Mario’s apartament in the Spanish Steps

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed in my fair share of Roman apartments, and Mario’s place on Via Mario de’ Fiori is honestly one of those spots that gets the location thing absolutely right. I mean, you’re literally a three-minute walk from the Spanish Steps – and I’m talking about a leisurely stroll, not a power walk. The first morning I stepped out, I grabbed an espresso from the little bar on the corner (locals call it Bar Mario, no relation to the apartment owner as far as I know) and watched tourists already queuing up for their Instagram shots at Trinità dei Monti.

The apartment itself feels more like staying at a friend’s place than some sterile hotel room. Mario – or whoever manages it now – has this knack for including the stuff you actually need without overdoing it. The kitchen’s got proper coffee cups, not those tiny hotel ones, and there’s a washing machine tucked away that honestly saved my trip since I’d packed light. The Wi-Fi actually works, which you can’t take for granted in these old Roman buildings, and the shower has decent water pressure (again, not always a given). What really struck me was how quiet it gets at night – Via Mario de’ Fiori isn’t one of those tourist thoroughfares that stays loud until 2 AM, but you’re still close enough to everything that matters.

Here’s what I wish someone had told me beforehand: the nearest metro stop is Spagna, but honestly, you’ll barely use it because everything’s walkable. Pantheon’s about ten minutes south, and if you cut through the little streets behind Via del Corso, you can get to Campo de’ Fiori in maybe fifteen minutes. The Trevi Fountain’s close too, though I’d recommend going early morning or late evening unless you enjoy being part of a human sardine can. One thing that caught me off guard – in a good way – was how the neighborhood changes throughout the day. Morning feels residential and calm, then the designer shops along Via del Corso bring in the shopping crowd, but by evening it settles into this nice mix of locals and travelers who aren’t rushing around with selfie sticks. There’s a little alimentari about two blocks down where the owner speaks perfect English and stocks good wine, plus all the basics if you want to eat in occasionally. The area does get busy during peak season (I was there in September and it was manageable), but the apartment’s position on a side street means you get the benefits of being central without feeling like you’re camping in Times Square.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $722. Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed, 1 double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Great location – Lisa from United States – 6 September 2024 (8/10)

  Location was amazing
  
  What could be improved: 3 flights up with no elevator
  Not much in the kitchen to use

• The location is super, the pictures are much nicer than reality. – Zoltan from Hungary – 28 July 2024 (7/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: The second floor is only for people under 160

• We loved the location and helpfulness of the agency when we were locked out. Bedrooms were spacious – Barbara from United States – 16 July 2024 (8/10)

  The location was excellent, close to the Spanish steps. There were restaurants and a grocery store nearby as well as many nice shops. It was also close to a Metro stop.
  
  What could be improved: One night, the door lock didn't work, but the rental agency came and got it repaired.
  
  There was a seating area around a dining table, but there wasn't a living room.

• Good apartment at a great location. – Nikola from Bulgaria – 2 July 2024 (9/10)

  The appartment was very nice, and the location was amazing. The host was helpful with instructions and answering when I had any questions. Had a wonerful time!
  
  What could be improved: Everything was as expected.

• Superb – Anita from United States – 4 June 2024 (9/10)

  The location of the apartment was ideal for shopping, dinners, gelato's.
  Easy access to getting to the Spanish steps and enjoying the piazza.
  
  What could be improved: Lack of the elevator to get to the apartment. I guess more so that it wasn't disclosed in the description of the apartment. Also that the upstairs had low ceilings especially for the tall boys.

• It was great! – Pauline from United States – 4 May 2024 (9/10)

  Apartment is exactly as listed. We really enjoyed being able to crash at a clean beautiful home after all of the sightseeing. The location was perfect.
  
  What could be improved: It didn’t bother me, however you can hear noise from the rooms downstairs. I actually enjoyed hearing the live music at night.

• Great base for exploring Rome. – Arthompson from United Kingdom – 1 May 2024 (8/10)

  Great communication from the hosts, even allowed us to drop our bags off earlier than check in.
  Good size communal area. Great location, less than 5 minute walk to Spanish Steps. 15 minute walk to Villa Borghese park and 15 minutes to Pantheon. Good location for exploring city.
  
  What could be improved: Not a problem for us as only stopped 1 night and had hand luggage, however there are 3 flights of stairs that if you had a heavy case may cause a problem.

• Good – Geraldine from Malta – 25 September 2023 (7/10)

  Very central location and very clean apartment
  
  What could be improved: Check out was too early 10 am, and we weren't given the opportunity to leave our bags at the apartment after check out.

• Great place to stay if you want to be in a central location. – Hazleena from Singapore – 17 August 2023 (8/10)

  Great location, right by the Spanish Steps, with lots of shops, restaurants, and the metro nearby. Spacious and clean rooms, bathrooms, kitchen.
  
  What could be improved: You have to walk up 3 flights of stairs so if you have heavy luggages it’s difficult. There’s no aircon in the dining area.

• Great place and location but I would be wary if your group members are tall. – Marta from United States – 30 May 2023 (8/10)

  Great location and amenities. Staff were very accommodating. Two bedrooms were great.
  
  What could be improved: The upstairs bedrooms and bathrooms have _very_ low clearance. Most of our group is 6 feet tall and multiple people hit heads on the non-standard height doorways and ceilings.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities