Hotel Garda

Hotel Description

You know what? Hotel Garda surprised me. I mean, when you’re booking a 3-star place on Via Veneto, you’re not expecting miracles, but this little spot actually gets it right in ways that matter. The building itself has that classic Roman charm – you know, the kind where the elevator is tiny but the ceilings are impossibly high, and somehow that trade-off feels totally worth it.

The location is honestly the real winner here. You’re literally a two-minute walk from the Barberini metro stop, which I didn’t fully appreciate until I was hauling my suitcase through Rome’s cobblestone maze on previous trips. Plus, you’re close enough to Via Veneto’s famous stretch that you can people-watch at the outdoor cafes, but far enough down Via Lombardia that you don’t get the tourist chaos right outside your window. I actually slept pretty well, which – if you’ve stayed anywhere near the Trevi Fountain area – you’ll know is not a given in central Rome. The mornings are quiet too, at least until around 8 when the city starts waking up properly.

What I really liked was how the staff seemed to actually know the neighborhood. The guy at the front desk (older gentleman, been there forever from what I could tell) didn’t just hand me a generic tourist map. He marked up specific spots – like where to get decent coffee that’s not €4 a cup, and which gelato place on Via del Tritone is actually worth the detour. The rooms are… well, they’re what you’d expect for a solid 3-star, but everything worked. The air conditioning was quiet, the shower had proper water pressure, and honestly, the bed was more comfortable than some 4-star places I’ve stayed. There’s this slightly old-fashioned feel to the whole place – think floral wallpaper and dark wood furniture – but it’s well-maintained, not shabby.

The breakfast situation is pretty standard continental fare, nothing fancy, but they do this thing where they’ll pack you a little bag if you’re heading out early for day trips. Small touch, but when you’re rushing to catch the first train to Florence, it matters. One thing though – if you’re planning to come back late after dinner (which, let’s be honest, is basically mandatory in Rome), just know that the front desk isn’t 24/7. They’ll give you the door code, but it’s one of those things where you feel slightly like you’re sneaking into your own hotel after midnight.

The whole area comes alive in the evening, by the way. Via Veneto has this golden hour magic where the light hits those plane trees just right, and you can wander over to Villa Borghese if you need a break from all the marble and traffic. I spent a good chunk of one afternoon just sitting in the hotel’s little lobby area, planning my next day while watching Romans do their evening passeggiata outside. It’s not luxury, but it’s Rome in a way that feels real rather than packaged for tourists. For the price point and that location, Hotel Garda delivers exactly what it promises – a comfortable base camp for exploring the city, run by people who clearly care about getting the details right.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $148. Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $196. Triple Room with 3 single beds, 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 3
• Estimated price from: $237. Quadruple Room with 2 single beds, 1 double bed and 4 single beds for Max persons: 3
• Estimated price from: $123. Single Room with 1 single bed for Max persons: 1

Reviews

• A very good choice! – Ioannis from Greece – 11 June 2025 (9/10)

  Location was great. Staff was great. Room and all the hotel areas was very clean!

• Superb – Tamara from United States – 20 April 2025 (9/10)

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  What could be improved: Everything was good

• Good hotel in good location – Ofer from Israel – 28 March 2025 (9/10)

  Nice clean and cozy

• Great stay, great value – Oliver from United Kingdom – 26 March 2025 (9/10)

  Great value, helpful staff, walking distance to tourist streets
  
  What could be improved: Very firm beds

• Good. – Liana from Malta – 23 March 2025 (7/10)

  Close to Trevi fountain.
  
  What could be improved: We had to leave the room keys with the reception each time we left the hotel.

• It was perfect for what we needed and the staff were extremelyhelpful. – Eironwy from United Kingdom – 19 March 2025 (8/10)

  It was close to the USA embassy.
  
  What could be improved: No mosquito netting screens that I could see. Maybe they them in in the summer? Unfortunately I got bitten!

• Superb – Kirill from Israel – 4 March 2025 (9/10)

  Exellent location, polite staff, clean, the room of good size
  
  What could be improved: No coffee machine

• Very good – Chiara from Australia – 24 February 2025 (8/10)

  the location was excellent, just a stones throw away from all the main attractions, and the staff were lovely. super walkable but also good transport options if needed. and plenty of good restaurants nearby.
  
  What could be improved: the toilet in our bathroom was adjacent to the shower making it difficult to sit comfortably if you are over 5’6

• Great budget Hotel for a trip to Rome – Stephen from United Kingdom – 13 February 2025 (9/10)

  in an excellent location, this is a great budget hotel. Full of character, it's on the 4th floor of a block and makes a nice change from chain hotels. The staff were helpful and super friendly. It is exactly what you should expect, not a lot of amenities but clean and a great base for a Rome trip

• Superb – Fabiano from Ireland – 27 January 2025 (9/10)

  Nice and clean, just perfect to enjoy the day out and sleep at night 👌

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities