Princeps Boutique Hotel

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about the Princeps? It’s tucked right on Piazza Dell’Esquilino, which honestly most tourists rush past on their way to Santa Maria Maggiore, but this little square has become one of my favorite spots in Rome. The hotel sits in this beautiful old building that feels like it’s been watching over the neighborhood for decades – and I mean that in the best way possible.

The Monti district is having a moment right now, but it’s not the touristy kind of moment where everything feels manufactured. You’ve got these tiny wine bars scattered down Via del Boschetto (literally a three-minute walk), and the morning market on Via Panisperna where locals actually shop – not just tourists hunting for photo ops. The hotel gets this vibe perfectly. It’s got that boutique feel without trying too hard, if that makes sense. The rooms aren’t huge, but they’re thoughtfully designed with these gorgeous high ceilings and original details that remind you you’re in a centuries-old Roman building. I actually loved hearing the church bells from Santa Maria Maggiore in the morning – some people might find it too much, but it felt authentically Roman to me.

What really sold me was how the staff knew their stuff about the neighborhood. Not just the obvious recommendations, but they pointed me toward this incredible little trattoria on Via degli Zingari that I never would have found otherwise. And here’s something practical – the area gets pretty quiet at night, which is perfect for sleeping, but you’re still close enough to walk to Termini if you need to catch an early train (though honestly, just take the metro from Cavour, it’s closer). The 9.2 rating makes total sense once you’re there. It’s not trying to be a luxury palace, but everything works exactly as it should. The Wi-Fi is solid, the air conditioning actually cools the room, and the breakfast – well, it’s Italian hotel breakfast, so set your expectations accordingly, but the coffee is excellent and the pastries are from a local bakery. Sometimes that’s all you need. Plus, and this might sound weird, but the neighborhood cats have claimed the little piazza as their territory, and watching them navigate around the outdoor café tables while you’re having your morning espresso is oddly charming. If you’re looking for something that feels more like staying in a Roman neighborhood rather than a tourist bubble, this place nails it.

Rooms

• Double or Twin Room with City View with 1 large double bed, or and 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed, or and 2 single beds for 2 adults
• Triple Room with City View with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 3 adults, 1 child
• Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 adult
• Junior Suite with 2 × 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Amanda from United Arab Emirates (10/10)

  Fantastic location in walking distance to some of the best sights in Rome. Really clean comfortable rooms with amazing bathrooms/showers

• Emma from United Kingdom (10/10)

  Lovely comfy bed and pillows, lovely location and views. Free tea and coffee whenever we needed it, little snacks left during the day such as a muffin etc if back and forth and needed a snack. Offered to have luggage on last day for a few hours. Clean and modern and really pleased with stay overall

• Lori from Canada (10/10)

  This is one of the best European hotels I've stayed at. A cute boutique hotel close to Roma Termi train station, the colosseum, and many great shops and restaurants. Clean and fresh. Excellent staff.
  We had a very early check out (4am), and they even had prepared us a little breakfast to go. So thoughtful. I would highly recommend this hotel.

• Michael from Ireland (10/10)

  Staff were amazing , breakfast was gorgeous.. all a great experience

• Kevin from United States (9/10)

  We arrived in the morning, but the staff allowed us to check in early. It was a surprise and made our trip easier:).
  The room is big and elegant.
  The breakfast was a feast!

• Rachel from United Kingdom (10/10)

  Lovely room with 2 huge windows overlooking the basilica and the city. Easy walk to coliseum and other sights. Room and bathroom were lovely and clean and there was a good choice of food for breakfast. Staff were excellent, they booked a taxi for a very early Vatican trip (and provided a breakfast to take with us), and booked museum tickets for us when we couldn't translate the website.

• Em from United Kingdom (9/10)

  The staff are very friendly and helpful. Good breakfast to start the day, and tea/coffee /hot chocolate and pastries available all afternoon.
  I was treated to an unexpected bottle of wine for my birthday.
  The location is a 5 min walk from the train/bus station, so it is very easy to get from the airport on the express train.
  Most of the main tourist sites are all within a 20 min walk except for the Vatican, which is about an hour.
  Taxi took 15 min to the Vatican and cost €13 on a quiet morning (7am)
  I'd definitely recommend this hotel.

• Tanya from United Kingdom (10/10)

  Very handy location – close to Termini station, walking distance to attractions, plenty of restaurants nearby, but not too touristy. Breakfast was excellent with many different choices. Our room was clean and comfortable and had a lovely view of Santa Maria Maggiore church. Staff were very helpful with booking taxis and arranging a shuttle to & from the airport. One of the best hotels we've stayed in and would definitely return if we ever come back to Rome again.

• Jason from United Kingdom (10/10)

  Very clean lovely breakfast and staff very helpful.
  Location perfect for seeing Rome

• Aram from Germany (9/10)

  Great location, comfortable rooms and pillows, Very good walk in shower. Excellent breakfast – both staff and food. Thanks for having gluten free bread – I really appreciated that.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities