Hotel Trastevere

The Hotel Trastevere is housed in a simple stone-brick building on a narrow road. Inside is a small, tile-floored lobby dominated by high ceilings and a glossy dark-wood staircase. There's also an elevator. There are guidebooks on the shelves behind the reception desk and a loveseat by the window, and a breakfast room off to one side holds wooden chairs, red-cushioned banquettes, and a large window that faces the street. The carpeted hallways are narrow and include a few frescoes and small granite arches. All in all, there's nothing especially stylish or grand about the property, but it attracts repeat visits from international tourists who appreciate its simple setting and good value for the area.  

Hotel Trastevere is located west of the Tiber River and about a 30-minute walk south of Vatican City. It's a delightfully walkable area of winding lanes and tucked-in shops and restaurants. The Piazza Santa Maria Trastevere and its lovely church is a three-minute walk away, but could take longer in summer when the area gets crowded. It takes 12 minutes to walk to the Villa Farnesina, a Renaissance property with frescoes by Raphael and the gardens of Orto Botanico. Campo de'Fiori, a 14-minute walk from the hotel, is another interesting neighborhood with a lively street scene. The Pantheon is about 20 minutes away by foot or car, while Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain are each a 15-minute drive or 19-minute bus ride. The Colosseum is a 12-minute drive or 25 minutes by public transportation, while Rome's Fiumicino Airport is 38 minutes by car or 55 minutes by public transportation. Ciampino Aiport is a 36-minute drive but can take almost two hours by public transportation.

There is little adornment in the simple air-conditioned rooms at Hotel Trastevere. Floors are carpeted in a dusty blue and the long, black-out drapes are copper in hue. Rough stucco walls in a cream color surround the basic honey-colored wooden furniture. Low beds with long headboards sport built-in lamps, and desks hold small flat-screen TVs. Some rooms have views of the Cosimato Plaza, which is picturesque but often noisy. Room sizes range from tiny single units to bigger but still sparse quadruple lodgings. Larger rooms have electric kettles and mini-fridges. There is also a separate building with an apartment on three levels that can sleep up to five people. 

Bathrooms are small and tiled in beige or yellow and white. These spaces look a bit grim due to low natural light and fluorescent bulbs. The shower stalls have walk-in showers that could use a good scrub, and some of the higher-category rooms have bidets. Basic toiletries and old-fashioned hairdryers are provided.

Features at the Hotel Trastevere are limited and reflect its budget status. The hotel offers a free breakfast buffet with pastries, cereals, and reportedly outstanding espresso drinks in a room off the lobby. There's also free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, luggage storage, and a safe at the 24-hour front desk. Staff can organize tours and airport transfers. Children three and younger can stay at the hotel for free in existing beds, but pets are not allowed.