D O M Hotel

The DOM Hotel -- it's name taken from the Latin acronym meaning "Deo optimo maximo" or "To God, most great" -- balances Rome's long history with attractive contemporary accents to create a beautiful boutique escape. Inside, you'll see a mix of chic spaces like the Champagne bar and restaurant on the ground floor, as well as historic details like ceiling rosettes and even the original tablets purchased by the 17th-century monastery's sponsors centuries ago. You'll find these marble slabs embedded in the wall on the first floor, though small Old World details can be spotted throughout the hotel. That doesn't mean that the hotel is quiet and stuffy, though. In fact, it serves as something of a buzzing local hub in one of central Rome's current trendy neighborhoods. The rooftop bar and terrace has a great aperitivo scene, drawing a mix of locals and tourists most nights of the week. Otherwise, the hotel itself is most popular with younger couples thanks to its undeniably romantic style.

This hotel's location is ideal, though that comes with a small caveat. Some previous guests have found the police station across the street to be a bit disconcerting, though in our opinion, it does little to effect how charming, quiet, and cool the immediate area is. Set back along narrow cobblestone alleys off of busy Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, the Ponte district is one of those insanely photogenic parts of town that's packed with character. It's a mix of old-school Rome and the city's trendier side, where indie boutiques sit side-by-side with classic Roman bars and osterias. Campo de' Fiori, which is equal parts touristy and authentically cool, is a five-minute walk east from the hotel. This puts limitless dining and drinking options within an easy stroll (including the famous Salumeria Roscioli), though the neighborhood has a great mix of bespoke retailers as well. It's 10 minutes on foot to Castel Sant'Angelo across the Tiber River, and less than a 15-minute walk to Vatican City. There aren't really any metro or tram stations nearby, but buses regularly ply Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. A trip to either Fiumicino or Ciampino Airports will take about 45 minutes by taxi.

The rooms here have a sober, contemporary look that gives them a chic finish alongside occasional historic features like exposed wooden beams, whitewashed brick, and soaring ceilings. Rooms on the second and third floor feel particularly grand due to the high ceilings and massive windows, though keep in mind that floor plans are generally compact (the building is centuries old, after all). Expect dark gray hues, bold individually curated artwork, and cool details like oversized Venetian mirrors in all rooms. Soft touches like upholstered velvet headboards and frescos add a further romantic touch.

Standard features include memory-foam beds, individually controlled air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, wardrobes, and free Wi-Fi, but there are no coffeemakers in rooms. The DOM Suite is particularly impressive, with its multi-floor layout, walk-in wardrobe, spacious living area, and large terrace with a view to St. Peter's dome in the distance. Bathrooms are attractive as well, with rainfall showers, heated towel racks, upmarket toiletries, and a good amount of vanity space. Some rooms (like one of the Junior Suites) have both showers and tubs, so check ahead if this matters to you. While the hotel mostly appeals to couples and solo travelers, some units can fit up to three people, making them an option for small families. The area is incredibly quiet at night, which is a feat in Rome.

Like most boutique hotels in central Rome, there aren't a ton of extra features here. However, the hotel has made itself a bit of a destination in the city, with a popular rooftop that attracts a lively mix of locals and travelers most nights of the week. The views of the surrounding streets are great. There's also a proper Champagne bar plus a well-liked restaurant that uses local produce in updated Roman fare. In the summer months, dinner is also available on the rooftop terrace. Breakfast is a continental affair that can be added to bookings. A small smoking terrace can be found off of the lobby and all floors are accessible by elevator (though keep in mind that stairs may be present in some units and parts of the hotel). Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.