Navona Essence Hotel

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about the Navona Essence Hotel? Walking down Via dei Cappellari – which honestly feels more like a medieval alley than a proper street – you’d almost miss the entrance if you weren’t looking for it. But that’s sort of the point, I think. This little 3-star gem sits right in the thick of things without screaming for attention.

The location is actually ridiculous when you think about it. I mean, you’re literally a two-minute stumble from the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona is right there – close enough that you can hear the street musicians warming up in the morning (though thankfully not loud enough to keep you awake). What I loved was how Via dei Cappellari itself has this authentic Roman neighborhood feel. There’s a tiny bakery about thirty steps from the hotel entrance where locals actually queue up for their morning cornetti, and the cobblestones have that worn-smooth look that only comes from centuries of foot traffic. The staff seemed genuinely surprised when I mentioned I’d found the place through a booking site – apparently they get a lot of repeat guests who just know about it.

Inside, it’s clear they’ve put thought into making a small space work hard. The rooms aren’t huge (this is central Rome, after all), but everything feels deliberate rather than cramped. My room had these lovely touches – good lighting for actually reading, a proper shower with decent water pressure, and windows that opened onto the narrow street below. Honestly, I was expecting typical tourist-area chaos, but the double-glazed windows did their job well. The 8.9 rating makes sense when you experience how the details add up – the front desk person knew exactly which gelato place to recommend based on whether I wanted traditional or creative flavors, and they stored my luggage without making it feel like a huge favor. The Wi-Fi actually worked throughout the building, which… well, anyone who’s stayed in historic Roman buildings knows that’s not always guaranteed. My only real gripe was the elevator – it’s there, but it’s one of those tiny European ones that fits maybe one person and their dignity, certainly not two people with luggage. The stairs aren’t terrible though, and it’s only four floors. What really sold me was stepping out in the evening and realizing I was in the heart of everything without feeling like I was staying in a tourist trap. The neighborhood has this perfect balance – close enough to stumble home from dinner at those great little trattorias tucked into the surrounding streets, but far enough from the main piazzas that you’re not fighting crowds every time you leave the hotel.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $271. Triple Room with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Great accommodation in Rome. – Vanessa from New Zealand – 2 July 2025 (9/10)

  In a great area, walking distance to main attractions. Comfortable accommodation, and we were lucky enough to get an upgrade. Breakfast included was a bonus.

• Amazing hotel, close to restaurants and friendly staff! – Brian from United States – 28 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great friendly staff! Clean rooms and good a/c!
  
  What could be improved: Everything was great!

• Superb – Beth from United Kingdom – 26 June 2025 (9/10)

  Fantastic location! Very clean rooms, and super helpful staff 🙂

• Great location – Antonieta from Brazil – 15 June 2025 (8/10)

  Great location and facilities
  
  What could be improved: Staff was aloud and not helpful

• Exceptional – Monica from Dominican Republic – 12 June 2025 (10/10)

  Location!!! It was walking distance to most of the famous sites of Rome. Also many restaurants near by. The room is perfect for a family of 4, and very clean.

• Nice hotel in the center of Rome – Robert from United States – 4 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great staff!
  Wonderful breakfast and location.

• Perfect hotel in the heart of Rome – Robert from United States – 4 June 2025 (10/10)

  Staff were wonderful!
  Great breakfast and location.

• A wonderful Gem – Jane from Canada – 28 May 2025 (9/10)

  Wonderful location – central to all main sights
  
  What could be improved: The fact that the Barrie road did not allow drop off and pickup close to hotel entrance.

• Amazing experience at this property. The breakfast was lovely and the staff were exceptional. – Melissa from Australia – 13 May 2025 (10/10)

  The location was perfect. The staff were brilliant and made you feel extremely welcome. We also loved the ‘homey’ feel of the Navona. Highly recommend
  
  What could be improved: Wish we had an iron in the room that didn’t have to be returned, that’s all.

• Excellent place and location – Karun from India – 11 May 2025 (10/10)

  Breakfast very good
  
  What could be improved: Bathroom shower cramped. But ok for few days

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities