Arpinelli Relais

Historic properties in Rome are a dime a dozen, but the family-owned for five generations, Arpinelli Relais, stands out among the bunch. Although unusual layouts mean there's no reception, guests still receive a warm welcome from the always-available Tamar and Antoine. Behind a carved peach facade, palazzo interiors retain original 17th-century charm, although an extensive renovation brought contemporary style and the property officially opened in 2015. Inlaid cherub statues overlook gilded hangings in hallways, and an elevator offers alternatives to marble stairs up the four floors. The only common space is a gorgeous lounge with rich tapestries, a dining table, and ancestral portraits that proudly reflect the family's long-standing heritage. Parquet wood flooring, leaf motifs on period chairs, a black piano, and striking gold-framed mirrors continue the elegant flair. Stained-glass windows are beautifully preserved, and despite the crystal chandelier above, the atmosphere isn't stuffy. This is one of the top guest house-style hotels in Rome, and guests are primarily couples on vacation. 

A two-minute walk from the hotel, the landmark Trevi Foutain draws tourists from far and wide. Its accompanying piazza offers selfie settings and souvenir stands, but equally affords access to hidden streets, with authentic restaurants, bars, and gelaterias galore. Piazza di Spagna's Spanish Steps and Palazzo Quirinale are a seven-minute walk, with the Pantheon two minutes farther. Via del Corso's trendy boutiques are eight minutes on foot. Barberini metro station is the same distance, and busses from the Trevi Fountain shorten 22-minute walks to the Colosseum, which are longer for the Roman Forum, and 40 minutes for the Vatican. Churches, piazzas, and galleries dot streets in every direction. The main Roma Termini train station is a 28-minute walk, or 15-minute bus ride. Both Leonardo da Vinci International Airport and Ciampino Airport are a 40-minute drive, with public transport journeys taking 60 and 90 minutes, respectively.

Although snug, rooms are elegantly outfitted in dark-wood floors, hand-carved wooden furniture, and golden bedspreads, wall accents, and chair fabrics. Candle wall sconces, antique portraits, and stunning hand-painted tile headboards in some add charming accents. Additionally, ceilings in most are special, either in original coffered or painted tiled style, plus with lovely chandeliers hanging from each. Some rooms add unique elements like a carved fireplace or a small balcony. All have double beds, flat-screen satellite TVs, phones, and small ledges, but at 151 to 172 square feet (14 to18 square meters), rooms cannot be fitted with cribs. Rooms lack safes, minibars, and kettles, although communal fridges, plus the free-to-use kitchenette provide alternatives. Small, modern bathrooms have mood-lit showers with rainfall showerheads and massage jets, plus bowl sinks. Towels, hairdryers, and toiletries are provided. The two courtyard-facing rooms are quieter than those facing the street, but noise is inevitable in central Rome. All rooms have AC, free Wi-Fi, and daily replaced candy (which sometimes gets fresh fruit additions).

Features are limited, although at the Arpinelli, location and decor are features in themselves. The lounge gives guests a chance to mingle in sumptuous Italian surroundings, and free tea and coffee are always set up. The large wooden dining table is mostly used for relaxing over hot drinks, and communal fridges on each floor offer a place to store fresh items. The hotel has no bar or restaurant, and uncommon for Rome, no breakfast is available. While not a physical space, reception is accessible around the clock, and staff securely stores luggage after check-out. Airport transfers are available for a fee. The hotel has no parking facilities, but a vehicle is generally unnecessary here. Strong Wi-Fi is free throughout.