Palazzo Cardinal Cesi

This classically styled hotel is housed in a historic building that dates back to 1400 and was originally owned by Cardinal Pierdonato Cesi. Opulent details like large statues at the entrance and vaulted ceilings are paired with exposed wood ceiling beams, tarnished peach walls, and period pieces. The cozy, traditional lobby features lovely herringbone wood floors and camelback couches in dark-red damask, while an antique wood desk serves as the hotel's front desk. In the Refectory, or breakfast room, the atmospheric style continues with tan painted walls and ceilings, antique light fixtures, and long tables clad in white tablecloths running down the center of the room, serving as the buffet area. The hotel is centered around a charming courtyard garden filled with plants, trees, and topiaries, which is surrounded by a cloister furnished with cushioned metal chairs and tables.

The Palazzo Cardinal Cesi is located right by the Vatican City in the historic center of Rome and a five-minute walk away from St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, Auditorium Conciliazione, the Apostolic Palace, and Ospedale Santo Spirito. There are many restaurants, bars, and shops a short walk away. Other top sights can be easily reached on foot including Castel Sant’Angelo (seven minutes away), the Sistine Chapel (15 minutes), and the Vatican Museums (15 minutes). Both the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport and the Ciampino Airport are around a 30-minute drive away.

Rooms are simple and homey, if a bit bland, with traditional decor that includes wooden furnishings and crimson striped bedspreads that match the curtains. Flat-screen TVs hang on the walls while minibars with snacks and drinks sit inside cherrywood cabinets, though there are no tea- and coffee-making facilities. The split-level Garden Suite has a private entrance from the courtyard as well as vaulted ceilings with original frescos and a marvelous brick spiral staircase. Bathrooms are small and standard, but they're equipped with heated towel racks, hairdryers, a range of toiletries, and small standing showers, some of which are more recently renovated and have rainfall showerheads. Travelers should note that some rooms get loud street noise.

An American-style buffet breakfast is included in the room rates and offers eggs, bacon, sausage, cereal, yogurt, coffee, cheeses, and pastries, served in the atmospheric breakfast room. Wine and beer are available at the small bar area, and there's a lovely courtyard surrounded by a cloister that's furnished with tables and chairs. The property has meeting rooms and event space as well, including wedding facilities. Room service is offered, though with limited hours, and guests can rent bikes and cars for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but though there's on-site parking, it costs extra.