Otium Maecenatis Apartments

Hotel Description

You know what? I’ve walked past this place a dozen times before actually staying here, and honestly, I always wondered what it was like inside those elegant doors on Via Mecenate. Turns out, Otium Maecenatis is one of those hidden gems that makes you feel like you’ve cracked some secret code about Rome. The name itself is a bit of a mouthful – I mean, it’s Latin for “leisure of Maecenas,” referring to that famous Roman patron of the arts – but once you’re inside, it all makes sense. The whole place has this refined, almost scholarly vibe that fits perfectly with the Monti neighborhood’s mix of ancient history and modern bohemian energy.

The apartments themselves are genuinely impressive, and I’m not just saying that because of the 4-star rating. Each one feels like someone actually lives there – proper kitchens with decent coffee makers (crucial for morning people like me), living spaces that don’t feel cramped, and bedrooms where you can actually spread out your stuff without everything ending up on the floor. The bathrooms are particularly nice, with these great rainfall showers that make you want to linger longer than you probably should. What really got me though was the attention to detail – there’s original artwork on the walls, books scattered around that you can actually read, and the Wi-Fi actually works everywhere, which honestly can’t be said for every place in Rome’s historic center.

Location-wise, you’re right in the heart of Monti, which is sort of like Rome’s answer to a village within the city. You’ve got Via del Boschetto just around the corner with all those vintage shops and wine bars, and it’s maybe a ten-minute walk to the Colosseum – though I’d recommend taking the slightly longer route through the backstreets because the views are incredible and you’ll avoid most of the tourist crowds. The Cavour metro stop is close enough that you can easily get anywhere in the city, but far enough that you don’t hear the rumble of trains at night. Speaking of noise, the apartments are surprisingly quiet considering you’re in central Rome – the building seems to buffer most of the street sounds, though you’ll still get the occasional Vespa symphony that’s just part of the Roman experience. One thing to note: there’s no dedicated parking, but there’s a decent paid garage about five minutes away, and honestly, you don’t really need a car in this location anyway. The whole area comes alive in the evenings when locals start their passeggiata, and you’ll find yourself naturally falling into that rhythm of leisurely walks and impromptu aperitivo stops that makes Rome so addictive.

Rooms

• Three-Bedroom Apartment with 3 × 1 large double bed, 2 × 1 single bed and 2 × 3 sofa beds for 9 adults
• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 3 × 1 large double bed, 2 × 1 single bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults
• One-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 2 sofa beds and 1 large double bed for 4 adults
• One-Bedroom Apartment with sofa bed1 large double bed, 2 × 1 sofa bed, 1 large double bed and sofa bed for 4 adults

Reviews

• Karina from Latvia (10/10)

  The apartment was clean, with a small kitchen. The kitchen has 2 burners and the most necessary utensils. If you plan to cook, there is salt and sugar in the kitchen, but no oil. The location is excellent, 5 minutes walk to the Colosseum and Capitoline Hill. Other sightseeings also in a walking distance if you like longer walks. metro stations are also nearby. Close to grocery stores and various cafes and restaurants.
  
  The bed seemed very comfortable, the heating worked perfectly – it is adjustable, it really helped to dry shoes and clothes after the rain.
  So, we liked our stay in the apartment very much. Perfect.

• David from Ireland (10/10)

  Location and space

• Farah from Portugal (10/10)

  We liked everything! Very close to Colosseum. Pleasant street. Felt safe. Host impeccable, very helpful, friendly. apartment had everything we needed and more. Local maps, guidebooks, coffee, plugs, bathroom accessories, very comfortable beds, airy. exceptionally clean, warm upon arrival. wonderful welcome.

• Eric from Australia (8/10)

  Friendly hosts

• Annalise from South Africa (10/10)

  The host was friendly and gave as helpful tips regarding parking and safety as well as a map for sightseeing. The location of the apartment is walking distance to a train station and sightseeing landmarks.

• Keong from Singapore (9/10)

  Amazing location,super near the coliseum.
  Really really clean.
  Very affordable especially for the location

• Anna from United Kingdom (10/10)

  Great location, just a few minutes walk from the Colosseum and easy to get to.

• Stephen from Canada (10/10)

  We were met on the street, and taken to the rooms. Paola explained everything we needed. The place is an easy walk from Termini and close to good dining areas & pastry shops. We have been to Rome maybe a dozen time in the few years, and this will be our "go-to" option for us. The beds were the nicest we have in anywhere on our trip (6 weeks all over Italy). The pillows were thin, but Paola give us more – perfect.

• Kindia from Puerto Rico (10/10)

  Super central and a few minutes from the Colosseum. Super clean and comfortable. I loved it and the service was excellent.

• Burak from Turkey (8/10)

  The apartment was clean and it was at first floor. We have seen in many other options that the elevator does not even exist. So, for families like us (baby, stroller, luggages) first floor was acceptable. Paola was so kind to explain us nearby locations and also was patient to wait us for payment confirmation. The house is well equipped and the location is mostly silent at nights. Besides the location is close to sightseeing points.
  
  Thx for the accommodation.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities