Raffaello’s Place

Raffaello’s Place Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to Raffaello’s Place on Via Rusticucci, you immediately understand why this four-star boutique hotel has such devoted fans. The building itself has that understated Roman elegance — nothing flashy, but you can tell there’s something special here. I mean, when you’re literally a two-minute walk from St. Peter’s Basilica, the location does half the talking for you. The entrance feels intimate and welcoming, which honestly sets the tone for the entire experience.

The Heart of Rome

You know what’s incredible about staying here? You’re in the Vaticano Prati neighborhood, which locals consider one of Rome‘s most authentic areas. While tourists are scrambling for buses and metros elsewhere, you can actually walk to the Vatican Museums before the crowds arrive — I’m talking about being there when they open the doors. The Borgo Pio street market is right around the corner, and those little family-run trattorias that Romans actually frequent? They’re your neighbors. Plus, the Ottaviano metro station is close enough that you can easily reach the Colosseum or Trevi Fountain, but far enough that you’re not dealing with the chaos.

Your Room

The room I stayed in was thoughtfully designed — not huge by American standards, but perfectly proportioned for Rome. What impressed me most was the attention to detail: quality linens, a marble bathroom that felt genuinely Italian, and windows that actually kept the street noise out (which, trust me, matters in this city). The air conditioning works properly — something you can’t take for granted in older Roman buildings. There’s also this nice touch where they’ve incorporated modern amenities without losing the character of the space.

Daily Rhythms

Breakfast happens in a cozy space that feels more like someone’s elegant dining room than a hotel restaurant. The spread isn’t enormous, but everything they do offer is done well — proper Italian coffee, fresh pastries, and they actually know how to make eggs the way you want them. What I really appreciated was the timing flexibility; they understand that when you’re exploring Rome, you might want to grab coffee and a cornetto at 7 AM to beat the Vatican lines, or you might prefer a leisurely 9 AM start before wandering through Trastevere.

Why Guests Love It

Honestly, it’s the combination of location and personal service that makes Raffaello’s Place work so well. The staff genuinely knows Rome — not just the tourist spots, but where to find the best gelato in Prati (it’s not where you think) and which evening aperitivo spots the locals prefer. Couples especially seem to love this place, and I get why — there’s something romantic about being able to walk to St. Peter’s at sunset, then slip back to your quiet street for dinner at a neighborhood osteria. The 9.4 rating isn’t just about the amenities; it’s about feeling like you’re staying in Rome rather than just visiting it.

Locals suggest to book apartments in Rome around Monti for artisan workshops, vintage boutiques, and late-night wine bars.

Raffaello’s Place Accommodations

Reviews of Raffaello’s Place

• Nikolas from United States (10/10)

  We loved the prime location to the Vatican and it is very clean. It had all the amenities we needed for our stay, and the hosts were super friendly and accommodating.

• Mary from Italy (10/10)

  Great location

• Terri from United States (10/10)

  Location location location ! Beds were comfortable. Bath towels were nice and big. Each bedroom has a sink which is nice. No living room but a long table that we all sat and socialized at. Would stay again for sure. Flavio was easy to reach and very accommodating.

• Jason from United States (10/10)

  Location and a quiet community.

• Stewart from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Location, room sizes and cleanliness.

• Megan from Canada (10/10)

  This apartment was fantastic. It's just a stone's throw from the Vatican and several historic areas. There's lots of great restaurants nearby and close to public transport. We were a large group and there was still plenty of room for everyone.

• Susan from United States (10/10)

  Clean and comfortable. Beds were perfectly sized and very comfortable

• Steve from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Good location, clean, quiet and welcoming

• Burton from Australia (9/10)

  Great location right next to Vatican City and St Peters Basilica. Close to restaurants and cafes. Plenty of room for our family of 6.

• Virgilio from East Timor (10/10)

  Perfecto

Surroundings

Facilities