Babuino 181 – Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed in a lot of Rome hotels, and most of them are either tourist traps near the Colosseum or boring business places that could be anywhere. But Babuino 181? This one actually gets it right. It’s tucked right on Via del Babuino – you know, that street that connects Piazza del Popolo to the Spanish Steps – and honestly, the location alone makes it worth considering. You can walk to Villa Borghese in ten minutes, hit up the designer shops on Via del Corso, or just wander down to the Steps without dealing with buses or taxis.

The hotel itself feels like someone’s really elegant Roman apartment, if that someone happened to have impeccable taste and a serious budget. I mean, it’s part of Small Luxury Hotels, so you know it’s not going to be some cookie-cutter chain experience. The rooms are what I’d call “intimate” – which is hotel speak for not huge, but they’re designed so well that you don’t really mind. Everything’s done in these warm, sophisticated tones, and the beds are honestly some of the most comfortable I’ve encountered in Europe. The staff actually remembers your name after the first day, which sounds small but makes such a difference when you’re jet-lagged and trying to figure out dinner reservations.

What really sold me though was the neighborhood vibe. Via del Babuino isn’t one of those streets that completely shuts down at night – there’s always a bit of life, but it’s not the chaos you get closer to the Pantheon. You’ve got Caffè Canova right around the corner (their cornetti are ridiculous), and if you’re into antiques, well, you’re basically in heaven with all the shops along the street. The hotel’s concierge – and I usually ignore hotel concierges because they just push expensive tourist restaurants – actually steered me toward this little place called Il Sorpasso that I never would have found otherwise. That’s the kind of local knowledge that makes a difference. Sure, you’re paying for the luxury factor, but honestly? When you’re in Rome for just a few days, being able to walk everywhere that matters and come back to a place that feels special rather than generic… it’s worth it. Just don’t expect a huge lobby or a massive pool – this is boutique luxury, not resort-style amenities.

Rooms

• Superior Double Room – Separate Building with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 1 child
• Classic Suite with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Suite with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 1 child
• Executive Suite with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Suite with Private Terrace – Separate Building with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Suite – Split Level – Separate Building with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 1 child
• Standard Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults

Reviews

• Tariq from Saudi Arabia (9/10)

  Location is great as well all staff are very friendly and helpful especially the lady at the reception thank you it was a great stay.

• Isaac from Australia (8/10)

  Beautifully appointed with lovely but compact features
  Amazing terrace for breakfast and very comfortable public space to sit around there. Excellent location.

• Barbara from Ireland (9/10)

  Lovely breakfast on rooftop, which was also lovely for a nice pre dinner drink. Location great & rooms so quiet despite being on busy street. Really big & comfortable bed.

• Cibele from Brazil (8/10)

  Perfect location, it is close by the most tourist place in Rome. The breakfast was perfect, all the staff are really gentle specially the one from restaurant.

• Siddharth127 from India (9/10)

  Super nice , smiling staff, which is rare to find.

• Sarah from United Kingdom (9/10)

  The location was ideal for exploring Rome but also for shopping and cafes. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, the rooms were perfect and the breakfast was top tier!

• An from United States (9/10)

  Great location, very friendly staff

• Linda from United States (8/10)

  The room was spacious yet the space seemed not well utilized . The bathroom was a good distance from the bed and a little difficult to find in the dark. Location was within walking distance of most sites and easy to get a taxi. Breakfast was varied, good coffee and choices of cold cuts smoked salmon pastries .

• Joanne from Ireland (9/10)

  This is a beautiful small hotel within walking distance of everything in Rome. The staff go over and above to ensure you have an amazing time

• Anna-maria from Bulgaria (9/10)

  It is our second visit in this hotel and I can say only positive things about it. The location is perfect, we were in a very nice spacious room with walk-in closet a huge bathroom. The breakfast at the rooftop restaurant was very good.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities