Mario de’ Fiori 37

Don’t let Mario de’ Fiori 37’s discreet, unassuming entrance fool you: beyond the unmarked sliding doors is a modern, stylish space that’s popular with couples. While the romantic cobblestone street outside gets plenty of foot traffic, the reception is surprisingly quiet in comparison, and calming wood accents lend a relaxed feel. Limited space overall and a lack of common areas may make the hotel feel simple at first, but the comfortable rooms and tasteful furnishings with unique accents all make this a fine oasis in a busy part of town. At just nine rooms, the hotel's intimate size allows for attentive service — manager Giuseppe is a favorite with recent visitors. 

The hotel is part of a small luxury group owned by a Roman native, whose great grandfather built the historic art studios of the area, which once housed the likes of Picasso and Fellini. Don’t miss his lovingly compiled Roman Notebook – a personal collection of notes and insider’s tips on the local neighborhood. The hotel is frequented primarily by couples from the U.S, along with Western Europe and Australia.

Via Mario de’ Fiori is a romantic cobblestone street lined with lively restaurants and shops. There are ample wining and dining choices all along the block – including good local establishments. The Spanish Steps are a convenient two-minute walk around the corner, as well as the high-end fashion boutiques on Via Condotti. The live events of Piazza del Popolo, Villa Borghese park, and the Trevi Fountain are all a 10-minute walk away, while the Pantheon can be reached in 13 minutes on foot. Piazza Venezia is a 20-minute walk, and the Vatican can be reached in 15 minutes by car. Both Ciampino and Fiumicino Airports are roughly a 45-minute drive from the hotel. 

With comfortable furnishings, handsome wood and metal accents, and a modern twist on canopy beds, rooms are tasteful and delightfully unique. All come with a range of upscale amenities, including decently-stocked minibars plus Nespresso machines and snacks, large flat-screen TVs with Sky channels (some free), luxurious linens by the Milan-based Frette, bathrobes (by Frette) and slippers, individually controlled air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi and safe access. Bathrooms are beautiful and well-maintained. Most include a separate tub and handcrafted mosaic-and-marble showers. Some have two sinks. 

The nine rooms are divided across four categories, which differ by size but contain the same amenities. Double Deluxe Rooms are the lowest room category, while Studio Deluxe Rooms are bigger with a small seating area for two. Junior Suites have a larger seating area, and the Rooftop Suite is a charming loft-style space with original 17th-century woodbeam ceilings, a work area, and two walk-in wardrobes.

With limited space, facilities are limited to the reception area and a separate coffee lounge that provides free tea, coffee, still and sparkling water, and cookies. There’s no breakfast room, but staff deliver free coffee and croissants to your room on request. A separate breakfast buffet is available at the sister hotel, Babuino 182, a five-minute walk away. It costs extra and includes a selection of cold cuts, cheese, fruit, yogurt (hot options are an additional charge on top of the fee). There’s also free Wi-Fi throughout, and paid public parking at a garage about a 10-minute walk from the hotel – paid valet service is available.