Al Portico d’Ottavia

Hotel Description

You know what? I almost walked right past Al Portico d’Ottavia the first time I tried to find it. The entrance is tucked away on this narrow cobblestone street in the Jewish Quarter – Via del Portico d’Ottavia – and honestly, that’s part of its charm. You’re literally staying above the ancient Roman ruins (the Portico d’Ottavia itself is right there), which sounds touristy but actually feels pretty magical when you’re coming home after dinner and the floodlights are hitting those 2,000-year-old columns.

The hotel sits on the second floor of this historic building, and I mean – the location is ridiculous in the best way. You’re a five-minute walk from the Pantheon, but more importantly, you’re in the heart of where Romans actually eat. There’s this tiny bakery called Boccione just around the corner that’s been run by the same Jewish family since 1922, and their ricotta tart is… well, let’s just say I went there three mornings in a row. The Trastevere crowds haven’t discovered this little pocket yet, so you get that authentic neighborhood vibe without feeling like you’re performing tourism. The rooms themselves are what you’d expect from a well-run four-star place – clean, comfortable, decent WiFi that actually works. Nothing groundbreaking, but the staff genuinely seems to care about getting the details right. They helped me figure out the whole Rome transportation thing (which, let’s be honest, is confusing), and when I mentioned I was interested in food, the front desk guy – Marco, I think – drew me a little hand-drawn map of his favorite spots within walking distance.

Here’s the thing though – this isn’t some sterile boutique hotel. The building has character, which means you’ll hear the occasional footstep from upstairs and the street can get a bit lively on weekend nights. But that’s Rome, you know? The trade-off is that you’re staying in a real neighborhood where kids play soccer in the little piazza and the guy at the corner café starts making your cappuccino the moment he sees you coming. Plus, and this is key – you can actually walk to most of the major sites. The Pantheon, obviously, but also the Campo de’ Fiori market, the river, even the Spanish Steps if you don’t mind a pleasant 15-minute stroll. After spending a week battling Rome’s buses and metro, being able to walk everywhere felt like a luxury. The 9.1 rating makes sense to me – it’s not trying to be the fanciest place in Rome, but it nails the fundamentals while giving you that “I’m living like a local” experience that’s getting harder and harder to find in the city center.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $476. Three-Bedroom Apartment with 1 single bed, 2 × 1 large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Great location and accommodations. – Jennifer from United States – 21 June 2025 (10/10)

  Perfect location. Close enough to walk to most anywhere you wanted to go, but in an area that was not busy. Our group of 6 were very comfortable and we would definitely reserve again.
  
  What could be improved: Can’t think of a thing.

• Great stay in Rome – Beth from United States – 10 June 2025 (10/10)

  The location was great, near all the major places one would want to see when visiting Rome. Very clean and comfortable everything one would want when on vacation.
  Marco, the attendant with the rental, was a true gem. He was kind and explained the apartment and area to us. He made sure all of our needs were met. Would definitely stay here again.

• Exceptional – William from United States – 30 May 2025 (10/10)

  Big rooms and great location

• Fabulous time, exploring a wonderful city, with comfortable accommodation – Wendy from United Kingdom – 16 March 2025 (9/10)

  Spacious, well equipped, great location
  Good communication from host.
  Would recommend to people.
  
  What could be improved: Minor things, dishwasher not working, no hot water in kitchen

• Perfetta. Grazie – John from United Kingdom – 10 February 2025 (10/10)

  Size, location, communication, facilities. Will definitely use again should we be back, and will recommend to others.
  
  What could be improved: Can’t think of anything

• Superb – Hilla from Israel – 7 February 2025 (9/10)

  Location, clean
  
  What could be improved: Mattresses too soft, loud noise from outside at night

• Superb – Miriam from Canada – 9 January 2025 (9/10)

  The location was amazing. The staff was very helpful and the apartment was spacious and very clean

• Fabulous property with great sized rooms. Federico the host was very attentive and responsive – Philippa from Australia – 21 November 2024 (10/10)

  Bedrooms were a generous size and great to have a seperate lounge area.
  
  What could be improved: The only issue was the birds who arrived about 11pm to attack the rubbish left by the restaurants. They were very noisy. But they normally cleared between 12 and 1 am as soon as the rubbish was collected

• Great Stay at a central location – Judith from Australia – 10 November 2024 (10/10)

  Location was great and all attractions very conveniently accessible

• Fabulous apartment – Susan from Australia – 30 September 2024 (10/10)

  Fabulous location, huge apartment overlooking Roman ruins. It was extremely clean and comfortable, we loved staying here.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities