Relais Circo Massimo

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Relais Circo Massimo? The address alone tells you everything – tucked away on Via dell’Ara di Conso in Aventino, which honestly sounds like tourist gibberish until you realize you’re basically living in one of Rome’s most gorgeous residential neighborhoods. I mean, the Aventine Hill is where Romans actually want to live, not just visit, and this little boutique place sits right in the middle of it all.

The hotel itself feels more like staying at a sophisticated friend’s place than some corporate chain – and I say that as someone who’s done the whole Hilton circuit. It’s got that intimate vibe you get with smaller properties, but without sacrificing the stuff that actually matters. The rooms are thoughtfully designed (none of that bizarre modern art that makes you wonder what they were thinking), and honestly, the beds are fantastic. I’m pretty picky about mattresses, and whatever they’ve got going on here works. The bathrooms are properly sized too, which… well, anyone who’s stayed in European hotels knows that’s not always a given.

But here’s the thing that really sets this place apart – the location is absolutely perfect for people who want to experience Rome beyond the Colosseum selfie spots. You’re a pleasant walk from the Circus Maximus (hence the name), and the Orange Garden is practically around the corner. That’s where locals go for sunset views over the city, by the way, not the crowded Spanish Steps. The Testaccio neighborhood is right there too, which means you’re close to some of the best food in Rome – the kind of trattorias where you’ll hear more Italian than English, if you know what I mean.

Getting around is surprisingly easy from here. The Circo Massimo metro stop is a quick walk, and taxis actually know where to find you (unlike some of the winding streets in Trastevere). The staff genuinely seems to care about making your stay work – not in that over-the-top concierge way, but more like they’ll actually tell you which direction to walk to avoid the tourist crowds. I asked about parking and they sorted it out without the usual Roman bureaucratic drama.

The neighborhood gets wonderfully quiet at night, which is something you don’t always find in central Rome. No 3 AM scooter symphonies or drunk tour groups wandering around. During the day, there’s this lovely residential energy – people walking their dogs, picking up groceries, living their actual lives. It makes you feel like you’re experiencing the city rather than just passing through it.

Look, with a 9.6 rating, you’re not exactly taking a gamble here. But what those numbers don’t tell you is that this place gets Rome right in a way that a lot of hotels miss. It’s positioned perfectly for people who want to dig deeper into the city without sacrificing comfort or dealing with the chaos of staying right in the thick of things. Plus, the value is solid for what you’re getting – it’s not cheap, but it’s not trying to fleece you either.

Rooms

• Double Room with Shared Garden with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Studio with Garden View with 2 × 1 large double bed, or and 1 single bed for 3 adults, 1 child
• Superior Double Room With Shared Garden with 1 double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Gashi from Albania (10/10)

  The location is great, the place is neat, comfy and the host was just amazing. Nice neighbourhood, my fifth time in Rome and always nice to come back to a place like Relais Circo Massimo.

• Alexander from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Excellent accommodation, staff very friendly

• Pal from Hungary (10/10)

  Great location, 2 minutes by walk from hop on hop off bus stop and public transport, and 15 minutes by walk from the Colosseum. The staff was really helpful and friendly. The appartment was very clean and quiet. We would be happy to come back.

• Tracey from Italy (9/10)

  The staff are super efficient and the property is in a great quiet location.

• Janet from United States (10/10)

  I highly recommend a stay here. The neighborhood is quiet, residential, safe, with good restaurants nearby, yet very close to the sites in the historic center. Very close to Metro, bus, tram to get everywhere we wanted to go. Our host was lovely, and gave good information. The room was comfortable and clean. I would love to come back

• Laura from Hungary (10/10)

  Book the room for my mum and her friends. Aleksandra was the best host ever, so caring and updating me about my mum’s arrival. My mum had the best time at Relais Circo Massimo, the location is amazing and the staff is truly exceptional. I’m looking forward to travelling to Rome – I’ll definitely stay at this place!

• Kaley from Australia (8/10)

  Great location! Super central and close to public transport. The staff were lovely and very helpful.

• Lenka from Belgium (9/10)

  Extremely clean apartment on the ground floor of an apartment house. Very friendly and helpful receptionists, great communication before, during and after the stay. Efficient heating in the winter period. Sufficiently equipped kitchen and bathroom. Excellent location in short walking distance from metro Circo Massimo, 10 minutes walk to Forum Romanum, 15 minutes walk to Colosseum. Window facing a quiet inner yard with orange trees. Excellent feeling of security. Good wifi. We would come again!

• John from United Kingdom (10/10)

  The owners were very welcoming, helpful and provided excellent guidance and recomendations on xmas markets and how best to get about. Lovely hotel, lovely people running it and we will be staying there again in future.

• Solveiga from United Kingdom (10/10)

  Everything was prefect 👍
  Alexander and Svetlana very helpful and very friendly 🙂
  definitely i will stay again

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities