Ottavia al Foro – Luxury Property

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed in my fair share of Roman hotels, but Ottavia al Foro actually surprised me – and honestly, that doesn’t happen often anymore. The moment you walk up to 34 Via del Foro Piscario (it’s on the second floor, so don’t expect some grand lobby entrance), you realize this isn’t your typical tourist trap. The street itself is this narrow little passage that most people rush past on their way to the Pantheon, but that’s exactly what makes it special. You’re literally a two-minute walk from one of Rome’s most iconic monuments, yet somehow you’ve escaped into this quiet pocket where locals still outnumber the selfie sticks.

The property itself feels more like staying in an elegant Roman apartment than a hotel – I mean that in the best possible way. The rooms have this understated luxury thing going on, with original architectural details that remind you you’re sleeping in a building that’s probably older than your entire hometown. What really got me was the attention to small stuff: the lighting actually works for reading (revolutionary concept, I know), the bathroom has proper water pressure, and the air conditioning doesn’t sound like a jet engine. You know what else? The walls are thick enough that you won’t hear your neighbors’ entire life story, which is rare in this part of the city. The staff clearly knows their stuff too – they gave me restaurant recommendations that weren’t in any guidebook, including this little trattoria on Via dei Pastini where the carbonara is honestly life-changing.

Here’s the thing about staying near the Pantheon: most hotels either cost a fortune or feel like hostels with delusions of grandeur. Ottavia al Foro sort of threads that needle perfectly. It’s definitely a splurge, but you’re paying for location and genuine comfort, not just marble lobbies and overpriced minibars. The area gets crazy busy during the day (especially around aperitivo time), but by evening it settles into this lovely neighborhood rhythm. You can grab coffee at the corner bar where the barista will remember your order after two days, or walk five minutes to Campo de’ Fiori for dinner. The metro’s close enough if you need it, but honestly, you’ll probably end up walking everywhere because this is Rome at its most walkable. Just pack comfortable shoes and maybe skip this place if you’re the type who needs a pool and room service – this is more about experiencing the city like you actually live here, even if it’s just for a few days.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $543. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Modern Roman apartment in an ancient Roman ruin. – Sonam from Bhutan – 22 June 2025 (10/10)

  Ancient Roman ruins right at our doorstep. The building itself falls within the Roman premises! Having a washing machine and dryer was a huge plus point. Our host, Francesca led us through the entire check in process, and was so helpful and patient.
  
  What could be improved: The inevitable flight of stairs to the top but worth it.

• perfect place to stay – Nikolay from United States – 15 June 2025 (10/10)

  perfect apartment in the center of the old town
  
  What could be improved: very quiet , very comfortable beds, big living , nice kitchen

• I would highly recommend this property and would not hesitate to rebook if I return to Rome. – Margaret from Ireland – 6 June 2025 (10/10)

  The apartment exceeded our expectations, it had everything that we needed and more.
  Francesca our host was super responsive to our questions.

• Exceptional – Andrzej from Poland – 3 May 2025 (10/10)

  Wonderful apartament in great location at the city center. Close to the city most recognizable locations. The apartment is large, spacious and very comfortable. The large space on the ground floor of the apartment with a kitchenette and toilet and the mezzanine with two bedrooms and a bathroom made our stay with two children completely relaxing and cozy
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, for me it was just great. I could have a flat like that for my own 😀

• Amazing apartment in a stunning part of Rome! – Pip from United Kingdom – 10 March 2025 (9/10)

  Stylishly decorated, unique and clean. Exceedingly comfortable beds and great communication with host.
  Wow what a location as well- straight out the front door into archeological ruins and conveniently located for almost all the major sites in Rome.
  
  What could be improved: There were a couple of niggles but nothing that impacted on our stay.

• Wonderful – Alison from Belgium – 2 March 2025 (10/10)

  A true Roman experience
  
  What could be improved: Designed with style

• Dream stay in Rome! – Annelies from Netherlands – 24 February 2025 (9/10)

  A dream location and a wonderfull equiped lovely decorated appartement
  
  What could be improved: My husband and our sons are are quite tall, they had to mind their heads

• Great spot for a memorable stay in Rome. – Kathryn from United States – 7 January 2025 (9/10)

  Location was amazing. Walking distance to everything. Great restaurants steps away. Felt like walking back in time every time coming and going from the apartment. Very quiet. Very clean
  Easy check in…Great stay!
  
  What could be improved: The couch pillows weren’t supported for leaning back. The upstairs bedrooms have lower ceilings so taller people will have to duck in spots.

• This is the perfect place to stay in Rome, you’ll want to stay here forever! – Kirsty from United Kingdom – 30 October 2024 (10/10)

  We were blown away by the gorgeous apartment, it far exceeded our expectations. It could not have been more perfect; the location (by ancient ruins), the beautiful interior decor and the comfortable beds.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing at all!

• Hands down the best place to stay in Rome. – Ale from Italy – 22 July 2024 (10/10)

  Hands down the best place to stay in Rome.
  
  In the very heart, but without the hustle and buste. All the privacy and facilities one might desire. Beautiful apartment with original wooden ceiling, yet so light vs typical untreated wood.
  
  I could write odds, but just look at the photos.
  Can't see myself staying anywhere else!
  
  Special appreciation for the communication with the host 🤍
  
  *I understand the concerns in the previous reviews, but as Italian saying goes, "Chi cerca – trova". One can either concentrate on noting everything they'd prefer differently (as if they're buying the place), or just enjoy. I truly reccomend the second – both indoors and outside are gorgeous and convenient. Godetevi!
  
  *It is a couple of flights of stairs up.
  *Tall people, you might need to pay attention in two spots. But nothing you're not used to already while travelling.
  
  What could be improved: I wish there were glasses for water, wine and champagne.
  (Cos the kitchen is well equipped and asks for a home cooked meal. There are coffee and tea cups, though.)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities