Xenia Guest House

Hotel Description

You know those places that just feel right the moment you walk in? That’s Xenia Guest House for you. I stumbled across it on Via Arenula – honestly, I was just wandering around the Navona area trying to escape the tourist crowds when I first noticed the entrance. It’s one of those quietly elegant Roman buildings that doesn’t scream “hotel” from the street, which is actually perfect because you’re staying in what feels like a real neighborhood instead of hotel row.

The thing about this spot is the location is genuinely brilliant, and I mean that in the most practical way possible. You’re literally a three-minute walk from Campo de’ Fiori (great for morning coffee and people-watching), but you’re tucked away enough that you won’t hear drunk tourists stumbling home at 2 AM. The Pantheon? Maybe five minutes if you walk slowly. And here’s something most people don’t realize – you’re right near Largo di Torre Argentina, where all those ancient ruins sit in the middle of a busy intersection. Sounds weird, but it’s actually this cool reminder that you’re sleeping on top of thousands of years of history. The tram stops right there too, which saves your feet after long days of walking on cobblestones.

What really got me about Xenia was how they’ve managed to keep that intimate guest house feel while actually knowing what they’re doing. The staff – and I’m talking about the actual people who work there day to day, not just the front desk – they genuinely seem to like helping guests figure out the city. When I mentioned I was looking for good supplì (those amazing Roman rice balls), the guy checking me in didn’t just point me toward some tourist trap. He actually drew a little map to this place on Via dei Cappuccini where locals go. That’s the kind of detail that makes a difference when you’re trying to eat well in Rome without spending a fortune or ending up at some overpriced restaurant with English menus.

The rooms themselves are what you’d expect from a solid 4-star place – clean, comfortable, good shower pressure (crucial after walking around Rome all day). Nothing fancy, but thoughtfully done. The air conditioning actually works, which honestly isn’t always a given in older Roman buildings during summer. And the wifi is reliable enough that you can actually upload photos without wanting to throw your phone out the window.

I’ll be honest – this isn’t the kind of place where you’ll spend much time hanging around the lobby, but that’s sort of the point. You’re in Rome, you should be out exploring. But when you do come back after a long day of museums and gelato, it feels like coming home rather than just collapsing at some anonymous hotel. The 9.3 rating makes sense once you’ve stayed there – it’s not trying to be the fanciest place in the city, but it gets all the important stuff right without any of the pretension you sometimes get in this part of town.

Rooms

• Twin Room with 2 single beds, 1 sofa bed, or, 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 3 adults, 1 child
• Large Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults

Reviews

• Kristīne from Latvia (10/10)

  The location was perfect. Five minutes away is the cafe/restaurant district of Trastevere. The main sights are within 10-25 minutes of walking distance. The staff was very friendly. If I were to go to Rome again, I would definitely choose this hotel again.

• Wilbelt from Puerto Rico (10/10)

  Excellent location and facilities. Good support from the administrator.

• Claire from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Stayed at Xenia 4 nights with my teenage daughter. Great location with supermarket and restaurants close by. Attractions were all easily accessible, most within walking distance. Apartment was clean with super comfortable beds and a really nice bathroom. Room serviced daily. Everything we needed for a great stay.

• Ilona from Lithuania (10/10)

  Good Location, close to most of the main attractions and a short walk from Vatican, Trastevere, etc.
  The bed was comfortable and the room was immaculately cleaned. There is a small communal seating area with coffee available.
  Throughout our stay Maria was amazing! She gave us great recommendations for food and drink and was always ready to help with local advice. Nothing was too much trouble.

• Dmytro from Poland (10/10)

  Great location. Clearness. Helpful owner and staff

• Johanna from Netherlands (10/10)

  We had great stay. Fabulous staff, great location in Rome.
  The coffee in the reception is a nice touch.

• Lavinia from Romania (10/10)

  Professional and friendly welcome, fast communication with host via booking and whatsapp. Location near city center, close to main tourist attractions, quite area.

• Moradel from Honduras (10/10)

  Location

• Arthur from Serbia (9/10)

  Room was large and stylishly designed. Communications with remote and on-site staff was friendly and efficient. I was able to leave my bags for a few hours. In a great area between the Campo de Fiori and the old Jewish Quarter. And near the 8 Tram which goes to Trastevere station in 10-15 mins from which a train to Fiumicino runs every 15 mins

• Erika from Netherlands (8/10)

  Enrico was super responsive and met us to check us in early , which was very helpful and appreciated. Accommodation was central and easy walk to the main attractions. Recommended.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities