Aurelia Residence San Pietro

The Aurelia Residence feels like a residential apartment complex from the moment of arrival at the gated entrance. Three floors of the modern building's terraces have flower boxes. In the lobby, the low-profile, blond-wood front desk gives a casual, welcoming vibe. The corridors of the complex feel traditional with solid wood doors and matching wall panels and green patterned carpet comprising the simple, old-fashioned decor. The courtyard in the midst of the multi-building complex has lush overflowing greenery and a fountain. But it's the lovely rooftop breakfast garden that becomes the center of social interaction, with tropical plants, tile floors, shaded tables and outdoor furniture where guests can relax and enjoy a second cup of coffee. The views of surrounding apartments and even the top of the nearby Saint Peter’s dome are pleasing. This isn't a busy hotel but rather a subdued oasis from which to explore the Eternal City.

Via Aurelia is a busy street with limited pedestrian space that some people may find a bit daunting to cross or walk along. But the hotel is located near the eastern walls of the Vatican, about a 13-minute walk to Saint Peter’s Basilica. Most other major attractions are about a 10- to 15-minute taxi ride. Bus service to Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Colosseum and Pantheon take approximately 20 to 30 minutes using a bus line that runs right by the hotel. The bustling Via Cola di Rienzo shopping district is about 15 to 20 minutes by bus. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport takes about 30 minutes by taxi or about an hour by public transit. Several restaurants and a grocery store are within a five-minute walk from the hotel. 

Suites are individually decorated and are offered in a few different configurations of one-bedroom and two-bedroom layouts (Standard and Superior). Each one includes a living room with at least two sofa beds (some with three); a small dining area; outdoor patio or terrace with seating; and a fully-furnished kitchen including stove, full refrigerator, utensils and dishwasher. Regardless of configuration, rooms are spacious enough to accommodate families and clean and classically decorated. While not outdated per se, they do have an old-fashioned look. Oak parquet floors, Asian rugs, frilly sofas, chairs and matching drapes, patterned wallpaper, and solid wood doors feel decades away from current interior design trends, but the effect isn't unpleasant. Bathrooms aren’t as generously spaced but have tile floors and walls, good overhead lighting, pedestal sinks, and hydro-massage shower stalls that some guest find cramped. Amenities include a safe, 21-inch flat-screen, and CD stereo player. Air-conditioning is offered in the bedrooms only. Views from the rooms are either the street or lushly landscaped courtyard. Noise from the busy street and adjacent train tracks can be heard in some rooms, most notably on the lower levels. 

A free breakfast buffet is included in the room rate and served in an indoor solarium or rooftop garden area with views of Saint Peter’s dome. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, but some guests report it's spotty in certain areas. Parking in a covered garage is available for a fee, and private airport transportation can be arranged by staff. Other concierge services include babysitting and sightseeing tour and tickets arrangements. Laundry and dry cleaning services are available.