Santa Monica Townhouse

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed in my fair share of Rome hotels, and the Santa Monica Townhouse is one of those places that just gets it right. It’s tucked away on Viale delle Milizie in the Prati neighborhood – and honestly, if you haven’t explored Prati yet, you’re missing out on one of Rome’s best-kept secrets. This isn’t the touristy mess around the Colosseum or Spanish Steps; it’s where actual Romans live and work.

The hotel itself feels more like staying at a well-traveled friend’s place than some corporate chain. The moment you walk in, there’s this immediate sense of calm that’s hard to find in the eternal city. The staff actually remembers your name (I mean, how rare is that these days?), and they’ll give you the kind of local recommendations that you won’t find in guidebooks. Like the fact that the best gelato in the neighborhood is literally a three-minute walk away, or that Via Cola di Rienzo – Rome’s answer to Oxford Street – is right around the corner for some serious shopping without the crowds.

What really sold me on this place was the neighborhood vibe. You’re about a ten-minute walk from Vatican City, which sounds touristy but actually works in your favor. All those massive tour groups? They stick to the main drags, so you get to experience this lovely residential area that feels authentically Roman. In the mornings, you’ll hear the chatter from the local market and the espresso machine hissing from the corner bar where businesspeople grab their quick breakfast. The streets are tree-lined and quieter than central Rome – you can actually have a conversation without shouting over traffic.

The rooms themselves are what you’d expect from a solid four-star – clean, comfortable, with that European efficiency that Americans sometimes find charmingly compact. The Wi-Fi actually works (believe me, I’ve stayed places in Rome where this was questionable), and the air conditioning is a godsend during those brutal August days. One thing I appreciated was how they handle check-in – no long lines or confusion, just smooth and professional.

Transportation-wise, you’re golden here. The Ottaviano metro stop is a quick walk, and from there you can reach anywhere in Rome without dealing with the nightmare of driving or finding parking. Plus, if you’re the type who likes to wander, the evening stroll along the Tiber is absolutely beautiful – especially when the sun sets behind St. Peter’s dome.

The 8.7 rating makes perfect sense once you’ve been there. It’s not trying to be the fanciest place in Rome, but it delivers exactly what you want: a comfortable base in a fantastic neighborhood with people who actually care about your experience. You know what I mean? Sometimes the best travel experiences come from places that feel effortless, and that’s exactly what you’ll find here.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $219. Double or Twin Room with 2 single beds and 1 double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Nice – Anes from Bosnia and Herzegovina – 6 June 2025 (10/10)

  Comfortable clean
  
  What could be improved: They use smart locks with vikey and it is slow unresponsive app, had to fall back to codes

• Superb – Wiyada from United States – 6 June 2025 (9/10)

  The convenience of the location to Vatican City and metro stops.

• Perfect location to explore rome – Cesar from Colombia – 28 May 2025 (9/10)

  Fantastic location, close to public transportation and great coffee places and restaurants.

• Marco is a 5 stars host. Very proactive, he made my stay a wonderful experience! – Aïda from United Kingdom – 22 May 2025 (9/10)

  > BREAKFAST: it’s not included.
  But there is a good supply of tea bags, coffee, cookies, sugar… Coffee machine, kettle, microwave, fridge and boiler are available in the pantry room. Guests can make their own breakfast by buying some stuff they can keep in the fridge in the pantry room or in their own bedroom.
  
  > LOCATION: very safe area. Only 6 minutes walk away from the Metro Lepanto: direct line to Termini trains station. Easy then to commute from the airport to Rome city center and the apartment.
  
  What could be improved: There is little I didn’t like.
  
  The apartment is immaculate: nice decoration, very safe and very clean. The cleaner comes daily – a real bonus!
  Marco, the host is a lovely man who helped me organising my stay. I was a bit anxious about the opening of the doors as I’m not into technology… and didn’t want to struggle with a self check-in. Guess what! Marco was there to explain things to me: that was wonderful. It was very easy! He is charming and very professional. Always on a phone to answer to my questions.
  
  The other thing is that the location is more like a “business area” and some places can be closed during the weekend. If you arrive at night, you might not find a shop to buy some fresh water.
  Travelers should then buy few bottles of water before heading to the apartment.

• Very pleasant stay, clean, great location – Marija from Slovenia – 3 March 2025 (10/10)

  It was a very clean room with comfy bed, easy acces by code. I choose it because of a very nice location, in a calm and wealthy district. It is close to subway station and if you prefer to walk it is a short walking distance from many attractions. Many shops and restaurants are in the area. I will stay here again next time im in Rome.
  
  What could be improved: /

• Good location, clean and comfortable – Zura from Kazakhstan – 29 October 2024 (10/10)

  I would highly recommend Santa Monica Townhouse. The lady on reception- Rodica was very nice and helpful. Location is good, room and bathroom was clean and comfortable. I enjoyed my stay there.
  
  What could be improved: no, everything was good

• We really liked the hotel and the apartment. We would definitely stay again. Thank you for paying so much attention to c – Elif from Italy – 23 October 2024 (10/10)

  It was literally perfect. It was the cleanest hotel we’ve ever been to. Location is perfect, also the apartment really pretty! I have to say that the bed and the pillows were the comfiest ones I’ve ever seen.
  
  What could be improved: We really liked the hotel. The only thing I can say is that we stayed 3 people so we had the whole apartment that is upstairs. The apartment is really pretty but the toilet is super close to the wall so it was not very comfortable but I understand it is because of the bathroom plan.

• Superb – Radhika from United Kingdom – 11 October 2024 (9/10)

  Very helpful staff, good location in a residential neighbourhood, very clean, good facilities, easy access to both bus and metro station ( Lepanto), local supermarkets nearby, good restaurants within a short walk. Close to the Vatican (10 min walk), Piazza del Poppolo is also within 20 min walking distance (bus to Pompeii start from here).
  
  What could be improved: Nothing much to not like about Santa Monica Townhouse, the wifi access in the room was a bit patchy.

• Loved Rome. Apartment in fantastic area. – Glennis from United Kingdom – 29 September 2024 (8/10)

  Spotless. Great location. Very friendly staff. Very good aircon. Unfortunately the Wi-Fi didn’t work ( they did try to resolve the problem). The bedroom is at the back, so comparatively quiet. I slept on the comfortable sofa bed in the front room which faces onto a busy road. As I’m a light sleeper, I didn’t sleep well. However, I do accept that all city’s are noisy places, and the apartment does have double glazing. As this apartment is on the second floor, and access is via a very beautiful but never ending staircase, it would be unsuitable for anyone who has difficulty climbing stairs. There is a lift, but it is tiny.
  
  What could be improved: There is nothing wrong with this apartment. It’s with in easy walking distance of the Metro, shops and restaurants.

• Great property in a safe and quiet location in Rome – Joseph from United Kingdom – 27 September 2024 (9/10)

  Great property with all the essentials. Beautiful old building with lovely high ceilings. Location was great, quiet and felt very safe. Close to all major landmarks and public transport. Would definitely recommend.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities