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).
Yes. It’s OK to curse once you realize how long of a walk is it is to the Hilton from any Terminal at FCO. It wouldn’t be fair to use the really bad words though – I mean, it’s an indoor walk so it’s not that bad.See? Even the outside part is inside. Quit yer bitchin’!
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.
And the award for the most inconspicuously bland hotel check-in desk goes to…(do I even have to say it?)The rest of the lobby looks fairly decent though. Not very Italian, but decent.Maybe the architects misunderstood the request for “Italian” as “airport Hilton”? The bottom picture is the lobby restaurant BTW.
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.
“Please…for the love of all that is holy…what I really need to see is a picture of the ****ing elevator!” (words that I assume no one has ever spoken while searching for a thorough review of the FCO Hilton).This is what I saw upon exiting the elevator on the 7th floor. Looks like I’ve got a choice to make. Do I go left? Or right? Seriously, I had no idea…I went left. It was the right choice.Whoa. It got red (and Italian) all up in here real quick, didn’t it? 7027 is my room for the night.
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.
OK. I was not expecting such an apartment-like experience. The hell kind of airport Hilton is this, anyway?As long as you can ignore the odd placement of the TV, I’m willing to bet that you’re having a hard time finding something critical to say about this. “hILtOn sUcKs!” most certainly does not apply here.Wood floors even. I wasn’t planning on liking this so much!“Just wait ’til they get a load of this!”On one hand, I really hate how this couch reminds me of a candy cane (the kind that you can get a box of 100 for $2 down at the local gas station).On the other hand, it’s comfortable AF. I’m so conflicted.That TV alignment tho. Somebody wasn’t using their noggin’.The rest of the furniture in this room isn’t as scandalous as the couch – but it’s all nice nonetheless.You brought your European plug adapter with you, right?That right there is the refreshment / storage unit. Let’s go in for a closer look…Complementary bottles of water, a refrigerator, and wood. Lots and lots of wood.The closet space. Because there’s always at least one person who needs to see the closet space. $20 says it’s the same guy who needed to see pictures of the elevator.Oh! Did I mention that there’s a bedroom as well? The doorway to it is a bit narrow, but as you’re about to see, it’s worth the squeeze…The bedroom (and one hell of a lumpy bed).Lumpy or not, it was still really comfortable. Never doubt of the Italians when it comes to bedding!They did a much better job with TV alignment in the bedroom. Just sayin’. Wait a sec. Bathrobes too? You ain’t never gonna see this kind of hospitality at the ORD Hilton.I’ll never understand the “I’ll just sit here and watch you while you sleep” chair in hotel rooms, but this one’s got one of those too. At least this one’s nowhere near as creepy the one that was in my room at the LAX H Hotel.
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…
Welp. This definitely qualifies as a “view”, but it’s not exactly the kind of view that I like. Swing and a miss!
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.
Forgive me for not choosing pasta or pizza (because, you know, that “when in Rome” thing). This grilled chicken breast with the side salad and chocolate tart for dessert was pretty all right.
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.
The bathroom. Somebody with a little crazy with the brown tile, didn’t they?His and her toilets with a stick shift in the middle?The shower and tub (without a shower curtain or any kind of barrier to prevent drenching everything else in the bathroom). Because Europe.But wait! There is also a standalone shower for anyone (like me) who doesn’t have the skill to shower without a curtain.Interesting. It’s the same damn soap you’ll find in any other Hilton back home in the US. That’s sort of like ordering room service in an Italian hotel and getting something other than the pasta or pizza. Just sayin’.Finally, this suite also featured this second bathroom (located just off the main entrance). Ain’t nothing not to like about having options when you gotta go N O W.
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.
