Rhinoceros

Rhinoceros Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to Rhinoceros on Via Del Velabro, you’d honestly miss it if you weren’t looking — and that’s exactly the point. This five-star boutique hotel sits so quietly in the heart of ancient Rome that it feels like a secret only locals know about. The entrance is understated in that effortlessly elegant way that screams luxury without actually screaming, you know? I mean, when you’re literally steps from the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the location does all the talking for you.

The Heart of Ancient Rome

Here’s what’s wild about staying here — you’re basically sleeping in a history book. The Velabro area is this tiny pocket between the Forum and the Tiber that most tourists rush past without realizing what they’re missing. From your room, you can actually see ancient ruins, and the morning walk to grab coffee takes you past structures that are older than most countries. Couples absolutely love this spot (they rate the location 9.6, which honestly makes sense), because there’s something incredibly romantic about wandering these cobblestone streets at sunset when the day-trippers have all gone home.

Sophisticated Sanctuary

The rooms here are what happens when Italian design sensibility meets modern luxury — think clean lines, rich textures, and that perfect balance of contemporary comfort with subtle nods to Rome’s layered history. Everything feels intentional but not precious, if that makes sense. The bathrooms are particularly impressive, with marble that probably costs more than my car, and the beds are the kind you sink into after a day of walking on ancient stones. What I really appreciated was how quiet everything is, despite being in such a central location — the soundproofing is exceptional.

Morning Rituals

Breakfast here is actually worth waking up for, which isn’t something I say lightly. They do this beautiful spread that’s part continental, part distinctly Italian — think perfectly flaky cornetti alongside excellent coffee that puts most hotel coffee to shame. The gluten-free options are thoughtful too, not just an afterthought. You can take your coffee outside and literally watch the city wake up around some of the world’s most important archaeological sites. It’s the kind of moment that makes you feel incredibly lucky to be exactly where you are.

Why Guests Love It

Look, Rome has plenty of luxury hotels, but Rhinoceros gets something that many miss — location isn’t just about being central, it’s about being in the right kind of central. You’re close enough to walk to the Colosseum, the Forum, and Trastevere, but you’re tucked away from the chaos that comes with the main tourist drags. The staff understands this too — they’re the kind of people who give you directions to the best gelato shop (not the touristy one) and can get you dinner reservations at places that don’t even have signs. It’s intimate without being stuffy, luxurious without being flashy, and positioned so perfectly that you’ll find yourself coming back to this little corner of Rome long after you’ve forgotten other hotels.

The concierge service in Rome arranges private Vatican viewings, chauffeured Vespa tours, and chef’s table carbonara lessons.

Rhinoceros Accommodations

Reviews of Rhinoceros

• Frank from Ireland (10/10)

  Unique experience.
  Exceptional rooms.
  Super service.

• גיא from Israel (10/10)

  The room itself is very large for European hotels, and thoughtfully designed. The view is amazing, the rooftop was great for having coffee in the morning. The hotel in general is a work of art. I mean, it's a literal art gallery. Such a unique experience.
  
  Even though there no "proper" breakfast, the staff brings amazing pastry to the room every morning (just send them a WhatsApp and they're there in 5 minutes). There's a kitchen with eggs, meats, granola, yogurt.. everything you need.
  
  Stefano and Marat at the front desk were incredibly accommodating and made us feel like royalty.

• Louise from Australia (9/10)

  The location is exceptional, the architecture is wonderful and the view from the rooftop bar is superb… as was the food in the restaurant.
  The art Installations on each floor added a fun touch.
  The staff were incredibly helpful, efficient and friendly
  We would highly recommend rhinoceros

• Ferdi from Germany (10/10)

  Alltogether a great stay. Unusal location, very modern in an old building, combination of art gallery and appartment hotel. Very warm, welcoming, friendly and helpful staff, rolls for breakfast delivered to the room, where a number of other breakfast items were supplied to prepare your own breakfast. Super-comfortable beds. On the roof, a terrace restaurant and a cocktail bar, probably gorgeous in summer on a nice evening. Since we were there in early March, we did not use it, but looked very promising. Location great, if one likes to walk, basically everthing is in walking distance (Colloseo 15 min, Fontana di Trevi 20 min, St. Peter less than 45 min.

• Tom from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Different

• Daryl from United Kingdom (10/10)

  Amazing place
  Fantastic service – could not have been more helpful
  A very special place

• Sally from United Kingdom (10/10)

  Great location, great style, excellent people.

• Abdulaziz from Kuwait (10/10)

  The hospitality experience we got staying here was beyond exceptional. The only thing that matches the uniqueness of the beautiful creative design is the OUTSTANDING service. The service was unmatched to anything else you can get anywhere. They do not only attend to every request, they anticipate what you need and give it to you before you realize you need it. I wish there was a higher number to rate this hotel because they truly deserve it. Do yourself a favor and book it without thinking

• Linda from United States (10/10)

  The hotel was in a great location and the staff was exceptional. It is not your typical hotel, but I would gladly go back.

• L from Germany (10/10)

  The staff was very attentive and helpful! Alexandra and the front desk staff went above and beyond.

Surroundings

Facilities