Residenza Palline by Hili

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Residenza Palline by Hili? The street name – Vicolo delle Palline literally means “Little Balls Alley,” which honestly made me chuckle when I was hunting for the entrance. It’s tucked away on this narrow side street in Prati, and I mean really tucked away. You’ll walk past it twice before you spot the discreet entrance, but that’s actually part of its charm. The Prati neighborhood is where Romans who work near the Vatican actually live, so you’re not fighting through tourist crowds every time you step outside.

The place itself feels more like staying in someone’s well-appointed apartment than a typical hotel – which makes sense since it’s technically a residenza. The rooms have this lived-in elegance that’s hard to fake, with proper Italian linens and these gorgeous high ceilings that keep everything cool even in summer. I stayed there in July, and honestly, the thick stone walls did half the work of the air conditioning. The staff is small but they actually remember your name, and the guy at reception gave me the most detailed walking directions to Castel Sant’Angelo I’ve ever received. He even mentioned which gelato shop to hit on the way back (spoiler: it’s worth the detour).

What really sets this place apart is the location – you’re literally a five-minute walk from St. Peter’s, but you’re on the “residential” side of things. Via Cola di Rienzo is right there for actual shopping and restaurants where locals eat, not just tourist traps. And here’s something nobody tells you about Rome hotels: parking is usually a nightmare, but they’ve got a garage deal worked out that actually functions. The morning routine here is perfect too – you can grab coffee and cornetti from the bar downstairs, then slip into Vatican City before the tour groups descend around 9 AM. The 8.4 rating makes sense when you add up all these little things that just work. Sure, it’s not going to wow you with a rooftop pool or marble lobbies, but if you want to feel like you’re living in Rome rather than just visiting it, this is your spot.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $161. Apartment with Garden View with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Perfect city break location comfortable and clean room. Perfect stay – Rebecca from United Kingdom – 14 May 2025 (9/10)

  Close to the Vatican City, beautiful surrounding streets with little restaurants. Quiet and safe environment. Property was clean and perfect for a city break
  
  What could be improved: Nothing bad we couldn’t get the room key to work through the link but very handy WhatsApp instructions told us were a spare key was.

• Superb – Trope from South Africa – 10 May 2025 (9/10)

  Amazing location and very accommodating staff
  
  What could be improved: There is not hot water pressure

• Very good – Ashleigh from Ireland – 30 March 2025 (8/10)

  Blue room:
  Great location with easy access and easy to find. Very comfortable bed.
  Lovely staff to help on WhatsApp when needed, very reactive.
  Hairdryer was brilliant!
  
  What could be improved: The water pressure was a little low and the water wasn't very hot but I sent a message to let them know.

• Superb – Eoin from Ireland – 27 March 2025 (9/10)

  Location, easy check in.

• Superb – Antonia from Italy – 6 January 2025 (9/10)

  The view was amazing! Very comfortable, well located and easy check-in.

• Good – Cynthia from United States – 30 October 2024 (7/10)

  This was our 3rd stay. We love coming. But this Time the noise & banging on walls & doors above us was terrible it went on all day & night. I’m thinking it was children whose parents allowed them to run amok. & whoever shared the apartment with us constantly left the door to hallway open we were always closing it. I must say the woman on the what’s app. Was always right there to help we also helped her my husband took a video she asked us to as it seems someone got locked out & said front entrance door didn’t work, not so it worked find.thought you should & would want to know. Cynthia Bocchetti
  
  What could be improved: No Luggage storage.

• Contemporary apartmentment in great location/ neighbourhood – Kieran from United Kingdom – 14 October 2024 (9/10)

  A contemporary apartment in a great location. Airy, clean high ceilings with a balcony.
  
  What could be improved: We really liked it – Kitchen facilities could have been a little better. No staff on site / communication via WhatsApp

• Great location, nice host! – Tatianna from Israel – 26 September 2024 (9/10)

  Location is great
  Close to Vatican
  There are lots of nice restaurants near by. The place is quiet and clean. The staff is always online with you if you need them.
  
  What could be improved: The freezer needs some unfrosting care obviously it doesn’t get locked so it comes all snowy 🙂 we informed the host. But in general its such a small thing. The place is great. 👍

• Excellent area. Had everything we needed. – Jo from United Kingdom – 13 September 2024 (9/10)

  It was comfortable and check in was easier than anticipated! Staff not seen but they checked in on us. Great location for restaurants in street behind apartment! Air conditioning a godsend and plenty of hot water in shower!! Would stay again if returning to Rome.

• Beautiful space in excellent location – Cecil from United States – 6 September 2024 (9/10)

  Location was terrific with lots of restaurants and other conveniences nearby. Steps away from the Vatican and nearby attractions.
  
  The bathroom was very spacious and clean.
  
  Coffee provided was very nice.
  
  Easy check-in, instructions provided were very clear.
  
  
  Working AC was a live saver in the summer heat.
  
  What could be improved: The aerator in the bathroom sink faucet needs to be replaced or cleaned. The water flow from the faucet was very anemic.
  
  The hair dryer has a plug that doesn’t seem to fit in any outlet.
  
  Would be nice if there was an iron and microwave oven in the unit but since these were not listed as available amenities this is only a suggestion to add, not a complaint by any means.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities