Palazzo Cardinal Cesi

Hotel Description

I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to Palazzo Cardinal Cesi, I wasn’t expecting much from the outside. The building sits right on Via della Conciliazione, which is basically tourist central, and you know how those spots can be. But stepping inside? Complete game changer. This place has this understated elegance that immediately makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto something the guidebooks don’t really capture.

The location is actually pretty brilliant once you get past the initial “oh god, I’m in the thick of it” feeling. Yeah, you’re literally a five-minute walk from St. Peter’s Basilica – I mean, you can see the dome from some of the upper floor windows – but here’s the thing most people don’t realize: Via della Conciliazione quiets down significantly in the evenings. The tour groups vanish, the street vendors pack up, and suddenly you’re in this surprisingly peaceful pocket of Rome. Plus, being in Prati means you’re not stuck eating overpriced tourist food. Walk two blocks north and you’ll find where actual Romans grab their morning cornetto and coffee for a fraction of what you’d pay closer to the Vatican walls.

What really won me over was the attention to detail without all the fuss. The rooms have this classic Roman feel – high ceilings, marble touches, that sort of thing – but they’ve clearly been updated with modern travelers in mind. The air conditioning actually works (not always a given in historic Roman buildings), and the bathrooms are properly spacious. I stayed in a room facing the courtyard, which I’d recommend if you’re sensitive to street noise, though honestly the building’s thick walls do a pretty good job of keeping the Via della Conciliazione bustle at bay. The staff genuinely knows the neighborhood too – not just the obvious stuff, but they pointed me toward this fantastic wine bar tucked away on Via Crescenzio that I never would have found otherwise. Check-in was smooth, they held my bags without any drama, and when I mentioned I was there for a conference near Castel Sant’Angelo, they actually gave me walking directions that avoided the worst of the crowds. It’s that kind of place where the 4-star rating feels earned rather than aspirational, and the 8.4 rating makes perfect sense once you’ve spent a night or two there.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $416. Double Room with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $457. Superior Double or Twin Room with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $397. Single Room with 1 single bed for Max persons: 1

Reviews

• I enjoyed my 2-night stay and will definitely be back when I'm in Rome. – Meity from United States – 24 June 2025 (9/10)

  Michela, was at the Front Desk when I arrived for check-in at almost 9 pm and hungry. She was so friendly and so sweet; she called a good restaurant nearby, that was still open, to reserve a table for me. It was indeed a good restaurant, where locals go.
  
  The location of the hotel is the best! Room is perfect, in terms of size and cleanliness. Despite located in a busy area, it's quiet inside. Breakfast has good variations to choose with excellent coffee.

• We had a fabulous stay. Hotel was fabulous, staff really helpful. The location couldn’t have been better – Sue from United Kingdom – 8 June 2025 (9/10)

  Location as amazing as – 2 minutes from St Peter’s square.

• We very much enjoyed our stay! – Bobby from United States – 24 May 2025 (9/10)

  Location is superior. Staff very accommodating. Rooms very clean. Breakfast very good. All in small fridge was available to us at no charge. Arranged dinners at restaurant and arranged our taxis. Elevator convenient. Room temp can be regulated. Request a room above first floor to avoid street noise.
  
  What could be improved: The only recommendation I have is to replace the pillows. They are very thin. I had to use 2.

• Exceptional good venue, with minor upgrades a dream place to stay.. – George from India – 25 April 2025 (8/10)

  Location. Location.location outstanding staff and very good service ..
  
  What could be improved: The bathrooms are tiny and the bed was uncomfortable and not rigid.

• Good – Moses from United States – 20 April 2025 (7/10)

  Location and staff and historical value
  
  What could be improved: AC did not work. And rooms were small. Promised two beds and only really got one.

• Great boutique hotel with a lot of history 💜 – Diana from Singapore – 4 April 2025 (8/10)

  +: Extreme proximity to the Vatican and St Peter’s Square which ensures safety and security for female solo travellers. English Mass available at the church on Sunday that’s right behind the Hotel. Hotel is clean, well maintained.
  
  -: Sound proofing – on my last night, some guest complained me and my friend were being too noisy in the middle of the night even though we were just talking normally. Also the second floor is literally almost at the street level so you can hear every car and loud outbursts from random street strangers. Not a problem for me as I’m a heavy sleeper but I can see why some people find it an issue.

• Walk through the classy and well kept gardens sorrounded by status and various works of art and deep yourself in a diffe – Athanasios from Greece – 2 April 2025 (9/10)

  Building heritage and location are amazing
  
  What could be improved: The bed was far too firm and the bathroom needs some modernization within the possible constraints of the palazzo.

• Special trip for anniversary, beautiful city – Sally from United Kingdom – 25 March 2025 (9/10)

  Great location and nice building
  
  What could be improved: Would have liked to be able to make a hot drink in my room

• Superb – Maha from United States – 15 March 2025 (9/10)

  They demonstrated the love of Jesus in the way they treated us , clean, comfortable and the breakfast was very delicious .

• Wonderful stay in Rome – Vicky from United Kingdom – 15 March 2025 (9/10)

  Fantastic location! We walked to all attractions. Very friendly staff, great breakfast with plenty of choice. Easy to access, 10 minute walk from metro station. Thank you for a wonderful stay.
  
  What could be improved: Difficult to think of much.
  The shower took a long time to heat up, but always got warm in the end.
  The garden area has a small round pond which is too small for the fish inside and I think they should be in a bigger pond, this was quite upsetting to see.
  We missed having a kettle and coffee making facilities in the room, but breakfast did not disappoint and we filled up on coffee there.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities