Vecchia Roma Resort

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at a lot of places in Rome over the years, but Vecchia Roma Resort actually surprised me – and honestly, that doesn’t happen often anymore. It’s tucked away on Via Della Fonte Di Fauno in Aventino, which most tourists completely miss because they’re all fighting for hotels near the Spanish Steps or Vatican. Their loss, really. Aventino is this incredibly peaceful hill where actual Romans live, and you know what? You can walk to the Colosseum in about fifteen minutes, but it feels like you’re staying in a residential neighborhood rather than a tourist trap. The first morning I woke up there, I heard church bells and birds instead of tour groups – I mean, when’s the last time that happened to you in central Rome?

The hotel itself has this sort of understated elegance that I really appreciate. It’s not trying too hard to be fancy, but everything just works. The rooms are spacious by European standards (and trust me, after staying in some shoebox places in Trastevere, this matters), and they’ve got this warm, lived-in feeling that makes you want to actually hang out there instead of just crashing after walking twenty miles through the city. The staff genuinely seems to care – not in that overly rehearsed way, but like they’re actually happy to help you figure out the best route to avoid the crowds at the Forum or where to grab decent coffee that isn’t tourist-priced. I was honestly impressed by how smoothly everything ran, from check-in to getting recommendations for dinner spots the locals actually use.

What really sold me on this place though is the location’s secret advantages. You’re walking distance from the Orange Garden on Aventino Hill, which has arguably the best sunset views in Rome and practically nobody knows about it. Plus there’s this famous keyhole at the Knights of Malta gate – sounds weird, I know, but it perfectly frames St. Peter’s dome and it’s this magical little moment you stumble upon. The area stays quiet at night (unlike say, Campo de’ Fiori where you’ll hear drunk study-abroad students until 3 AM), but you’re still close enough to walk to serious restaurants in Testaccio or catch the metro at Circo Massimo. Parking is actually manageable around there too, which – if you’ve ever tried to drive in Rome – you’ll understand is basically a miracle. I left feeling like I’d discovered this perfect little secret that somehow scored a 9.6 rating but still feels authentically Roman rather than like a stage set designed for Instagram. Sometimes the best finds are the ones hiding in plain sight.

Rooms

• Double Room with Bathroom with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults
• Single Room with Bathroom with 1 single bed for 1 adult
• Triple Room with Bathroom with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults

Reviews

• Kristina from Canada (10/10)

  The property was spectacularly clean! It is easy to find, and easy to get to attractions and amenities by walking to and from this location. Our hosts we’re phenomenally welcoming and helpful. They made our stay in Rome a delight!

• Gabriel from United States (10/10)

  Breakfast was prepared by Marco. It was great having breakfast and enjoying a wonderful conversation with him. He was very helpful!

• Steve from United Kingdom (10/10)

  Location is perfect, a short 12 min walk to the Colosseum and surrounding ruins while going past the Circus Maximus. Great hospitality and very helpful with directions and which metro station to use to save walking.

• Andrew from Denmark (10/10)

  Perfect stay, location, room all good.
  Host was extremely helpful, gave great tips about Rome, and made a great breakfast whilst doing so. Will be back

• Nigel from Cyprus (10/10)

  Everything was perfect. I would recommend to anyone. Marco was so helpful.

• Nelly from United Kingdom (10/10)

  The host Marco was amazing! Cooked us a great breakfast every morning, provided us guidance and map on where to go and places to see, provided detailed recommendations on local places to eat (even helped to make a booking for us as the original place he recommended was fully booked). Able to be easily contacted at any time.
  The place itself was cleaned well daily, bed was large and comfortable. Location was very close to the Colosseum but bit far from Vatican City (although still walkable)

• Alvertos from Greece (10/10)

  Everything was beyond my expectations. Firstly, the owner himself cooks breakfast for you every morning, giving you the feeling that you are not in an anonymous hotel but in your relatives' house in Italy (that you love them). Moreover, the owner was a former tourist guide, speaks fluent English, and he can give you many quality options for everything in Rome (food, transportation, locations, etc). He is really helpful.
  As for the room, it was super clean, not even a hint of dust! There is free wifi, a/c, heaters, and TV with Netflix and other applications. The location is in a very good neighborhood of Rome where you do not meet strange people or loud noises. Furthermore, it is really close to Colosseum (13m walk), the ancient arena "Circo Massimo" and the homonymous metro and bus station (4m walk), which connect you to every place in Rome. Not to mention that it was not even expensive room.
  All those combined were something that made my stay in Rome an unforgettable experience. I suggest Vecchia Roma Resort to anyone who is searching for the best value for money accommodation in Rome.

• Vildan from Turkey (10/10)

  I would like to thank Marco for making me feel at home every minute of my short trip to Rome. The breakfasts he prepared meticulously every morning and starting the day with a sincere smile were wonderful. The rooms were spotlessly clean, the personal supplies were very useful and comfortable. The fact that the center of Rome is also located in a quiet and peaceful neighborhood where locals live and that it is safe made me very happy on this trip. Marco's transportation recommendations for Rome and the beautiful memories he shared made my trip beautiful. I will come back to Rome to stay at Vecchia Roma Resort. Also, the New Year's gift Marco made with his own hands was a very nice and thoughtful idea. Thank you for everything Marco!

• Marie from United Kingdom (10/10)

  Great location. Great host and delicious breakfast every morning.
  In a quiet area

• Kateryna from Canada (10/10)

  Very clean, tasty breakfast

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities