Domus Castrense

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first walked up to Domus Castrense – I mean, it’s tucked away on this quiet stretch of Viale dell’Università in Nomentano, which honestly feels more like a residential neighborhood than tourist central. But that’s actually what makes it work so well.

The whole area has this authentic Roman vibe that you miss when you’re staying near the Colosseum with all the tour groups. You’ve got actual Romans walking their dogs in the morning, old guys playing cards at the corner café, and – this is key – you can actually get a decent cappuccino without paying tourist prices. The hotel itself sits in what feels like a converted building (though honestly, half of Rome feels that way), and there’s something really appealing about how they’ve kept some of the original character while making it comfortable. The lobby doesn’t try too hard to impress you, which I appreciate. Check-in was smooth, staff spoke solid English, and they seemed to actually know the neighborhood when I asked about dinner spots – not just the obvious places everyone recommends.

Here’s the thing about staying in Nomentano – you’re close enough to everything that matters, but far enough away that you can breathe. The metro connection isn’t terrible (though let’s be real, Roman public transport is what it is), and if you’re the type who likes to walk, you can get to Villa Borghese pretty easily. I spent a morning just wandering the streets around the hotel, and it felt like discovering the Rome that actual people live in. The rooms are what you’d expect from a solid 4-star – clean, comfortable beds, decent bathroom, nothing fancy but nothing to complain about either. Actually, the AC worked better than some 5-star places I’ve stayed at in the city, which matters more than you think when you’re dealing with Roman summers. Street noise wasn’t an issue, probably because you’re not on one of those crazy main thoroughfares where Vespas are buzzing around at all hours.

What really sold me on the place was the breakfast situation – they had this little spread that included some local pastries alongside the usual hotel fare, and the coffee was legitimately good. Not “good for hotel coffee,” just good. The staff seemed to know their regulars (I got the sense some people stay here regularly for business), but they weren’t standoffish with tourists. If you’re looking for that Instagram-perfect rooftop bar or marble everything, this isn’t your spot. But if you want a comfortable base in a real Roman neighborhood where you can walk to a proper trattoria for dinner and not feel like you’re in a theme park version of the city, Domus Castrense actually delivers on that promise. The 8.6 rating makes sense – it’s not trying to be something it’s not, and what it does, it does well.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $275. Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $381. Triple Room with 2 × 1 double bed, 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Really nice place near the city centre – Marta from Croatia – 22 June 2025 (10/10)

  Domus Castrense is a really nice place to stay. It’s walking distance to train station Roma Termini (10min) and also close to bus (4min) and tram (10min) stations. The room was exceptionally clean and comfortable. Staff was really helpful if we had any questions.
  Would stay there again if I come back to Rome.

• Great rooms and very close to termini – Boris from Chile – 16 June 2025 (9/10)

  The location is about 12 min from termini, this was perfect. Also you have bus and metro in 5 min.
  The room was clean and the staff was very nice all the time.

• The stay was great for what we needed, a lovely hotel close to the train station. – Leila from United Kingdom – 14 June 2025 (8/10)

  We stayed for one night to be close to the train station and it was perfect for that, a short walk to the station. The street the hotel is on is felt safe and there are lots of restaurants and cafes very close.
  We arrived around 10pm and the self check in was free and easy. We ate in a very nice restaurant just a few doors down that served food until midnight.
  
  The room was big and clean and the bathroom very nice.
  
  The staff were all lovely.
  
  The breakfast was good, especially for it being included in the stay and for a very reasonable price. Typical Italian breakfast, pastries, fruit, cereal and yogurt, juices, tea and coffee. There was also salami and bread rolls if you prefer something savoury.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was good overall. The “double” bed was two single beds that were pushed together and they weren’t the most comfortable but they were fine, we both slept very well as we were so tired.

• Very good – Vasile from Spain – 5 June 2025 (8/10)

  The location, staff, silence.
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast has very little variety. And the pillows were quite hard.

• Clean comfy room – Anne from United Kingdom – 26 May 2025 (8/10)

  Lovely staff. Clean comfy bed
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Great location – three blocks from Roma Termini – Jessica from United States – 21 May 2025 (9/10)

  Three blocks from Roma Termini train station. Clean and beautiful rooms.
  
  What could be improved: The breakfast was okay, but not great.

• Superb – Oana from Switzerland – 9 May 2025 (9/10)

  The friendly, respectful staff are focused on customer satisfaction. The rooms are well-maintained and clean, with a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere.
  
  What could be improved: –

• We loved this accommodation – Katiuscia from Spain – 3 May 2025 (10/10)

  We loved this accommodation—it exceeded our expectations! Everything was clean, the staff was incredibly friendly, and the breakfast was authentic and the best we had during our trip. We truly enjoyed our stay.

• Superb – Dhritabrata from Denmark – 20 April 2025 (9/10)

  Room, Bed, Breakfast, Close location to the termini station
  
  What could be improved: Wifi

• Very clean and comfortable room – Serbanescu from Albania – 7 April 2025 (9/10)

  The staff is very friendly
  
  What could be improved: The noise of the street, sirens of police and ambulances

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities