Hotel Smeraldo

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to Hotel Smeraldo on Via dei Chiavari, I wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star place. But you know what? Sometimes the best surprises come in unassuming packages, and this little gem is exactly that kind of surprise. The building itself has that worn-in Roman charm where the stones have stories to tell, and the entrance is so understated you might actually walk past it if you’re not paying attention. But step inside, and there’s this immediate sense of “oh, okay, they know what they’re doing here.”

The thing about staying near the Pantheon – and I mean really near it, like you can practically roll out of bed and touch ancient history – is that you’re smack in the middle of everything that matters in Rome, but Via dei Chiavari is just tucked away enough that you’re not drowning in tourist chaos every second. Actually, that’s probably why this place scored a 9.1 rating, because the location is honestly ridiculous in the best way possible. You’ve got Campo de’ Fiori about a three-minute walk south (perfect for morning coffee and people-watching), and when you head north, you’re basically stepping into postcard Rome with the Pantheon dominating the skyline. The staff here gets it too – they’re not just going through the motions, they actually seem to understand that you’re here to experience Rome, not just sleep in it. The rooms are what you’d expect from a solid 3-star, nothing fancy but clean and comfortable with that European efficiency where everything has its place. Some of the rooms get a bit of street noise, but honestly, that’s part of the Roman experience, and by 11 PM things quiet down enough that it’s not a problem.

What really sold me on this place was the morning routine – you step out for breakfast and within two blocks you’re at Sant’Eustachio for what might be the best coffee in Rome (locals line up there, which tells you everything), then you can wander over to the Pantheon before the crowds really hit. The narrow streets around the hotel are perfect for that aimless Roman wandering where you discover tiny churches and hidden courtyards, and somehow you always end up somewhere amazing. I mean, staying here isn’t about luxury amenities or Instagram-worthy lobbies – it’s about being in the actual heart of Rome where every corner has been part of the city’s story for centuries. The hotel gets that, and they’ve created this comfortable base where you can recharge between adventures without feeling like you’re missing out on the real Rome by hiding in some sterile tourist bubble.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $316. Small Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $351. Superior Double or Twin Room – Annex with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $351. Superior Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $373. Superior Double or Twin Room with Balcony with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $375. Comfort Double Room with Internal View with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $434. Premium Double Room with 1 single bed, 1 large double bed and 3 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $434. Premium Double Room – Annex with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $646. Junior Suite with Terrace with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $669. Family Suite with 1 large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $181. Single Room – Annex with 1 single bed for Max persons: 1

Reviews

• Perfect base to see the city. – Kim from Canada – 5 July 2025 (9/10)

  Very good location and exceptional service from the staff. The breakfast was great.

• We would highly recommend. – Leeann from Canada – 3 July 2025 (10/10)

  Staff was fantastic, especially Pamela and Emmanuel.
  Breakfast was very good. Lots of options.
  Location was the best.

• Had a fabulous 3 night stay in Rome. Hotel Smeraldo was the best – Kathryn from Australia – 30 June 2025 (10/10)

  Location & friendly staff
  
  What could be improved: Nil

• Excellent value! – Heather from United States – 30 June 2025 (9/10)

  Location was great, near Piazza Navona. Staff friendly and helpful, very clean. Breakfast was included and great.
  
  What could be improved: We did have to carry some heavy suitcases up the last flight to our suite because the elevator did not go the whole way up. Not unexpected in Europe but good to know in advance so you can plan accordingly.

• Exceptional – Mai from Israel – 29 June 2025 (10/10)

  We had a truly wonderful stay! The hotel is clean, cozy, fun, and perfectly located – close to everything. The staff are incredibly warm, helpful, and welcoming. Special thanks to Leonardo at the front desk – he felt like a friend and took care of everything we needed with a smile. We loved every minute and were so happy to extend our stay. Highly recommended!

• Exceptional – Vince from Canada – 29 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, great service and we wereupgraded without even asking, and Leonardo was very professional and a gentlemen. The suite they put us in was one of the nicest rooms we’ve ever had in Europe.

• Great place to use as your Rome base – Michelle from Australia – 28 June 2025 (10/10)

  Clean well appointed great staff

• A real Roman experience , place has everything you want when staying in Rome ! – Anthony from United States – 26 June 2025 (10/10)

  Everything ! The staff exceptional , location exceptional! Experience was great ! Clean , great breakfast !
  
  What could be improved: Nothing not to like!

• We’d definitely stay again and hope the issues we had were unique to our room. – Derek from United Kingdom – 25 June 2025 (9/10)

  The location, the standard, the welcome and helpfulness of the staff, the roof top terrace bar.
  
  What could be improved: The air conditioning struggled to cool the room enough at night and the internet access was non existent in room 207.

• Exceptional – Carly from United States – 23 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great staff, cleanly room, great breakfast, convenient location!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities