Boutique Hotel Campo de Fiori

Rome is packed with history -- that's no surprise to anyone. But the Boutique Hotel Campo de' Fiori might just take the cake when it comes to sordid historic tales. The area itself -- the Campo de' Fiori -- has been everything from a burning ground for heretics to a dedication of love to a baroness to a flower market to a nightlife destination, and the hotel matches that history with its own. You see, the property served as a bordello for priests until the middle of the 18th century, and that scandalous past has been preserved in thoughtful ways. The numerous tales to be told about the property are -- well -- too many to count, so check in with the staff at the front desk if you'd like to hear some wild stories. Oh, and the ghost of Lucrezia Borgia might just haunt Room 601.

These days it's a calmer affair, as the hotel attracts lovers of classic style, history, and romance. You'll see lots of red and velvet, original hardwood floors, and even bricks from the original Roman building that once stood on the same site. The hotel comes complete with enough cool extras to match its story, and the rooftop is truly spectacular. This is the tallest building in the area, and views extend in all directions. Head up at sundown for an aperitivo and take in vantages all the way to Piazza Venezia. Expect to see couples and more mature travelers here. The hotel attracts a number of LGBTQ guests as well. 

Campo De' Fioro literally means "field of the flowers" in Italian, which is a reference to the daytime marketplace that operates just around the corner from the hotel. It's definitely touristy, with limoncello and trinket vendors vying for space among cheesemongers and florists, but the scene is definitely worth scoping out. At night, the vendors are replaced with locals and visiting revelers, plus diners who fill up sidewalk seating at the many restaurants and bars on the square. However, just west of here, a crop of trendy designer boutiques and art galleries are springing up. It's six minutes on foot to Piazza Navona, another famous dining and people-watching destination, and just a few minutes more to the Pantheon. Beautiful Trastevere is just a 10-minute walk across the river, while trams are available at Piazza Venezia (the same distance away, but to the east). Rome's other famous landmarks, such the Colosseum, are about a 20- to 25-minute walk from the property's front doors. Budget about an hour to reach Fiumicino Airport by mass transit, or 45 minutes by taxi.

The 23 rooms here range in size and decor, but each has charming classic touches such as parquet flooring, coffered ceilings, and rich brocade wallpaper. Some rooms have antique four-poster beds and elaborate chandeliers. Given the building's ancient background, don't expect massive floor plans, though that seemingly only makes them feel more romantic and intimate. Free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, and minibars are nice modern amenities -- as are plush slippers. Reflective tiling in the spotless bathrooms looks surprisingly chic. Furnished balconies or window views face the square or neighboring rooftops. There may be a bit of nighttime noise in some rooms, though soundproofing is generally quite good. 

Like most boutique hotels, the Campo de' Fiori doesn't have the space to offer much in the way of features -- but what it does, it does well. The free breakfast gets rave reviews and includes individually made coffee, and a wide array of local sweet and savory dishes. The hotel is adding frescos and other details to brighten the space up. The furnished rooftop terrace is a guest favorite that sets the hotel apart from its competitors: Private outdoor space is at a premium in packed Rome. That's only made sweeter by the fact that the hotel is one of the area's tallest buildings, meaning vantages from the rooftop are spectacular. It's a great place for an evening aperitivo. There is elevator access to all rooms, but not to the rooftop. The front desk is well versed in the tours available, and can help make recommendations based on travelers' input. Wi-Fi is free at the hotel.