Marta Guest House

Hotel Description

You know what really struck me about Marta Guest House? It’s one of those places that feels like you’ve stumbled onto a local secret, even though it’s sitting right there on Via Tacito in plain sight. I mean, Prati isn’t exactly undiscovered territory – it’s where Romans actually live and work, not just the touristy bits – but this little guest house has this quietly confident vibe that I really appreciated.

The location is honestly perfect if you want to feel like you’re in real Rome but still hit the major sights without losing your mind on public transport. You’re literally a ten-minute walk from the Vatican (though honestly, who’s counting when you’re wandering those tree-lined streets), and the metro stop at Ottaviano is right there when you need it. But here’s the thing – and this is something you only figure out after staying in a few places around Rome – Prati actually gets quiet at night. Like, properly quiet. None of that 2 AM scooter symphony you get in Trastevere or near the Pantheon. I slept better here than I had in weeks of Italian city-hopping.

The building itself has that understated Roman elegance thing going on – you know, the kind where everything looks effortlessly put-together but you can tell someone’s paying attention to details. The rooms aren’t huge (this is Rome, after all), but they’re thoughtfully laid out, and the beds are actually comfortable, which – let’s be honest – isn’t always a given in European guest houses. What really got me was how clean everything felt without being sterile. The owners clearly know what they’re doing, and it shows in those little touches that make you feel settled rather than just… housed. The morning routine was particularly smooth – no awkward hovering around a single tiny coffee machine with fifteen other guests. They’ve got the breakfast timing figured out.

I also loved how the staff – well, I hesitate to call them staff because it feels more like family – genuinely knew their neighborhood. When I asked about dinner recommendations, I didn’t get the usual tourist trap suggestions. Instead, they pointed me toward this little trattoria on Via Candia where I ended up having one of my best meals in Rome, sitting elbow-to-elbow with locals arguing about football. That’s the kind of insider knowledge that makes a stay memorable.

The only minor thing – and this is really reaching for criticism – is that the street can get a bit busy during morning rush hour. But honestly, that just reminded me I was staying in a real neighborhood where people actually live and work, not some sanitized hotel bubble. Plus, by 9 AM it calms down completely. If anything, I found those everyday Roman sounds kind of charming – the coffee bar opening downstairs, people heading to work, the rhythm of actual city life.

With an 8.9 rating, Marta Guest House clearly knows what it’s doing, and after staying there, I get why. It’s not trying to be the flashiest place in Rome – it’s just quietly, confidently excellent at being exactly what you need.

Rooms

• Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed, or and 2 single beds for 2 adults
• Single Room with Private Bathroom with 1 single bed, or and 1 double bed for 1 adult, 1 child
• Small Double Room with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Triple Room with Private Bathroom with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children

Reviews

• Guido from United States (9/10)

  Perfect for one night in town. Loved the location and the room was quiet. Excellent service. Excellent value.

• Barbara from United States (9/10)

  The location, the small but working elevator, the attention of the host, helpful suggestions, comfortable bed, cleanliness – they wanted to clean my room every day!good breakfast deal (2€ for coffee and croissant in the corner cafe), well heated room, quiet – courtyard facing window. I had the smallest room and it was adequate for one person, would be ok for 2. The bathroom was bit cramped but it had bidet (common in Italy) so no wonder.

• Brendan from Australia (9/10)

  Location was great. Staff were very nice to us. Cleanliness

• Jeffrey from United States (9/10)

  Very clean and comfortable. The host was very helpful with suggesting things to do.

• Elwira from Poland (9/10)

  Staying 11 nights in one place is a challenge, but in this place everything was as it sgould be. Localization is perfect, walking distance to the top Roman highlights and if you want to go somewhere more far, there are many buses arround and a metro statìon.
  Rooms are clean, have everytning necessary, supermarket, restaurants and coffeterias are on the other side of the street.
  And as everyboday here say, Ovidiio is a superkind person, a perfect host, helping you in everything and always welcoming you with a big smile.

• Andrea from Hong Kong (9/10)

  The style of the building which is very traditional and elegant

• Anita from Austria (9/10)

  We recently had the pleasure of staying at Marta Guest House in Rome, and I must say, our experience was nothing short of delightful. From the moment We arrived, we felt warmly welcomed by Ovidio and that sense of hospitality remained throughout my entire stay.
  The guest house is perfectly located in the heart of Rome, just a short walk from key attractions like the Vatican and Piazza Navona. The convenience of being so close to the city’s historical sites made it easy to explore, yet the area itself was peaceful, offering a respite from the bustling tourist crowds.

• Mads from Australia (9/10)

  The classic apartment building is cute and quiet, situated near the business district, great location and accessible to nearby cafes and restaurants. 15 minutes walk to Vatican and novena. Bed is comfy and room equipped with ACs, small but cozy has everything you need.

• Amelia from Australia (9/10)

  Very accomodating. Ovidio was very welcoming and went above and beyond to assist us. Great location!

• Anita from Hungary (9/10)

  THE perfect location in Rome. 1 minute from a beautiful square, where you can walk your dog. Also 1 minute from an absolutely amazing restaurant (Hostaria Da Cesare Bottega). Don't go to Memmo, they don't care about you there and the food is pretty basic.
  Most of the main sites are within walking distance. If they're not, the bus stop for some good lines are on the next street, 2 minutes from the apartment.
  Parking in an underground garage is also 2 minutes from the apartment.
  Room has a good A/C unit, a mini fridge, and a TV. Our stay was very comfortable.
  If we ever come back to Rome, we'll stay here again.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities