Vatican Luxury Penthouse with Terrace

Hotel Description

So I’ll be honest – when I first saw “Vatican Luxury Penthouse” I rolled my eyes a bit, thinking it would be another overpriced tourist trap. But this place on Via di Monte del Gallo actually surprised me. You’re in Aurelio, which means you’re far enough from the Vatican crowds to breathe (maybe a 15-minute walk to St. Peter’s), but close enough that you can hear the church bells in the morning. The street itself is pretty quiet – mostly residential with that distinctly Roman mix of old apartment buildings and small shops where locals actually live.

The terrace is honestly the star here. I mean, Rome has plenty of rooftop views, but this one hits different because you’re elevated enough to see the dome of St. Peter’s without being right in the thick of tourist central. In the evenings, especially around sunset, you get this golden light that makes everything look like a postcard – except it’s real and you’re actually there with a glass of wine. The apartment itself feels more like staying at a well-traveled friend’s place than a hotel. The decor is thoughtful without being fussy, and there’s enough space that you don’t feel like you’re living out of a suitcase. What I appreciated most was the kitchen situation – properly equipped, not just the usual mini-fridge and hot plate nonsense. You can actually cook if you want, which is great because there’s a fantastic little market on Via Baldo degli Ubaldi where you can grab fresh ingredients.

Parking is… well, it’s Rome, so manage your expectations. But the area is more manageable than staying near the Colosseum or Pantheon where you’d go insane trying to navigate those tiny streets. The 8.3 rating feels about right – it’s genuinely good without being perfect. My only real gripe was the Wi-Fi could be spotty in the bedroom (worked fine everywhere else), and the shower pressure was decent but nothing to write home about. But honestly, these are minor things when you’re waking up to that view and having your morning coffee on a private terrace in Rome. The neighborhood comes alive in the evenings – you’ll hear families chatting from their balconies, kids playing in the courtyards, that sort of authentic Roman residential vibe that tourists usually miss. There’s a great little trattoria called Da Enzo that’s maybe a five-minute walk away, and the locals there will argue about football while serving you some of the best cacio e pepe you’ll find anywhere. This place works especially well if you want to experience Rome but also need a genuine retreat from the intensity of the city center.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $369. Apartment with Terrace with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Superb – Yvonne from United Kingdom – 17 May 2025 (9/10)

  Very central. Near the Vatican, short ten minute walk. Bus stop to city on street in front of apartment, 15 mins journey. Fabulous supermarket right next to apartment. 3 day bus ticket can be bought at the newsagent on main street. Good local cafes and restaurants. Great view of Vatican from the balcony.
  
  What could be improved: Would be helpful to have some tourist info re buses and local shops and eateries on arrival.

• Very good – Paul from Ireland – 26 July 2024 (8/10)

  What could be improved: Shutter to balcony was broken

• A very nice stay in a quiet neighbourhood. – Eveline-yves from Belgium – 6 January 2024 (9/10)

  The Space and view, also the well-equiped kitchen
  
  What could be improved: /

• Good apartment. Great location and view. – Andrei from Belarus – 16 September 2023 (9/10)

  Great apartment. Great location and view. Friendly owner who checked us in late at night and organized transfer. Nearby there is a supermarket and a train station. We'll definitely come again.

• We had lots of room and the Apartment was a great size for our family if 6 – Alen from Australia – 24 April 2023 (8/10)

  It was a great neighbourhood and easy to get to any of the Historical Locations
  
  What could be improved: It was a little difficult with the keys into the building and our Apartment. It took a little time to get the keys turning.
  There is a unmarked step in the apartment and one of us had a fall!

• overall enjoyed our stay immensely. Georgio was extremely informative. – Hayley from United Kingdom – 2 September 2022 (9/10)

  spacious, lovely terrace, fab kitchen and lounge, air con in most rooms, 2 bathrooms. georgio who met us was a superstar!
  
  What could be improved: door keys difficult to use at first. took a couple of days to get used to.

• About 1 1/2 miles from the vatican. Great host and large apartment. – Raquel from United States – 30 July 2024 (7/10)

  The apartment was large, clean, had a huge balcony which allows part view of the Vatican (about a mile away). It has a full kitchen.
  
  What could be improved: There are three bedrooms but only air-conditioning in two of them. We had to sleep one person on the couch and one in between two adults in a different room. The toilet was steadily running in one bathroom and the water pooled (poor draining) in the other bathroom.

• Would really class as luxury but we did enjoy our stay overall. – Ali from United Kingdom – 14 June 2024 (8/10)

  Great balcony.. fab view of Vatican.
  Georgio was very helpful at check in despite lift issues that were fine the next day. Near to station and buses which was handy. Great kitchen overall and comfy beds.
  
  What could be improved: En suite bathroom disappointing.. pathetic shower, basin took ages to empty and most of the lighting didn’t work.
  Currently renovating an apartment opposite bedrooms which woke us and meant we couldn’t use balcony on that side. No correct plug for kitchen sink so difficult to wash up.

• Good location, average accommodation – David from United States – 19 July 2023 (8/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: A/C did not work well. Elevator was tough to manage.

• Location close to the Vatican , fabulous views from the terrace, quiet but still well connected. – Richard from Portugal – 13 November 2022 (7/10)

  Top Location , quiet , next to a train station with connection to the metro, not a tourist area but within walking to travastere for example , supermarket next door and cafe i'iglio close by
  
  What could be improved: I complain the day after arrival that we could not get the TV to work , either the remote, (the original Samsung remote was missing) or the box. In the 2 remaining days no-one came to fix it. The main bathroom as others have already said have shower tap and plug fittings which are broken . For the price they need replacing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities