Capricci Romani

Capricci Romani B&B is a charming converted residence with a homey ambiance. It may be difficult for guests to find the property as there are no signs on the outside of the building, though guests report the owner waiting for them upon arrival. The bed-and-breakfast was refurbished in 2009 and again in 2012, an update that added private bathrooms to the rooms and a new paint job. The bed-and-breakfast has a slight Romanesque-style in the form of white marble-tiled floors and stone art pieces featuring gladiators driving horses. Its antique wooden elevator with an elaborate iron cage gives a historic character to the cozy property. Guests have complimented the owner for his superior insight and advice on Rome, as well as his thoroughness in making guests' stays comfortable and convenient. Couples looking for a budget-friendly hotel within walking distance to Vatican City are the main clientele, though families are close behind and can be seen congregating in the breakfast room in the morning. 

This bed-and-breakfast is mainly convenient to Vatican City, with other major sights a bit farther out -- the Pantheon is a 20-minute walk, Piazza di Spagna is a 25-minute walk, and the Colosseum is a 40-minute walk. Only six minutes away on foot is Parco Adriano, where Castel Sant’Angelo (also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian) can be seen. An eight-minute walk can take travelers to Saint Peter’s Square and Basilica, and other attractions in Vatican City. For shoppers, the famous shopping avenue of Via Cola di Rienzo takes four minutes on foot. As for dining, there are a variety of restaurants that are within a one- to five-minute walk from the bed-and-breakfast on the surrounding streets. A bus stop is located nearby (less than a minute’s walk), and the Ottaviano Metro (subway) station is a 10-minute walk away. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport requires a 30- to 45-minute car ride to reach. 

Rooms range from singles to quadruples and are named after Roman emperors like Marco Aurelio and Augusto. There are two styles of rooms: simple, classic rooms with golden-floral fabrics and blond-wood furniture, or rooms with deep-burgundy bedspreads on iron bed-frames complemented by dark-wood furniture. Black-and-white photographs and Michelangelo and Da Vinci prints also decorate the small rooms. All rooms have small desks, wardrobes, flat-screen TVs, safes, and air-conditioning. Some guests have complained of iffy Wi-Fi service. Bathrooms are somewhat small with no counter space and either black or white marble or blue-and-white mosaic tiles; each has a shower or a shower/tub combo, bidet, small toiletry packet, and hairdryer. All rooms face the street and have city views across the pretty rooftops. 

The bright, colorfully decorated breakfast room (which has a variety of small tables and a kitchenette) encourages camaraderie, especially as a set of shelves filled with games, children’s toys, and guidebooks is located right outside the room in the hallway. A free daily breakfast is offered in the mornings and can be served according to guest’s schedules. It includes various pastries, breads, jams and marmalades, coffee made to order, and juice. There's a computer with Internet available for guests, and free Wi-Fi. Other services include an airport shuttle service (a hired car/limo) as well as babysitting services upon request, and access to a neighborhood parking lot for a reduced fee.