RomExperience Borgo Pio

Hotel Description

I’ll be honest – I walked past RomExperience Borgo Pio twice before realizing this was actually my hotel. It sits so perfectly on Via Borgo Pio that it feels like it’s always been part of the neighborhood fabric, you know? And honestly, that’s exactly what you want when you’re staying this close to Vatican City. The building has this understated elegance that doesn’t scream “tourist hotel,” which I actually loved.

What really got me was how the staff seemed to know the rhythm of the area. When I checked in around 3 PM, the guy at the desk – Paolo, I think – immediately mentioned that if I was planning to hit St. Peter’s Basilica, I should go now before the afternoon crowds really picked up. He was right, of course. The walk takes maybe seven minutes, and you’re cutting through these narrow medieval streets that most tourists never see because they’re following their GPS to the main entrance. I mean, you’ll pass the same neighborhood bakery every morning (grab a cornetto if you’re up early enough), and there’s this little tabacchi shop on the corner where the owner clearly knows everyone’s business – in the best possible way.

The rooms themselves feel thoughtfully designed rather than just decorated. My room faced the interior courtyard, which I was initially bummed about, but it turned out to be perfect – completely quiet at night, but you still get this lovely morning light filtering in. The bathroom was actually bigger than I expected, with one of those rainfall showers that doesn’t make you feel like you’re washing your hair in a closet. Small thing, but the WiFi was legitimately fast, which matters when you’re trying to upload photos or video call home. I did notice some street-facing rooms might catch a bit of noise from the early morning delivery trucks – Via Borgo Pio gets busy around 7 AM with locals heading to work – but nothing that would keep you awake.

What sets this place apart, though, is how it sits in the neighborhood. You’re not just staying near the Vatican; you’re actually in Borgo Pio, which feels like a real Roman neighborhood that happens to be ridiculously well-located. There’s a family-run trattoria literally around the corner (Da Enzo, I think?) where I saw the same regulars every night, and a small market where you can grab water and snacks without paying tourist prices. The Ottaviano metro stop is a five-minute walk, which connects you to the rest of Rome when you’re ready to venture beyond this little pocket.

Look, the 9.5 rating makes sense when you experience it. It’s not trying to be the flashiest place in Rome, but everything works exactly as it should. The location is genuinely special – close enough to walk to St. Peter’s before breakfast, but tucked away enough that you feel like you’ve discovered something. And honestly, in a city where location can make or break your entire trip, being able to walk home after a long day instead of fighting for a taxi or cramming into the metro? That’s worth everything.

Rooms

• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed, 2 × 1 double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 2 children

Reviews

• Geno from Bulgaria (10/10)

  Everything was wonderful, the beds are extremely comfortable, the location is more than good, literally all important sights are within walking distance. We were in constant communication with the host, who was very kind and helpful. We will definitely stay here again on our next visit. Greetings from Bulgaria

• Michael from United Kingdom (10/10)

  The location was fantastic, a vibrant but safe neighbourhood right outside The Vatican and 5 mins walk from the Metro. A great old building, two spacious bedrooms and great facilities. We were as comfortable eating in as eating out and, as a family unit with 2 young children, we felt very safe. The host was very attentive and supportive and clearly maintains high standards.

• Oleg from United States (9/10)

  the host was superior!!!!! He was very accommodating, we could not ask for more.

• Prameela from United Kingdom (10/10)

  Very clean, great location and lovely host.

• Julia from Brazil (10/10)

  Location was excellent. Misael helped us a lot with everything we needed.

• Tina from Australia (10/10)

  Beds were comfortable
  Clean facilities with everything you need on hand
  Washing machine
  Super close to the Vatican and St Peter’s
  Great restaurants and cafes nearby
  Window furnishings which kept the noise level of the street to a minimum which was perfect for sleeping
  Miseal was a generous and lovely host who was responsive and so friendly.

• April from United States (10/10)

  Misael was an amazing host! The Apartment was cute, modern, and perfect for our family of 5. The apartment is centrally located to many restaurants and a short walk to the train station. Misael was very kind and even arranged transportation from the airport and luggage accommodation for the day we checked out. We cannot thank you enough for the exceptional hospitality, our stay was absolutely amazing!

• Jesus from United States (10/10)

  It was close to the Vatican. Lots of restaurants. And Misael the host was very helpful. He did an excellent job.

• Kamil from Poland (10/10)

  Everythink was great. Place, host, apartment. I really recommend this place to spend beautiful time in Rome.

• Beni from Romania (9/10)

  It is clean, and nice. The position is very good, and the staff is excellent.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities