The Major Hotel

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about The Major Hotel? It’s tucked away on Via Santa Maria Maggiore in Monti, which honestly feels like discovering Rome’s best-kept secret. I mean, you’re literally walking distance from the Colosseum – I’m talking a genuine 10-minute stroll, not some exaggerated hotel marketing claim – but you’re staying in this charming neighborhood that most tourists completely miss.

The thing about Monti is that it’s got this incredible energy during the day with all these vintage shops and little cafes spilling onto cobblestone streets, but then it actually gets pretty quiet at night. Perfect for sleeping, which isn’t something you can say about staying near Termini Station (trust me on that one). The Major sits right in the sweet spot where you can grab an authentic cacio e pepe at one of the family-run trattorias just around the corner, or wander over to Via del Boschetto for some serious people-watching over an aperitivo.

What really sets this place apart – and I’ve stayed in quite a few Roman hotels – is how they’ve managed to feel both polished and genuinely welcoming. The staff actually remembers your name after the first day, which sounds small but makes such a difference when you’re trying to figure out whether that restaurant recommendation is worth the walk. The rooms have this clean, modern vibe without being sterile, and the beds are honestly some of the most comfortable I’ve encountered in Italy. Plus, the air conditioning actually works properly, which anyone who’s visited Rome in July will appreciate more than fancy marble bathrooms.

The location really shines when you start exploring beyond the major sites. Sure, you can hit the Colosseum and Roman Forum easily, but you’re also perfectly positioned to discover places like the Basilica di San Clemente (this incredible underground church that most people skip) or take the short walk to Cavour Metro station when you want to venture further out. And here’s something the guidebooks don’t tell you – there’s this fantastic morning market on Via Baccina, just a couple blocks away, where you can grab fresh fruit and actually decent coffee for a fraction of what you’d pay near the tourist spots.

I’ll be honest, parking can be a bit tricky if you’re driving – this is old Rome, after all, so the streets weren’t exactly designed for cars. But the Metro access more than makes up for it, and walking really is the best way to experience this part of the city anyway. The hotel’s 8.8 rating feels spot-on to me; it’s not trying to be the fanciest place in Rome, but it absolutely nails what matters most: comfort, location, and that feeling like you’re staying somewhere that locals would actually recommend to their friends visiting from out of town.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $351. Deluxe Double or Twin Room with City View with 1 single bed and 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• The major is a beautiful hotel with amazing views of the St Mary Major Basilica. The staff are lovely & the breakfas – Caroline from United Kingdom – 30 June 2025 (10/10)

  The hotel was very clean & the room was beautiful & spacious.
  
  What could be improved: It would be nice if the hotel restaurant did some pizzas & offered a steak. The menu is not catering for a plain eater which my husband is.

• Excellent – James from United States – 23 June 2025 (9/10)

  Loved the roof top breakfasts.
  Only thing missing was a lobby bar.
  
  What could be improved: A lobby bar.

• Incredible hotel and staff – Caelan from United Kingdom – 19 June 2025 (10/10)

  Room and hotel was great! Staff were very attentive and went above and beyond to make our stay the best it could be! Stefano was great.

• Superb – Kyle from United Kingdom – 10 May 2025 (9/10)

  Nice modern clean room, good location

• It is a great hotel in an excellent location – Jacqueline from Australia – 30 April 2025 (9/10)

  Rooms were large, beds are comfortable, and large bathrooms . Great location. Staff were helpful.
  
  What could be improved: We thought for the price, there would be complementary water each day of the stay.

• Recommended – Haytham from Australia – 24 April 2025 (9/10)

  Location and room is exactly like the photos. Very clean
  
  What could be improved: Some damp smell which you could easily ignore. Will happily stay again

• Exceptional – Nevenka from United Arab Emirates – 23 April 2025 (10/10)

  Atmosphere, room view, location, staff, customer service… highly recommend

• Very good – Catherine from United Kingdom – 13 April 2025 (8/10)

  Excellent location. Great staff and clean room
  
  What could be improved: n/a

• I always really enjoiy the stay, great facility to distach from a busy (work) day – Ludwig from Italy – 8 April 2025 (9/10)

  breakfast, location, exceptionally friendly staff, rooftop, food

• Friendly staff, great breakfast, and good location. – Emma from United States – 4 April 2025 (9/10)

  Good location.
  
  What could be improved: The bed was pretty stiff and uncomfortable.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities