charge,” signalling that the meal is typically an additional cost (Best Western Hotels & Resorts). Expedia lists the daily buffet breakfast hours as 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with prices of roughly €20 for adults and €10 for children (Expedia). An indexed TripAdvisor search result reports an €18 per-person charge, suggesting the exact price can vary by booking channel or travel date (TripAdvisor).
Despite the additional cost, guest satisfaction with the breakfast is consistently high. Booking.com guests award the breakfast an 8.8 rating, and multiple TripAdvisor reviewers characterise the buffet as generous and varied, with Italian and American options including breads, pastries, and fresh juices (Booking.com)Trip.com.
“The breakfast was varied and absolutely delicious, offering something for everyone.”
— Unnamed TripAdvisor guest review, March 2026
The catch: The breakfast earns strong marks from guests, but travelers should budget an additional €18 to €20 per adult and verify whether their specific booking rate includes the meal.
What is the difference between a Best Western and a Best Western Plus hotel?
Best Western Plus represents a distinct upgrade tier within the Best Western brand family. Compared to standard Best Western hotels, Plus properties are required to meet higher standards for interior design, amenities, and service levels. The Best Western Hotels & Resorts listing for Hotel Universo highlights features typical of the Plus tier: a wellness area with a fitness centre, sauna, and Turkish bath; satellite television; accessible rooms; business-grade free WiFi; and congress facilities (Best Western Hotels & Resorts). The property also includes the Quattro Stagioni restaurant, which serves international and regional specialties, and a rooftop terrace with city views — characteristics that distinguish it from a standard Best Western hotel. Travelers researching broader chain comparisons may find our breakdown of Best Western vs Marriott: Which Hotel Chain Is Better useful.
The implication: The “Plus” designation signals a tangible step up in physical amenities and business-oriented services, not merely a marketing label.
Pros and cons of Best Western Plus Hotel Universo
Pros
- Five-minute walk to Roma Termini, metro, and airport shuttle connections (Hotel Universo official site)
- High guest satisfaction for breakfast: scored 8.8 on Booking.com (Booking.com)
- On-site wellness facilities: fitness centre, sauna, and Turkish bath (Booking.com)
- Rooms and junior suites recently renovated (Best Western Hotels & Resorts)
Cons
- Breakfast is typically an extra charge of roughly €18–€20 per adult (sources: Expedia, TripAdvisor)
- The Termini area is busy and lacks the quieter atmosphere of the historic core
- Walking distance to the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain is fifteen to thirty minutes rather than a few steps
Pricing overview
As a four-star property in central Rome, the Best Western Plus Hotel Universo occupies a mid-range to upper-mid-range price band. The official site does not publish base room rates, but pricing context is available through ancillary charges: breakfast is listed at €18–€20 per adult on third-party platforms, and an airport shuttle runs €55 per vehicle according to Hotels.com (Hotels.com). These figures position the hotel within the typical range for four-star hotels in Rome’s Termini district.
Our pick for: Travelers who prioritise Termini access and solid four-star amenities
This hotel best suits guests whose primary requirement is connectivity. It is a strong fit for couples planning day trips by train, business travelers needing quick airport connections, and solo travelers who value free in-room WiFi and a reliable base. Tourists who intend to walk the historic centre will find the fifteen- to twenty-minute walk to the Colosseum manageable, though the Termini area lacks the charm of streets closer to Trevi Fountain. The wellness facilities and high breakfast rating add tangible value for guests who use them. Travelers weighing breakfast costs across Rome hotels might also find our review of Berida Hotel review: amenities, breakfast cost and guest feedback helpful.
tripadvisor.com, tripadvisor.com, tripadvisor.ru, tripadvisor.jp
Frequently asked questions
Why did Best Western charge me $100?
This is almost certainly a pre-authorisation hold, a standard practice across hotels including this property. A hold protects against incidental charges and is not a final transaction. If the hold does not drop off a few business days after check-out, contact the hotel directly or your card issuer.
Is bottled water in a hotel free?
In most European hotels, including this property, bottled water from the minibar incurs a charge. Tap water in Rome is potable, but explicitly requesting bottled water in the room will result in a cost. Guests should check the in-room price list or request tap water to avoid surprises.
Do hotels care if I bring an extra person?
Yes. Occupancy limits are enforced for fire safety and room configuration. An undeclared extra person may result in additional charges or a forced upgrade to a larger room. Always confirm the maximum occupancy with the property at the time of booking.
Is it better to book a hotel with a debit or credit card?
Credit cards generally offer stronger protection against billing disputes and temporary holds, both common in hotel transactions. A debit card links directly to your bank account, which may freeze funds for the duration of a hold without the same dispute safeguards.
What happens if I just leave a hotel without checking out?
The hotel retains your payment information and will charge for the room and any incidentals. An un-checked-out room also prevents housekeeping from preparing it, potentially triggering a charge for an extra night. Always formally check out to close the stay correctly.
Is it better to pay for a hotel online or in person?
Paying online often secures a lower prepaid rate and provides a clear receipt from the platform. Paying in person offers flexibility but may forfeit prepay discounts. For this hotel, booking through official channels or established OTAs provides clear terms and transaction protection.