Residenza Canali ai Coronari

Residenza Canali ai Coronari is a small boutique property that employs historic style with charm and grace, unlike many of its dowdy and drab competitors in the two-and-a-half-pearl category. The hotel entrance has double wooden doors with lion head door knockers, an arched iron window treatment, and mounted outdoor wall lamps. It's a fittingly classic welcome to this hotel, that packs a lot of antique style into a small package. There are no elevators, so guests will need to climb stairs to reach the hotel. The lobby has a homey feel that's created by potted plants, a small tapestry rug, velvet couches and chairs, exposed wood-beam ceilings, and lots of antique woodwork. There's also a country-style breakfast room with light yellow walls and wooden tables covered in long green table clothes. Overall, the vibe is more guesthouse and less hotel, which is echoed in the property's lack of on-site features. This value spot is best used as an attractive and simple place to rest at night, and draws vacationing couples plus a few families and small groups of friends.

Residenza Canali ai Coronari is located on a small, cobblestone, pedestrian-only street, just one block from Via dei Coronari, which is known for its antique shops. The closest major landmark is Piazza Navona, which is just two minutes away on foot. Plenty of other sights are within an easy walk as well, including Campo de' Fiori, the historic market that's a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and the Trevi Fountain, which takes 13 minutes to reach on foot. Vatican City is 15 to 20 minutes away on foot by heading over the Tiber River, and the Spagna Metro station (near the Spanish Steps) is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Expect drives to Leonardo DaVinci International Airport to take about 35 minutes depending on traffic

While there are subtle differences from one category to the next, all rooms here are a mostly fresh take on the classic, early 20th-century look that's uninspiringly used by so many value guesthouses in the center of Rome. Things at the Residenza are a bit more cheerful, though, with bright yellow and soft green colors predominating and well-kept, hardwood antique furniture. Heavy, satin fabrics are used almost everywhere, from the tufted headboards and striped curtains to tablecloths on nightstands. Ceilings are high, making even the more compact lower-category units feel roomier than they are. Hardwood floors are a sharp statement, particularly the framed parquet floors in the Suite that we visited. Charming additions include rustic wood-beam ceilings in some rooms and gold line drawings depicting Guztav Klimt's "The Kiss" on the wall.

All rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, electronic safes, individually controlled air-conditioning, electric kettles for tea and coffee, and free Wi-Fi. Junior Suites also come with private entrances and shared outdoor space, while the Suite has an intimate brick terrace with a bistro table and lounge chairs -- it's a pleasant way to take in the sounds of the city, though some a power-washing or fresh coat of paint would perk things up a bit. Bathrooms look a little dated, and are done in glazed travertine tile with tile borders. They include at least a bit of counter space, stand-up showers or shower/tub combinations, toiletries, towels, and hairdryers. While the hotel sits on a pedestrian street, noise from late night revelers outside can be heard from time to time; noise from inside the hotel can also be heard in rooms occasionally.

Guests at Residenza Canali ai Coronari shouldn't expect too many on-site features. While not available with all rates and rooms, a simple continental breakfast is served in the hotel's charming breakfast room. Guests can expect to find pastries, cakes, cold cuts, and espresso or cappuccino -- the price is quite steep given the selection, even in central Rome. A computer is available in the hotel's lobby, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The front desk can help with tour bookings and car rentals, but keep in mind that it's only staffed during certain hours of the day. Also, late arrivals are subject to additional fees, so check ahead with the hotel.