Althea Inn Roof Terrace

Located on the fifth floor of a 1960s-era residential building, Althea Inn doesn’t look like much from the street. The cream-colored concrete structure is marked by a small sign, and the walls on either side of its main door are littered with some graffiti. Once inside, the hallway is clean and welcoming, with gray stone floors, and cream-colored walls decorated with a framed modern print. A small elevator takes guests up to Althea’s reception area, where there are two, little black leather armchairs with multicolor-striped throw pillows. A small glass table is topped with a guestbook and a fresh orchid, and there are a tasteful black-and-white print, small glass tabletop lamps, and an ornate mirror for decoration. There is no restaurant, and breakfast is delivered to each of the three guest rooms.

Althea Inn is situated on a narrow residential street in the Testaccio district, and surrounded by buildings that are somewhat dingy and marked with graffiti. The immediate area is not especially attractive, but is relatively safe and known for its phenomenal restaurants and food shops -- including Eataly, which is about a 10-minute walk. Piramide Metro stop is about a five-minute walk away, and the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, and Circus Maximus can all be reached in 12 minutes or less via Metro; it's also possible to walk to any of these hot spots in about 30 minutes. The Ostiense train station is also within a 15-minute walk of the hotel, and from there, the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport can be reached in about 45 minutes -- or in less than 30 by car or taxi.

There are only three guest rooms at Althea, and they are similarly decorated in shades of purple and beige, with framed prints that have a vaguely Parisian vibe. Simple glass tables topped with potted orchids, and wooden dining tables with clear plastic chairs lend a chic, modern feel. Beds are comfortable with plush mattresses and tasteful, white and dark-purple linens. Each room is air-conditioned, and has free Wi-Fi, a minibar, safe, and flat-screen TV. Bathrooms are immaculate and equipped with glass basin sinks, towel warmers, and narrow glass showers -- plus fresh orchids. The absolute winning feature of the rooms are the private covered balconies, with gray-cushioned wicker sofas, glass coffee tables, and plenty of fresh flowers and plants.

A simple, made-to-order breakfast of guests' preferred combination of croissants, fresh fruit, ham, cheese, and coffee is delivered to rooms daily and included in the price of the stay; the owner does not prepare hot dishes. There is free Wi-Fi access throughout the inn. The owner/manager is more than happy to recommend restaurants, help with airport pickups, or facilitate any other reservation. A paid garage down the street is the most convenient parking option.