Casa 901 – The Italian Stay Collection

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Casa 901? It’s tucked away on this quiet residential street in Prati, and I mean *actually* quiet – not that fake “peaceful oasis” marketing nonsense you usually see. When I first walked up to Viale Giulio Cesare 47, I’ll be honest, I was a bit confused because it looks like any other Roman apartment building. But that’s exactly what makes it special.

The whole setup is basically like staying in a really well-appointed Italian apartment, which – if you’ve ever been to Rome – is so much better than those sterile hotel chains near Termini. The owners clearly get that travelers want to feel like they’re living in Rome, not just visiting it. I loved how they’ve kept all the authentic touches (the old elevator that makes those perfect creaky Italian sounds, the marble stairs worn smooth by decades of footsteps) while actually making everything work properly. The WiFi doesn’t cut out every ten minutes, the shower has decent water pressure, and honestly, the air conditioning was a godsend during my July visit.

But here’s the real insider knowledge – staying in Prati is absolutely brilliant, and most tourists have no idea. You’re literally a five-minute walk from the Vatican, but you’re also in this neighborhood where actual Romans live and work. There’s this fantastic bakery about two blocks down that opens at 6 AM (perfect for early Vatican visits), and the whole area comes alive in the evenings when locals are heading home from work. I’d walk out in the morning and grab coffee with business people and families, not just other tourists clutching guidebooks. The metro connection is solid too – Lepanto station gets you anywhere in the city without the chaos of the more central stops.

What really sold me on the place was how the staff treated me like a neighbor, not a customer. They gave me actual recommendations (not just the obvious touristy spots), and when I mentioned I was interested in Roman architecture, they pointed me toward this gorgeous early 20th-century building design walking route through Prati that I never would have found otherwise. The check-in was refreshingly straightforward – no upselling, no complicated key card systems, just “here’s your key, the good gelato place is around the corner, let us know if you need anything.”

Is it perfect? Well, if you’re someone who needs a concierge desk and room service, this probably isn’t your speed. And the building is old, so you’ll hear some street noise in the mornings – but it’s the pleasant kind of Roman morning sounds (espresso machines, people chatting, the occasional Vespa) rather than tourist bus engines. I actually found it charming, but I know some people are particular about that stuff.

The bottom line is this: Casa 901 nails that sweet spot between authentic Roman living and actually functional accommodation. You get the experience of staying in a real Roman neighborhood without sacrificing comfort or convenience. After three stays there over the past two years, I can’t imagine booking anywhere else in Rome.

Rooms

• Economy Double Room with 1 large double bed, or and 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Double Room with 1 large double bed, or, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Superior Triple Room with 1 extra-large double bed, 2 × 1 sofa bed, or and 2 single beds for 3 adults, 1 child
• Double Room – Separate Building with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Thays from Brazil (9/10)

  We arrived and had an incredible welcome, giving us tips on how to have a better stay. The cleanliness, comfort and care they took of us was incredible. And the location was great, with the subway just a few steps away. Important to say, they have elevator!

• Rob from United States (9/10)

  The Location and price was perfect! Staff was helpful and friendly.

• Zsuzsanna from Ireland (9/10)

  We had a wonderful time in Rome. The place is very close to many places to visit but still away from the crazy busyness. At the reception Martina was very kind, she gave lots of pointers and whenever we needed some help she was always reachable and super helpful.

• Michael from Colombia (9/10)

  Very clean

• Daniela from Italy (8/10)

  extremely kind host – one of the kindest I've met

• Milica from Serbia (9/10)

  It’s spotlessly clean and right next to the metro station

• Marzia from Italy (9/10)

  Quite, clean and very comfortable room. Lovely and professional staff.

• Laura from Austria (9/10)

  The apartment was very clean and tidy, perfectly situated 2min from the Metro. The hostess Martina was extremely welcoming, friendly and helpful. Really enjoyed the stay there. Would recommend

• Yi from Germany (9/10)

  Host was super friendly

• Sandra from United States (9/10)

  Close to everything , really comfortable and clean

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities