The populous, tourist heavy historical Rome is one of the best global destinations, and the rather compact city has responded well by sprouting numerous hotels, hostels and apartment rentals all across the city and its outskirts. The fertile beautiful Lazio region and the proximity of other wonderful spots like Naples and Florence means that Rome often is used as a base for sightseeing to many other places. If you are on a budget then you won’t find Rome difficult to adapt to… there are plenty of budget and mid-range hotels here. However there are a few things you should know before you zero in on your accommodation choice.
The newly levied Italian Hotel tax just like Italian wine labels are pretty difficult to understand. However it’s best to know (in a simplistic fashion) that the amount of hotel tax will depend upon the number of stars after the hotel name. For 4 and 5 star hotels the tax bracket is 3 euros per night per person and for 1/2/3 star hotels its 2 euros per night person….B&B’s and apartment rentals also fall under this category. In fact campsites in Rome also have a 1 euro tax per person per night… only hostel accommodations are tax free.
Kids under the age 2 aren’t counted in the tax bracket though. Though the tax amount doesn’t seem to be a big deal… it adds pretty quickly specially if you are a family staying for a number of days. This new tax has been levied since 2011 and is in addition to the 10% VAT that’s already included on hotels all over Roma. If you are feeling irritated by this new tax news then at least know that the money collected from this will go into the upkeep of Roman historic sites and monuments…. most of which are falling into disrepair.
Most of the budget hotels in Rome claim to accept credit cards but sometimes the machines don’t work so go prepared with lots of cash. Choose a hotel that’s the nearest to your preferred sightseeing zone so that you can walk to most attractions.
Best Budget Hotels In Rome
The obvious way to avoid paying much by way of tax is to check into a hostel (not really suitable if you aren’t a teenager or a student) or a budget hotel. So this is where the following list comes up to be super useful. Another way to save unnecessary expense in Rome is to choose a hotel that’s near the city centre (most hotels described here conform to this) as then you will save a lot on transport.
Rome is a compact city as you will discover and if you put on comfy walking shoes and stay near the historic city centre… pretty much all attractions can be walked too. Of course hotels near city centre cost a bit more than similar amenity hotels in the outskirts but then you will end up paying more than that difference by paying for transport if you choose to stay outside the city.
It’s possible to find a decent room for two within 100 euros per night in a budget hotel in Rome. You can also get a choice of numerous other budget hotels and avail amazing offers and discounts when you book through booking.com, just sort the list by price.
Deko Rome
This is a small boutique establishment with a quiet feel and a concealed entrance that adds to its intimate charm. The hotel occupies the second floor of a historic classical building that’s diagonally opposite to the US Embassy. This also makes the location one of the safest areas in Rome.
The rooms are well furnished and pretty though there could have been a little more storage space. The shower cubicles in the bathroom lack pressure and sometimes there are plumbing issues though the staff is quick to do damage control. There is air conditioning, tea/ coffee maker, Wi Fi, iPads, safe in the rooms.
Only breakfast is served here and it is continental that is there aren’t any hot entrees. However a plentiful selection of delicious cold cuts, fruits, pastries, breads, cheeses, coffee and juice is served. Lunch and dinner aren’t served here but there are excellent restaurants nearby. Breakfast menu doesn’t change much but service is great. Also the soundproofing in the rooms is not good though the average room size is pretty big.
Special mention must be made of Julia who makes excellent tour and restaurant recommendations and Ajaf who is so welcoming and cheerful. The principal hostess Serena is also very helpful about taxi bookings, transfers and helping travellers with every kind of logistics need. All the staff speak clear English.
On the flip side there is no spa, gym, common area (apart from the eating area besides the reception). If you go expecting to live in a nice serviced apartment setting in one of Rome’s best neighbourhoods you won’t be disappointed.
Proximity to the Baarberini metro and the Via Veneto (main shopping street) is a big advantage. The taxi rank and bus sand is just outside the hotel. Some of the places you can walk to be Villa Borghese, Fontana Trevi, Via Del Corso etc.
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Address: Via Toscana 1, 00187 Rome, Italy. Website
Hotel Castle
Hotel castle stands in the middle of a large green park just off the highway some 9 km away from Rome city centre. Fabrizio and Co own the hotel and their family has a cute little dog whom you are surely going to love. All major tolled motorways around Rome are very accessible from this hotel and if you have your own car you will find it super easy to visit nearby destinations like Florence and Naples.
Rooms are clean and spacious. The TV’s come with Netflix and the hotel has its own gym and rooms have mini bars and safes in them. The suites have 2 balconies and spa baths with overhead shower. Family rooms have fold out beds on which 2 kids can sleep with ease.
Bathrooms have free toiletry hampers that include everything from toothbrush to comb to shampoo. There is a well-equipped conference room and a business room with modern facilities so the hotel is geared well towards business travellers. Service is exceptional and the staff go out of their way to ask customers if they want anything… a proactive approach that’s rare in Italy.
The Castle serves continental breakfast (with gluten free food on request) and not major meals but they will arrange deliveries from nearby takeaway joints and then serve the food with their own cutlery with utmost cooperation and friendliness. There is a bar inside the hotel serving a good selection of alcohol, coffee and snacks platters.
Though there is a motorway nearby the soundproofing is very good. There is a pool area which is quite well maintained and a moderately sized gym. The hotel offers free car parking.
On the flip side the hotel is a bit far from Rome’s city centre and therefore all the major attractions and the access road leading up to it is a bit difficult to manoeuvre. The free shuttle service at all times of the day and evening offered by the hotel to the nearby Labaro train station is convenient though. They even sell train tickets and give out maps of Rome with directions and that’s super helpful. The hotel neighbourhood has little cafes, bars and offers a quiet atmosphere that’s difficult to find in central Rome.
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Address: Salita di Castel Giubileo 196
Uscita Castel Giubileo Del GRA. Website
Amalfi Hotel
The Amalfi is in historic Rome and the building hosting it dates back to historical times too which is great if you want your visit to soak in the heritage of Roma. Many rooms have tiny balconies that afford views of the nearby piazza and you can even opt for front facing rooms that have views of the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica and the piazza if you don’t mind the noise.
The ceilings in the room have classical fine paintings….very unusual for a budget hotel. The furniture is vintage and the rooms are done up in pastel shades. Expect free wi fi, direct phone lines, satellite TV, Safe, central heating and air conditioning and a bathroom with complimentary toiletries, hair dryer and shower. There is also a tea/ coffee maker with tea supplies and a reasonably priced mini bar.
Breakfast has gluten free options and can be served in room or in the breakfast room of the hotel. The presence of bacon, cooked eggs and sausages in the menu along with traditional continental items like breads, pastries, yoghurt, cereal, coffee, juice etc. will be a welcome change for all hearty eaters. The staff are nice enough to pack croissants and savouries for guests who are leaving for sightseeing early.
On the downside, the lobby doesn’t exist and the elevator can only accommodate 2 people at once. The room keys are old fashioned though can appear charming to some. This is a family run place so might appear a little understaffed in high season.
Location is fantastic…its central Rome with quick access to St John Lateran, Santa Maria Maggiore, Domus Aurea, Forum, Colosseum etc. The termini station with its subway, and train connections and the bus station are nearby . Right next to the Amalfi hotel, there is a kebab shop that’s perfect for late night snacks and a medicine shop for countering emergencies.
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Address: Via Merulana, 278, 00185 Roma. Website
Hotel San Anselmo
San Anselmo was once a private villa on the Aventine hill and it still retains the refined residential feel of a private property. So, while this is not a touristy place per se… it’s a nice neighbourhood and removed from all the bustle and dust of central Rome. Anselmo is not part of a chain hotel but it does have a sister property called Villa San Pio that’s also in the Aventino district.
There are not many rooms but all of them have great attention to detail with designer lighting, artwork and interesting gold and marble patterns all throughout the bedroom and bathroom.
All 34 rooms (economy, classic and premium) in the hotel have different themes and 9 of them have balconies. 16 of those rooms have water massage showers while 10 have water massage baths. 2 rooms are even fully accessible… a commendable achievement for a budget hotel. All rooms have Internet TV, direct phone lines, safe, hair dryer, mini bar and paid access to laptops. All bathrooms are inlaid with marble and all private and public areas of the hotel are non-smoking. If you can, try booking the Vanity Room which almost functions like a small outdoor villa. Avoid staying in the smallish rooms at the back of the hotel ….they are too cramped.
There is even a mini orchard in front of the property and breakfast includes orange juice extracted from their own oranges. Other items include scrambled and hard boiled eggs, bacon, deli meats, cheeses, yogurts, fresh fruit, freshly baked loaves… this you need to slice and toast yourself in the toaster. There are also fruit pies, pastries, cereals and milk and a selection of coffees including decaffeinated versions on offer. The orchard in question also has honeycombs and if you are lucky there will be fresh wild honey on the buffet too. Come afternoon and there is free coffee/ tea and cookies.
Location wise, Aventine is a very peaceful location right on the hill… a little removed from the maddening chaos of central Rome.
On the downside, the nearest metro station Piramides is 10 minutes away on foot. None of the major attractions are next door but you can still walk to them within 20 minutes. For example, it’s a 15 minute walk to the Colosseum and Roman Forum on one side and a 10 minute walk to the fascinating Testaccio quarter (that’s full of nice Italian restaurants ) on the other side. You can however stroll around the corner to the cute little keyhole at Knights of Malta, the vintage Santa Sabina church and the Parco Savello.
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Address: Piazza S. Anselmo, 2. Website
Hotel Cortina
Finding the Hotel Cortina might be an issue though it lies on the famous Via Nazionale. Its street frontage isn’t great and the ground floor of the commercial building where it’s located is taken up by the more prominently sign aged Hotel Martini. Once inside though you will be impressed by the facilities and service offered by this neat and pretty budget establishment.
Rooms are divided into double rooms, double rooms with extra bed and triple bedrooms with not many confusing sub groups and almost equal amenities. Rooms have safe, minibar, satellite TV, Wi Fi, direct phone lines. There is a vintage style lift and an absolutely lovely breakfast room (complete with overhead canopies) that’s decked with an amicable continental spread and excellent coffee each morning.
The staff is great; non-intrusive yet helpful and that’s a rare thing. They offer plenty of sightseeing, restaurant and shopping recommendations and are quick to attend to special requests. Special mention must be made of Gianni and Florian who are both very helpful.
This is one of the few pet friendly budget hotels in Rome. Cortina also offers 1 and 2 room apartments complete with mini kitchens so if you are looking for budget apartment style accommodation then this is a good bet.
The Cortina lies in Via Nazionale that’s in central Rome a little distance away
from Spanish Steps, Piazza Venezia and Colosseum. The Barberini and Repubblica subway stations are both under 10 minutes away.
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Address: Via Nazionale, 18. Website
Hotel Raffaello
Quintessentially Roma in character the vintage façade and carefully pruned shrubs around Hotel Raffaello will immediately grab attention. This popular, large 3 star hotel stands in the nice Monti neighbourhood and is well suited both for tourists as well as business travellers. The décor is nice but dated…all blue and gold and traditional artefacts around. Rooms are divided into single, double, triple, family and superior rooms.
The showers are small but they have Jacuzzi heads. The minibars are socked moderately and you can use everything apart from alcohol for free. Cotton balls and Q-tips are provided…that’s a rarity for a 3 star hotel. However there are very few power outlets in the rooms.
Raffaello has a very unique a la carte Pillow menu where each guest can choose the kind of pillow they want to sleep on for free!!! Options include Perla (70% latex), Nature (100% anatomic latex). Classic (standard hypoallergenic), Gold (70% feather), Ecru (memory). The superior rooms have a very soft ‘topper mattress’ that ensures a great night’s sleep. For all other lower range rooms the Topper can be ordered at a nominal charge. The lounge area always has a supply of free refreshments like herbal infusions, fresh coffee and pastries. There is free Wi fi, free 24×7 concierge service, free luggage storage and facilities for in room massages.
The breakfast has standard continental items like fruit, cheese, cereals, cured meat and eggs apart from vegan and gluten free options, cappuccino and juice supply is delicious and plentiful. For guests who would like to go sightseeing early in the day…breakfast basket is provided at 7 a.m. Airport transfers are arranged efficiently. Staff service is uniformly friendly and efficient.
On the flip side, guests have to leave their ID’s at the reception desk every time they go out and that may be irksome. The breakfast room is too small.
The Raffaello sits in a pretty urbanised part of Rome but it’s still relatively quiet at the centre of the Rione Monti. The best thing about the location is that Termini train station (you can walk from here to the hotel in 15 minutes), Fori Imperiali, Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore and the Coliseum are all within a few minutes of walk. There is a metro station providing good connectivity to the Vatican and important parts of Rome. Step out of the hotel and you can see a supermarket, restaurants and cafes all around. There is even a great ice cream shop and a late night pizzeria around the corner!
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Address: Via Urbana 3, 00184 Rome Italy. Website
Relais Giulia
For those who like the boutique hotel experience, Relais Giulia is nothing short of perfection. This 13 room establishment still has frescoes that decorated this Farnese family owned Palazzo. The décor can be called elegant and minimalist. Via Giulia is where the anti-terrorist squad headquarters are so this is a pretty safe area. The coat of arms of Pope Paul III flanked by 2 Licorini and the coat of arms of Ottavio and Allessandro Farnese is seen on the hotel façade and the locals say that the Via Giulia Street dates back to 1500. Supposedly famous designers like Durante Duranti and Sangallo the Younger were involved in creating this façade.
Rooms are divided into deluxe, comfort, suite and family room categories. Expect to find traditional design elements, high ceilings, vintage floors, grand four poster beds with canopies (in the higher category rooms), fresh cut flowers and an air of decadence despite the ultra-modern fittings and LCD TV sets. The suites have a marvellous bathroom with bidet, Jacuzzi tubs and large showers. In summers they have an atrium where you can sip your coffee or you can simply walk some steps to find a café….the area abounds in them.
Continental Breakfast comprising of cappuccino, cakes, fresh breads, fruit, cakes, meat and cheese, yoghurt etc. is served in the basement and is chargeable ….16 euros for two people. The basement is windowless, Claustrophobic and a total disappointment. The elevator is a bit strange as it makes weird noises all through its rather slow. Asci, the hotel concierge is very helpful and the rest of the staff are also polite and attentive.
On the downside there is no concierge service, no formal common spaces like a lobby except a small delightful courtyard. However housekeeping service is top notch though the Wi Fi connectivity is dubious.
The location is on a quiet street but it’s walking distance to all major attractions like the Vatican, Trastevere, Pantheon, Trevi fountain and Piazza Navona. The Campo di fiori area is also nearby and it’s full of lively eateries, outdoor markets and shops. The Ottaviano and Lepanto stops are both nearby.
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Address: Via Giulia 93, Rome 00186. Website
Affordable Mid-Range Hotels
Rome is full of ancient buildings and many families living in those buildings had the brilliant idea of acquiring a few floors to create niche hotels/ boutique establishments. Romans have also converted some picturesque villas into small hotels and it’s these places that can give you a true insight into what Roman life was really like. Rome being a compact city offers many small hotel establishments along with large hotel chains. Quite predictably the historic centre of Rome has more of the smaller establishments than larger chains as space is definitely a constraint here.
The top mid-range hotels of Rome have a nice dose of elegance, vintage architecture, quintessential Italian style and a healthy sprinkling of Roman artefacts, and they are perfect value for money. These hotels are almost always adequately equipped to handle electronic payments. A double room in a typical mid-range hotel in room will cost less than 180 euros per night. You can also get a choice of numerous other mid-range hotels and avail amazing offers and discounts when you book through booking.com, just sort the list by price.
Residenza Cellini
Residenza Cellini seems to have been caught in a very pleasant time warp; from its vintage building to its open cage elevator…all of its features will remind you of old European movies. The rooms are divided into double rooms and junior suites. The décor scheme is 19th century, luxurious and prestigious and has wooden stuccos, warm wood floors and stylish furnishings.
Some of the common amenities are anti-allergic ortho friendly mattresses on the king size beds, fully individual controlled air conditioning, electronic safe, satellite TV, wire radio system etc. All bathrooms have Jacuzzi bathtub/ hydro jet shower and hair dryers.
There is satellite TV, Wi-Fi in all rooms though Wi-Fi service isn’t too great and works well only in the lobby. There is a tea/ coffee maker too but with limited supplies. The hotel offers laundry service, airport pick up and drop (there is even a Limo service) and guided tours plus a guarded parking facility. There is an open terrace where guests can sip their favourite drink and admire Rome.
An old fashioned breakfast buffet is organised every morning with antique coffee pots and traditional Italian confectionary. Like most Italian homes, the traditional breakfast doesn’t have hot items but comprises of good variety of cold cuts, yoghurts, cheeses, sweet rolls, jams, honey and true blue Italian cappuccino. They dot serve main meals but there are plenty of restaurants around including Target that serves nice affordable food.
Staff behaviour and service is almost always great and some of the most attentive members of the Cellini team are Philippe, Derrick, Christina and Faith. They all try to please guests with alacrity but the hotel sometimes lacks maintenance on its amenities. Most of them are from the Philippines and speak excellent English. The hotel has a very B&B feel about it which may be pleasant or unpleasant depending upon your preferences.
The Residenza Cellini stands on via Modena inside a vintage building that probably dates back to the 18th century. There are ATM’s ad grocery stores nearby. Some attractions that are nearby at a short walking distance are Quirinal Palace, Via Veneto, Roman Forum and Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Piazza Venezia etc. proximity to the lovely Piazza dell Repubblica and the metro station is a big advantage. The Termini station is also one stop away. The defence ministry quarters and the presidents house is nearby which makes it one of the safest neighbourhoods in Rome.
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Address: Via Modena 5, 00184 Rome Italy. Website
Hotel Santa Maria
All the hotel rooms are at ground level and they are built around a portico and courtyard with the large room-window looking out at the citrus trees outside. Rooms are fresh, sunny and embellished with florals. Oak wood furniture, terracotta tile floors, safe, mini bar, LCD TV, kettle with coffee tea maker, hairdryer, wrought iron elegant beds with ortho approved mattresses are some of the amenities.
Each room has a digital safe and an attached bathroom with shower/ bath tub and complimentary toiletries. There are double rooms, superior rooms, triple and quadruple rooms, junior suites and senior suites on offer. The décor scheme is simple and cannot be called luxurious. Rooms offer air conditioning only in the summers and not in the colder months. There is an outdoor seating area with a garden and the house pet… a lovey elderly golden retriever is especially charming.
Staff service is good and special kudos to Marvin and Norman in the bar area and the front desk lady Anika who do exceptional work. From hastened check ins to directions to restaurant recommendations and complimentary coffee… guests get treated pretty nice. There is an apartment right above the rooms of Santa Maria hotel and if there are loud footed people upstairs you might have a hard time sleeping. The hotel doesn’t offer any meals but they do offer a nice seasonal breakfast and the bar serves a good collection of stuzzichini with their drinks. The chauffeur service is quite commendable though a short distance away is piazza Trilussa with its permanent taxi rank.
The location in Travestere is wonderful with easy access to the train station, Vatican City and central Rome. There are lots of inexpensive but great restaurants nearby. You might have to look a little to find the hotel because it’s in Vicolo Del Piede that’s in a tucked away alley behind Piazza Santa Maria.
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Address: Vicolo del Piede 2. Website
Aberdeen Hotel
Like many other mid ranged hotels in Roma, the Aberdeen is built in a restored Palazzo that still retains its graceful façade and charm. If the old Roman look appeals to you then you will love the place. Carrara marble furnishes both the interiors and exteriors and original antique frescoes dating back to the 19th century decorates the breakfast room.
The hotel doesn’t have free WI fi all across but there is a free interne corner for all guests. All of their 37 rooms (simply divided into single, double and triple styles) have mini bars, safe, ortho mattresses, satellite TV, air conditioning and direct phone lines. The furniture is all designed by some local designer so there is a distinct Italian touch. The double beds are mostly 2 singles pushed together so that might be an issue. Some of the bathrooms even have bathtubs along with regular showers, so specify beforehand if you want the tub.
The pamphlets on local events and free maps in each room are super helpful. Wake up calls, iron and ironing table and laundry service are available on request. The staff will book tours, arrange for museum tickets, reserve flights and arrange airport transfers with alacrity and housekeeping service is also fairly efficient.
There is complimentary breakfast which is tasty but moderate; expect items like bread, corn flakes, croissants, yogurt, cakes, tea, coffee, pastries, cheeses, marmalade and a delightful tray of ham. Every day there is a selection of house baked fresh buns and breads and on some days there are sweet lattice biscuits, plums and peaches in syrup, marble loaf cake and cream cheese. The hostess will brew you excellent cappuccinos too!! There isn’t any in-house restaurant but that’s not really an issue as there are several good restaurants and gelato places in Via Nazionale and Via Principe Amedeo.
The downsides are that the Aberdeen shares its scarce outdoor space i.e. a courtyard with a few other neighbouring hotels. The free internet corner means just single computer with a printer so you need to be really lucky to grab a seat.
Location is one of the biggest strengths of hotel Aberdeen. The Termini train station and the Trevi fountain are both nearby and the bus and subway stops are near. Other walkable-to attractions are Santa Maria Maggiore, Santa Maria della Vittoria, Teatro di Marcello, Apollo sosiano, Trajans Forum, Baths of Diocletian etc.
There is even a great Laundromat nearby (Ondablu on Via Principe Amedeo) and anyone who has been to the beautiful but dusty Roma before will understand why that’s so important.
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Address: Via Firenze n. 48, 00184 Rome. Website
Albergo Del Senato
The rather classy looking façade of Albergo Del Senato stands right next to the Pantheon on Piazza Rotunda. A 3 star hotel with a central location, beautiful facilities and classical roman décor schemes the Albergo has been consistent in its reputation of being a highly popular hotel with a loyal visitor list.
Since April 2019 they have opened a new rooftop terrace (there is even a garden on it) that can be used exclusively by their guests who want to sip their wine (or the house special martini) while enjoying magnificent views of Roma. Free Wi Fi, baby cots (chargeable and on request), accessible features and an elevator makes this place easy to stay… there is a nicely decorated breakfast room but they don’t serve lunch or dinner. However since there are so many fabulous restaurants in the Pantheon area this shouldn’t be a problem. There is a small conference room with modern facilities.
The staff is warm and friendly and special mention must be made of Fabio (front desk guy) and Serena and Julia who go out of their way to accommodate guests. The rooms are beautifully furnished with traditional artefacts and draperies. While the higher range rooms are absolutely gorgeous (some may consider them a bit dated) better avoid the base rooms. The classic rooms for example are small enough to make a couple feel claustrophobic and their bathrooms are also abominably small.
The hotel is situated right next door to the Pantheon and you should definitely ask for a room that looks right down at the landmark and its beautiful piazza with its fountain and never ending buzz. However there is a minor issue…the 3 to 4 hour light and sound show that goes on at the piazza might be disturbing. You can walk to all major destinations like the Colosseum, Trevi and the Spanish steps.
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Address: Piazza Della Rotonda 73, 00186 Rome. Website
Hotel Lancelot
This pleasant 60 room hotel with multilingual staff and an air of quiet intimacy is family owned and unobtrusive. The Lancelot hotel is efficiently run by Mrs Khan, her son Ferris Khan and her family. The rooms are simple yet elegantly furnished and you will notice lots of cut flowers, green plants and near perfect cleanliness. The façade is simple brown brick with homely ivy trails running over the building with a rather residential look.
Rooms are divided in classic rooms, terrace rooms and suites, triple and quadriple rooms and even accessible rooms that are designed for guests with mobility issues. Décor is simple ad pretty and white and pastel tones ensure that the visual space is expanded. The pleasant round tables that lie in the common dining areas of Lancelot are a meeting place of different cultures as guest are expected to talk, eat and hang out over their breakfast and the evening snacks.
If you happen to be around here during Christmas, New Year or some special occasion look out for the musical program and feast organised here. Breakfast and dinner are served here and both meals are excellent and home cooked though the breakfast has no hot food options. The owner and her family joins the guests during meals and there are a lot of stories, anecdotes passed around.
Situated in the pretty Celio neighbourhood… hotel Lancelot gives you a nice option of checking out residential Rome with its babies in strollers and couples walking hand in hand. This is a historical area that lies in a valley sandwiched between Celian and Oppian hills that was once the playground of the infamous king Nero. There are plenty of bars, trattorias and cafes around to keep you occupied and many important attractions such as St Johns in the Lateran, Colosseum, San Clement etc. are within walking distance.
Just a short walk away from the Colosseum the Lancelot nevertheless is far removed from that touristy vibe. This is a family owned place that doesn’t offer big hotel amenities like free Wi fi, gym, and spa or even branded toiletries.
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Address: Via Capo Africa 47. 00184 Rome, Italy. Website
Hotel Albergo Abruzzi
This 26 room niche hotel is styled after ancient Roma with its lovely earthen tone and sketches and paintings depicting the beauties of the ancient civilization. It’s a small boutique hotel with virtually no lobby… there is an ante room that connects the entrance and the reception.
Some of the amenities in the room are minibar, electric kettle with coffee/ tea/hot chocolate supplies. The bathrooms have free hair dryer and toiletry kits. The hotel doesn’t have an in-house kitchen but they serve a hearty American breakfast in the nearby restaurant. There is an elevator in the hotel but it works pretty slowly and you need to climb a narrow flight of stairs anyway to reach the first floor to avail the elevator.
The annexe rooms are in a separate connected buildings that’s just about 20 meters from the main hotel; you will find the well-known café T’Orso near these rooms.
Service is great and some of the exceptional staff are Claudia, Antonio and Simone. Location wise, it’s near the Pantheon so that may be an advantage/ disadvantage depending upon whether you seek liveliness/ solitude. Piazza Rotunda has free style musicians singing on it all the time. The Trevi fountain and its famous cluster of Gelato shops are also nearby.
Most of its rooms look right out at the Pantheon and the attraction is just about 50 meters away. If the noise bothers you, and you want absolute peace and quiet then this isn’t an ideal location. But if convenience and the thrill of being in Rome’s historic centre attracts you then you really can’t do better.
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Address: Piazza Della Rotonda. Website
Mario de Fiori
Mari de Fiori is high on style and with good reason….after all it’s the junior partner of Rome Luxury Suites and sits stylishly in the middle of the Spanish Steps fashionable shopping hub. This is a 17th century townhouse that resembles the residence of a very wealthy Roman and even as you enter only the reception desk will let you know that this is a hotel. The owner Alberto Monacada gives away his fantastic ‘Roman Notebook’ that’s full of restaurant, shopping and sightseeing information….for free to his guests!! The front desk guy Giuseppe is super friendly too.
Rooms are done up stylishly in cream, wood with violet and jade accents while photos of Roman landscapes adorn each space. While all rooms even the deluxe ones are pretty spacious…two of the best picks are Rooftop suite 325 and Junior Suite 310. Each room has modern amenities that include Nespresso machines, flat screen TV, safe, mini bar etc. The rooftop suites have slanted old fashioned roofs while the junior suites have beautiful ceiling beams. There are only ten rooms in this establishment which explains the pervasive feeling of peace and quiet in this busy area.
Breakfast (very light one) comprising of coffee, croissants and orange juice) is served in room on request but guests can opt to feast on hearties breakfast spread at Babuino (sister concern) though it comes with the hefty price tag of 18 euros per person.
Cutting across the label store heavy Via Condotti this pretty cobbled Via Mario de Fiori is close to the shopping mecca but bereft of its bustle. Walk for ten minutes in any direction and you will find amazing cafes, wine bars and restaurants. You can take a short walk to the piazza Barberini and view the Trevi Fountain or explore the Keats Shelly museum while the Spanish Steps is literally next door.
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Address: Via Mario Dè Fiori, 37/b, Rome, Italy. Website
A travel addict. Still celebrating the day when he quit his high-profile corporate job to pursue his passion for travel writing.