Vintage Ottaviano Apartment

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed in a lot of places around Rome, but this little apartment on Via Vespasiano honestly surprised me. You know how some places look great online but then you show up and it’s… well, not? This wasn’t one of those. The building itself is classic Roman residential – you’ll walk past it twice before you find the entrance because it blends right into the neighborhood, which is actually perfect. No tourist crowds lingering outside taking photos, just locals going about their business.

The apartment sits on the second floor (that’s European second floor, so you’re climbing some stairs – fair warning), and once you’re inside, you get why this place has a 9.5 rating. It’s got that authentic Italian apartment feel without being stuffy about it. The vintage touches aren’t forced or theme-park-ish, they just… work. I mean, you’re staying in someone’s actual neighborhood here, not some sanitized hotel district. The Prati area is where Romans actually live and work – you’ll hear the morning coffee routine from the bar downstairs, kids heading to school, that sort of real-life soundtrack that makes you feel less like a tourist.

What really sold me was how walkable everything is from here. The Vatican is literally a ten-minute stroll down Via Vespasiano – and I’m talking a leisurely stroll, not a power walk. But honestly, the best part might be that you’re close enough to hit St. Peter’s early before the crowds, then retreat back to your quiet street when things get crazy. The metro stop at Ottaviano is right there too, so you can zip into central Rome whenever you want. Plus – and this is key – there are actual grocery stores and restaurants around here that aren’t tourist traps. That little alimentari on the corner? The owner will remember you by day three and start recommending cheeses.

The apartment itself feels lived-in but well-maintained, if that makes sense. Good WiFi, decent water pressure, and the kind of kitchen where you can actually cook a proper meal instead of just heating up leftovers. I spent a few evenings just picking up ingredients from the local market and cooking dinner, which felt more authentic than another restaurant meal. The neighborhood gets quiet at night too – no drunk tourists stumbling around at 2 AM like you get near the Colosseum. Just the occasional Vespa and the sound of shutters closing.

Here’s the thing though – this isn’t a place where someone’s going to hold your hand through check-in or bring you fresh towels every day. It’s more independent than that, which honestly I preferred. You get your keys, you settle in, you live like a local for a few days. The 4-star rating feels right – it’s comfortable and well-appointed without being fancy, and that vintage charm isn’t just marketing speak. It’s the real deal.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $344. Apartment with 1 single bed, 1 double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, 1 futon bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Fabulous location! Highly recommend! – Raegan from Australia – 28 June 2025 (8/10)

  We had a lovely stay at Vintage Ottaviano. Location is spot on with a metro station around the corner, GREAT bar on the corner with cappuccinos for 1.80 euros and a variety of pastries etc (you could also sit and eat without paying extra) and many restaurants around. It’s also right near the Vatican for those wanting to visit it. The price was very reasonable for what we got. Communication was great and the ladies that let us in were nice. We would happily stay again if we were in Rome.
  
  What could be improved: There is no lounge room if you are a bigger group (it becomes a 4th bedroom), which means you need to sit around a dining table in the kitchen to be together. The washing machine is in the kitchen, so it doubles as a laundry, making the space seem more cluttered if you need to hang clothing. We had an issue with the freezer being frosted open (which my parents rectified – taking 2hrs of their holiday time). Management left a bottle of wine for our time. There was also an issue with one of the two bathrooms locking/closing – the metal ring that you use to close/open the door from the outside was missing. We were told to keep it open by management (as it can be opened and closed from the inside when you use it), but we had toddlers who love playing in toilets (a safety risk for us), so had to keep it closed and open it up with a large metal cooking utensil when we needed to use it. We also couldn’t lock that toilet which meant that people kept having someone open the door on them.

• Central apartment near Varican with great food and commuting options – Fionna from Philippines – 14 April 2025 (9/10)

  Vintage apartment is beautiful and cozy. Place has all amenities and has everything you need for your stay
  Hosts are responsive and finds solutions if any issues arise. Apartment is near the shopping district, perfect for people whole lile to window shop. There are a few restaurant and fast food options within walking distance. Vatican city and museum is just a few blocks away and is very walkable
  
  What could be improved: None

• Overall, this was one of the best accommodation experiences we’ve ever had. If you’re planning a trip with family with k – Yen from Singapore – 23 December 2024 (10/10)

  We had an absolutely fantastic stay at St Peter’s way apartment in Rome! Elisa is an exceptional host—professional, highly responsive, and attentive to every detail. Her customer-centric approach made our experience seamless and enjoyable from start to finish.
  
  The location of the apartment is unbeatable. It’s conveniently situated next to a metro station, with plenty of restaurants and a supermarket nearby. Plus, the Vatican Museum is just a stone’s throw away, making it incredibly easy to explore one of Rome’s most iconic attractions.
  
  The apartment itself exceeded our expectations. It was meticulously clean and thoughtfully designed, offering every amenity you could possibly need for a comfortable stay. The washer and dryer were a huge plus, and the fully equipped kitchen made it easy for us to prepare meals.

• A fantastic apartment for a trip to Rome – Rebecca from United Kingdom – 9 October 2024 (10/10)

  Spotlessly clean, comfortable and spacious. Fantastic location (near a metro stop, but not in city centre). Host was very kind.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing – had a great stay

• 5 stars – Rozanne from Portugal – 11 September 2024 (10/10)

  A real gem . From the moment I booked it to when we left Elisa and her team were so helpful. The apartment was much nicer than I anticipated, lots of space for my family . 5 stars
  
  What could be improved: Nil

• Excellent 2 days & 2 nights in Rome……..if you are going to the Vatican, stay here. – James from United States – 26 July 2024 (10/10)

  Breakfast available in the neighborhood.

• Great host and property! – Hage from United States – 6 July 2024 (10/10)

  Great view, so well appointed! Elisa was great at communication and support.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• This place served our needs perfectly and was a pleasure. – Brian from United States – 3 June 2024 (10/10)

  Elisa, who manages this property is amazing! She was so communicative and helpful at every turn. I would stay here again at least in part because Elisa was so great! The property was spacious and laid out perfectly for a family. The washer was good and got used. The location was great! Close to the subway and the Vatican. Very easy to get to everything.
  
  What could be improved: I would love a king-sized bed that is made of a single bed. The two pushed together leaves quite a seam.

• Amazing!!! 🤩🤩🤩 – Lauren from United Kingdom – 5 May 2024 (10/10)

  This was our last apartment for our Europe trip and we made the right choice. We were welcomed by Elisa who was very lovely and made sure we were comfortable our whole stay! It was a huge apartment that fit us (family of 6) perfectly! Will definitely book again if given the chance.
  
  What could be improved: None! Everything was perfect!

• Great place to stay if you want a three bedroom close to the Vatican. – Patricia from United States – 4 January 2024 (9/10)

  It was spacious, had a lift, clean, beds were comfortable, and the host was a lovely lady who wanted to help as much as possible. Also, the metro was right around the corner.
  
  What could be improved: The street noise. But with the blinds closed and the windows closed, it muffled most of it.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities