Wait! Before you totally give up on airport Hilton’s (because they’re seemingly all the same), you’ve got to check out the one at the Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO).
It’s easily the most unique airport Hilton that I’ve ever stayed at. It felt more like a boutique hotel than a stodgy corporate / cookie cutter property, and I can’t recommend it highly enough if you’re looking for a place to stay that’s close to the airport.
A full review of my one night stay at the Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) Hilton
How embarrassing is it that I flew halfway around the world only to stay at an airport Hilton? In my defense, staying the night at The St. Regis in central Rome the night before canceled out my choice to play it safe with the FCO Hilton.
I also decided to splurge on a suite rather than an individual room. As you’re about to see, it was the right choice.
Location
The Hilton FCO is located adjacent to both Terminals 1 and 3. It’s certainly not the most convenient airport hotel that I’ve ever stayed at, as it requires a bit of walking to reach. The good news is that all of that walk is indoors – so you’ll never have to worry about having to hoof it in the rain (or frigid cold).
![Walk to Hilton from the Rome Fiumicino Airport](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-30.jpeg)
![Entrance to Hilton Hotel at Rome Fiumicino Airport](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-31.jpeg)
The lobby (and checking in)
They certainly didn’t impress me as I walked through the main entrance. Not only did everything look like a stodgy airport Hilton, it smelled like one as well. It was a little musty, and I detected a hint of cheap cleaning products wafting in the air. Same ‘ol same ‘ol.
![Hilton FCO check-in desk](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-29.jpg)
![Hilton FCO lobby](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-32.jpeg)
![Hilton FCO lobby and restaurant](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-34.jpeg)
Checking in took no more than 5 minutes. There were only two people ahead of me (and three people working the front desk), so they had me on my way lickety split.
Getting to my room
Only because I have no shame, I have no issues telling you that I got lost on my way to the elevator. Nothing was labeled very well, so I had to figure things out of my own. Which is a tall ask considering how often I get lost in my own home.
![Hilton FCO elevator](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-33.jpeg)
![Hilton FCO seventh floor](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-01.jpg)
![Hilton FCO 7th floor guest room hallway](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-00.jpg)
![Hilton FCO door to room 7027](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-03.jpg)
The room
Things took a huge turn for the better when I opened the door to my room. Actually, it was a full suite, and right away I knew I was in for a good time. The main living space was just as large as the bedroom. The best part? It felt like an apartment rather than a hotel room. It just had that vibe to it.
![Hilton FCO suite](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-04.jpg)
![Hilton FCO suite main living room](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-11.jpg)
![Hilton FCO suite wood floors](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-10.jpg)
![Scott standing in Hilton FCO suite](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-25.jpg)
![Hilton FCO suite couch](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-14.jpg)
![Scott sitting on the couch in a Hilton FCO suite](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-26.jpg)
![Watching TV in a Hilton FCO suite](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-27.jpg)
![Hilton FCO suite chairs and furniture](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-38.jpeg)
![Hilton FCO suite European style plugs](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-24.jpg)
![Hilton FCO suite storage unit](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-13.jpg)
![Hilton FCO suite refrigerator](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-35.jpeg)
![Hilton FCO suite closet space](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-36.jpeg)
![Hilton FCO suite doorway to bedroom](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-05.jpg)
![Hilton FCO suite bedroom](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-06.jpg)
![Hilton FCO suite bed](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-09.jpg)
![Hilton FCO suite TV in bedroom](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-08.jpg)
![FCO Hilton suite bathrobes](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-15.jpg)
![FCO Hilton suite bedroom furniture](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-07.jpg)
The view
You’d think that a major hotel that was adjacent to a major airport would offer rooms with excellent views, right? While my top floor suite featured two very large windows (which let in a lot of light), they overlooked exactly nothing except rooftop. So close, yet so far…
![The view from my room at the FCO Hilton](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-39.jpg)
Room service
If you’re not feeling in the mood to grab a meal at the on-site restaurant (located adjacent to the lobby), fear not. Room service is excellent. I didn’t find it to be all that outrageously priced actually – which unfortunately caused me to order more food than I could ever possibly eat. At least it was good. Quality was excellent as well.
![FCO Hilton suite room service](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-28.jpg)
The bathroom
I had mixed feelings about the bathroom. On one hand, it was absolutely huge with plenty of room to spread out. On the other hand, the shower was the darkest and gloomiest standalone showers that I have ever experienced in a hotel room. Only the cryogenic-style shower in the Sheraton at CDG creeped me out more.
![FCO Hilton suite bathroom](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-21.jpg)
![FCO Hilton suite toilet, bidet, and tub](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-17.jpg)
![FCO Hilton suite shower and tub](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-18.jpg)
![FCO Hilton suite shower](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-22.jpg)
![FCO Hilton suite bathroom soap](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-23.jpg)
![FCO Hilton suite second bathroom](https://scottleazenby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fco-hilton-37.jpeg)
Pros and cons of staying at the FCO Hilton
If all you need to know is if I would stay at this property again, then rest assured- yes! I would choose to stay here again without even batting an eye. It’s not perfect, but it’s probably one of the best airport hiltons that I’ve ever stayed at.
Pros
- It’s extremely quiet. Not only did I not hear any other guest, I didn’t hear any airplanes as well.
- The suites are very homey feeling, and it’ll feel like staying in an apartment.
- Huge bathrooms! I mean, who doesn’t like room to spread out when doing disgusting things?
Cons
- Even with the heat cranked all the way up, I froze my ass off.
- It’s a bit of a walk from the airport terminal. Wear comfortable shoes or else.
- It’s still a Hilton, so don’t expect cutting edge style and design.