La Dimora del Cardinale

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about La Dimora del Cardinale? The name actually makes sense once you’re there – there’s this sort of understated elegance that feels like it could’ve housed actual cardinals back in the day. It’s tucked away on Via Marcantonio Colonna (honestly, good luck pronouncing that if you’re asking for directions), but here’s the thing – being on an “interno” means you’re stepping through a courtyard entrance, which immediately cuts you off from the street noise. I mean, you’re still in Rome, so it’s not monastery-quiet, but it’s surprisingly peaceful for being so close to everything.

The Prati neighborhood is where Romans actually live and shop, not just where tourists stumble around looking lost. You’ll find yourself walking down Via Cola di Rienzo for some of the best non-touristy shopping in the city – real Italians buying actual groceries and clothes, not just gelato and “I Love Rome” t-shirts. The Vatican is honestly just a pleasant 10-minute walk away, but more importantly, you’re about three blocks from the Ottaviano metro stop, which… well, let’s just say Roman public transport has its moments, but this line actually works pretty reliably. There’s also this fantastic little bakery – Panificio something-or-other – about two streets over where locals line up for cornetti in the morning. You’ll know you’ve found it when you see the queue of people in business clothes grabbing coffee before work.

What really gets me about this place is how it feels more like staying in someone’s well-appointed Roman apartment than a hotel. The 8.9 rating isn’t just numbers – you can feel it in details like how the AC actually works (not a given in Rome, trust me), and the fact that the staff seems to genuinely care about whether you find what you’re looking for. The rooms have this sort of classic Roman elegance without being stuffy – think warm colors and decent lighting, not those harsh hotel bulbs that make everyone look like they’re dying. Parking is… well, it’s Rome, so forget about driving unless you enjoy urban warfare, but the area is actually pretty walkable to most of the major sites. I’d say if you’re the type who wants to experience Rome more like a temporary resident than a tourist checking boxes, this place hits that sweet spot. It’s not trying to be the fanciest hotel in the city, but it’s doing the four-star thing really well – comfortable, thoughtful, and positioned in a neighborhood where you’ll actually see how Romans live when they’re not selling postcards.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $243. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Super location, spacious apartment. – Duha from Canada – 8 June 2025 (10/10)

  Convenient location, walking distance to many sites, and easy access to any type of public transportation. Loads of restaurants and stores in the neighborhood.
  
  What could be improved: Lack of communication. The room was not ready until 7 p.m..

• Superb – Antoniya from Bulgaria – 20 April 2025 (9/10)

  Everything
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• cosy apartment – Aileen from Germany – 27 September 2024 (10/10)

  the apartment was very accessible to transportation around town. also walking distance to bars and restaurants. the apartment is very spacious and clean. it is easy to find, too. we took the bus shuttle to the city and alighted at the bus stop Vatican. from there approximately 15 walking minutes to the apartment.
  
  What could be improved: nothing

• Exceptional – John from United States – 17 July 2024 (10/10)

  I liked it a lot, location was very good
  
  What could be improved: I really can't say that I didn't like it. One thing I can say don't is that the elevators are so small in Europe. Yes

• Superb – Rupsha from United Kingdom – 17 June 2024 (9/10)

  The location was really good with lots of restaurants nearby.
  The amenities provided were really good.
  
  What could be improved: There was no mirror in the double bedroom.

• Fantastic modern apartment in central Rome – Laura from Ireland – 24 May 2024 (10/10)

  Fantastic bright modern apartment. Shampoo, conditioner and coffee pods were a great bonus during our stay. Really nice coffee machine. Nice bakery located below the apartment. We stayed here while attending the tennis Internazionali d'Italia which was within walking distance approx 30 mins. Pantheon/Vatican/Trevi fountain all within 30 minutes walking. I would recommend everyone to stay here. Thanks for a great stay.
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Superb – Javier from Spain – 7 May 2024 (9/10)

  Great location in the best area to stay in Rome.
  The appartment is really comfortable and clean. It is also very quiet so that you can rest after a whole day walking around the city.
  The owner is very nice. I would definitely come back!!

• Fantastic – Zoe from United Kingdom – 11 April 2024 (9/10)

  Great location, bus stop right outside, metro just a short walk up the road. Property was spacious and very clean, beds were comfortable
  
  What could be improved: Unfortunately the shower was broken, which meant we had to use one hand to hold it whilst showering which made showering tricky. It didn’t spoil our time though, as everything else was excellent.

• Amazing location, clean tidy apartment with all you need, easy to access everything you would need for a stay away to ex – Emvee from United Kingdom – 2 April 2024 (9/10)

  The location to everything from public transport to the sights of Rome to see was perfect. The apartment was spacious and clean and neighbours were quiet so barely know you had any.
  
  What could be improved: If you don’t like heights it’s maybe not the place for you with a open courtyard balcony to get to the front door and washing to be hung out of the 3rd floor window looking down could be daunting for people not used to it. Kettle lid didn’t secure, nearly had a nasty accident, informed host and she said she would get another sorted. Unplugged it to use the toaster and went to use again after and it would not turn on at all. Informed host but unfortunately they didn’t manage to get one to us before we left. Making baby milk and tea old style with a pan of water had to do.

• Excellent choice – Rui from Portugal – 25 January 2024 (10/10)

  Excellent location, perfect to visit Rome by foot. Immaculate cleanliness! The apartment have everything you need for a family. The service provided by the host was perfect. She gave us good recommendations for restaurants, supermarkets, etc. For sure we'll come back and we highly recommend it. Thank you.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities