€€ Hotels
Rome does have options a little higher on the price bracket, and a little goes a long way in a city swarming with tourist traps If you’re willing to spend a little extra for a private room or bathroom and some extra charm, the spectrum of mid-range hotels, B&Bs, and pensions is vast and varied for all tastes.
1 Step from Saint Peters
So technically it’s more of a ten-minute walk, but this quiet hostel seems worlds away from the Vatican-bound crowds. Hipster-owner Fredrich basically leaves you the keys ( €50 deposit) to one of the rooms (singe, double, triple) in this gorgeous, high ceilinged ‘20s-era palazzo. Bathrooms are shared, but they are spick and span and numerous! Polished floors, clean white walls and a very homey communal room make this place one to keep coming back to.
Double rooms start at €80.
Prati/Vatican. 52 Via Giovanni Bettolo. Telephone: +39 0699700079.
Hotel Giuggioli
Black, grey, and chrome décor with a metrosexual vibe and minimalist charm set this mid-range sleeper apart. Rooms are tidy and pretty close to immaculate, and the breakfast room-cum-bar kind of makes you want to order a dirty martini. A upstairs, sister hotel (Quiriti) offers a more classic version of the same 3-star amenities.
Doubles start at €69.
Prati/Vatican. Address: 198 Via Germanico. Telephone: +39 636005389, www.hoteldeiquiriti.com
Retrome B&B and Guesthouses
Bengi and Motti took their love for style of a bygone era and built a small hospitality empire. The B&B was their first and cheapest endeavour (unless you’re travelling in larger group), and they’ve since opened three guesthouses, all decked out in ‘50s and ‘60s furnishings. Bathrooms are shared, but exquisitely cleaned.
Double rooms start at €45.
Address: Termini. 13 Via Marghera. Telephone: (+39) 3391396667/ 3343494163.
www.retrome.net
Hotel Duca d’Alba
This hotel is a winner during low season, but spikes a bit during early summer and around big holidays. Nestled into the hilly Monti district, the marble-floored lobby and bar and 27 original and refurbished rooms should cost twice as much. The Colosseum and Piazza Venezia are both at walking distance.
Double rooms start at €90.
Address: Monti-Colosseum. 14 Via Leonina. Telephone: 06484471, www.hotelducadalba.com
Casa Per Ferie Santa Maria alle Fornace
The nuns are on the run at this former convent-turned guesthouse and conference centre. Rooms are spare and far from spacious, but cleanliness is godliness and the view of the backside of Saint Peter’s is rather breathtaking.
Double rooms: €90
Vatican-Prati. Piazza S. Maria alle Fornace, 27. Telephone: + 39 0639367632, www.trinitaridematha.it