Aurelia Vatican Apartments

This charming apartment complex opened in 2009 after a complete restoration of the building, which dates back to the 1900s. The exterior is an example of classic Roman style -- the beautiful cream-colored building has curved wrought iron balconies and characterful wooden shutters on the windows. Window boxes filled with bright flowers adorn the balconies. The three-story property is built around a central courtyard, in the center of which is an ornate and picturesque fountain with a few resident turtles. 

Once inside, the property looks completely different. The lobby -- which is really more of a reception room with a small waiting area -- has contemporary decor, with black leather swivel seats, a glass reception desk with blue under-lighting, and vases of elegant fresh flowers. Large canvas prints of Italian scenery hang on the walls. The property attracts business guests on long stays, couples with their own transportation and an independent streak, and families wanting the space and convenience of an apartment. It's a child-friendly property, as high chairs, cribs, and extra beds can be provided on request. Many wedding parties stay here as well.

Despite conjuring images of Vatican City views, this hotel isn't close to the Vatican at all -- in fact, it's at least a 15-minute drive away depending on traffic. There's not much of interest in the immediate area, and no shops or restaurants right outside, making this akin to actually living in an apartment in an utterly normal, residential part of town. It is quiet, and will work for those with their own transportation, who are looking to escape from the hustle of Rome, or who don't mind using public transportation to get around. The closest metro station, Valle Aurelia, takes 15 minutes to reach on foot. Alternatively, there's a bus stop just one minute from the hotel's front door. The center of Rome and attractions like the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and the Pantheon are around 30 minutes away by Metro. Expect a 15-minute trip by metro to Vatican City, though this will require decent walks both before and after the journey. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is a half-hour away by car. 

The 18 apartments here are stylish, modern, and spacious. They are available in studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom configurations, with the largest able to sleep five or six people. The apartments are decorated in a simple and on-trend style. Guests can expect to see charcoal-colored sofas, coffee tables, and beds, offset against white walls and floors. Some apartments have wood-beam ceilings, and large canvasses of Italian landscapes add a splash of color to the walls. Each one has a balcony overlooking the central courtyard, which might be a particularly nice vista over morning coffee or an evening meal. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, work desks, and seating areas. The modern kitchens have a fridge, stove, oven, and cooking utensils. Bathrooms are fairly basic, with white tiling and a shower cubicle that's on the small side. Toiletries and towels are provided, but there's not much counter space around bathroom sinks in most apartments. Unlike many apartment-style hotels, daily housekeeping is provided here free of charge.

The Aurelia Vatican Apartments don’t have the same facilities guests would expect at a traditional hotel. There’s no bar, restaurant, or fitness center, and no real communal areas to speak of, as guests tend to stay within their own apartments. The property does have a 24-hour laundry room with a coin-operated washing machine and dryer -- ironing facilities are available as well. The hotel also provides free on-site parking and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.