Hotel Lodi

Hotel Lodi is housed in a classic stucco villa with red shutters that dates back to the early 20th century. Inside, the hotel's basic decor consists of accented tile floors, pre-fab wooden furniture, and thick, crimson carpet runners. Maps and tourist brochures are available at the front desk, and guests frequently grab tips on the area from hotel staff. Hotel Lodi's hotel-hostel vibe and bare bones features attract younger, budget-minded holiday-makers traveling solo or as couples. While features are slim-to-none, a few common spaces like the breakfast room (a white, narrow room with inexpensive-looking tables and chairs) and verdant outdoor garden give guests space to mingle and relax. The outdoor garden has gravel walkways and exotic plants from all over the world, including orange trees, cacti, and even a palm tree. Vine-covered pergolas and shaded spots for relaxing create a secret garden feel. Guests with mobility issues should note that there is no elevator at the hotel.

Hotel Lodi is located in a residential neighborhood in Rome's San Giovanni district. You'll find several restaurants within walking distance, and a small park down around the corner. One of the best advantages of a stay here is the hotel's easy access to the hip and artsy Pigneto Quarter, which is five to 10 minutes away on foot depending on the destination. It's a funky local area with a good selection of restaurants and bars, as well as nightlife geared toward a younger crowd. The closest metro station -- Re Di Roma -- is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Most historic sights will require the metro to reach, though the Roman Aqueduct is only 15 minutes away on foot. Both Trevi Fountain and the Coliseum can be reached in less than 20 minutes on public transportation, while Vatican City is around a 45-minute commute on public transportation. Street parking is available in the area. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is around a 35-minute drive, while Ciampino Airport takes 20 minutes to reach by car.

Whether you book into one of the hotel's Standard Rooms or its dorm-style rooms, spaces will be spotless and modern, though exceptionally simple. Decor -- for the most part -- features sharp dark wood laminate floors, light wood furniture with Ikea-inspired lines, and pale blue walls. Simple framed Art Nouveau-style or landscape prints hang on the walls, but otherwise design elements are limited. Standard Rooms are outfitted as Doubles, Triples, or Quadruples, while dorm rooms forego the typical bunk beds in favor of three or four single beds. All rooms have flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, but no air-conditioning. Bathrooms in Standard Rooms come with stand-up showers and basic toiletries; some have attractive mosaic tiles while others are more dated. All dorm rooms have external shared bathrooms. 

There aren't many frills here, but the hotel's rates reflect that fact and what's on offer is sufficient. Lodi Hotel provides a basic free breakfast inclusive of coffee, orange juice, pastries, and Nutella. The modern-looking breakfast room has tables and chairs where guests can dine, or they can choose to eat their breakfast out in the lovely garden. The hotel has free Wi-Fi, but if you're lacking a computer there are two in the internet corner, located adjacent to the breakfast room. There's also a small lending library filled mostly with travel books. Guests staying in dorm rooms should know that unlike other hostels in Rome, there is no communal kitchen here.