Casacau

The Trevi Fountain area of Rome is easily one of the busiest parts of the city, and the hotels in this area are often poorly kept properties banking on their proximity to the fountain to lure guests. That couldn't be farther from the truth at Casacau, though, where style and substance go hand in hand. Almost immediately upon stepping through the heavy wooden doors into this 17th-century hotel, the vibe is private and hushed. That's a welcome change from the tourist crush just outside the hotel's doors. It's so quiet you can even hear your footsteps as you climb the worn stone stairs to the floors above. The vibe is both grand and secluded, with a degree of privacy that isn't common in this part of town. While there are almost no common areas on-site, the apartments are massive and have plenty of space for unwinding. Check-in takes place in a quirky living room-esque office and guests are personally escorted to their apartments by the staff, who explain features along the way. This is a special place that attracts families and couples seeking a sharp upgrade from the competition.

To call this hotel central would be a big understatement, as Casacau is within a short stroll of one of the most popular landmarks in Rome: the Trevi Fountain. It's a block and a half away, and the street on which the hotel sits is flooded with tourists all day and into the night. There are numerous dining and drinking options all around, as well as plenty of souvenir shops. If you'd like something a bit less overtly tourist, head to Monti, which is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the hotel. In the opposite direction, a 10-minute walk lands you at the Spanish Steps and amid Campo Marzio, which is packed with boutiques and lovely cafes. It's a five-minute walk to Piazza Barberini, where you'll find the Capuchin Crypt, Palazzo Barberini, and the metro. The Pantheon is a seven-minute walk from the hotel, while it's 15 minutes on foot to Piazza Navona. Budget 45 minutes to reach Fiumicino Airport by metro and train from Termini Station, and about the same by taxi. 

While the hotel resides inside of a 17th-century building, the spacious apartments at Casacau couldn't be more fresh and modern. The look is boho-chic, with refined details that make the place feel particularly upscale. Expect to see accents like oversized classical portraits, artfully draped throws, bold colors and patterns, and reclaimed wood. Angular pendant lighting contrasts wood-beam ceilings in some rooms, while big windows let in plenty of natural light. Those very same windows also do the Lord's work in keeping the noise from the busy street below entirely out of the rooms. That's no small feat in this part of town.

Configurations include studios and one-bedroom apartments. The latter often include separate dining rooms and have pull-out couches that allow the apartments fit up to five people in some cases. Beds rest on platforms, furthering the loft-living effect. Expect air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, kitchenettes, coffeemakers, local coffee, and lots of art books all coming together to make a cool home-away-from-home. Bags of fresh pastries come straight to your door every morning as well. Bathrooms are as stylish as the rooms, with many including separate showers and tubs, and even a sauna in some cases. Certain apartments also have small terraces that make for a nice morning-coffee venue. 

While there aren't any common areas here, and features are few, the hotel does its best to feel like a chic home in the middle of Rome. To that end, a bag of local breads and pastries is delivered to each apartment every morning. The office staff can arrange anything travelers need, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Keep in mind that the front desk isn't staffed around the clock.