Pros

  • Superbly restored medieval property with original features
  • Set in picturesque Roman countryside
  • Pretty garden with panoramic country vistas
  • Two popular restaurants set in medieval surroundings
  • Shuttle service to and from Rome (for a fee)
  • Free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking
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Cons

  • No pool, fitness, or spa facilities
  • Mosquitos can be a problem
  • Thin walls between rooms can mean noise
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Bottom Line

Part of a restored medieval hamlet, the  Relais Castrum Boccea is  set in the middle of some truly picturesque Italian countryside -- about an hour from Rome. It has 31 rooms and suites, and wood-beamed ceilings and stone archways predominate its decor. Some suites have hot tubs for two. Standard Rooms are simpler, although they still have entryways and sleeping areas are set off. Rates for these rooms are pretty low. Walls between rooms, though, are thin, and guests have complained about noise from their neighbors. There's two restaurants on the property, one focusing on Italian fare and the other on grilled meats and wines from its cellar, as well as a bar and breakfast room.

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Amenities

  • Internet
  • Pets Allowed

Oyster Hotel Review

Relais Castrum Boccea

Scene

Restored medieval property with original features and panoramic views

Through a large pair of pointed wrought-iron gates and along a leafy driveway visitors enter the renovated and reconstructed medieval village now occupied by the Relais Castrum Boccea. After many years of neglect, this ancient property had fallen into ruin until it was rebuilt and restored in 2010 and opened as a hotel. Much of the medieval structure has been retained, including the original stone walls and hand-dug caves, while numerous period-style furnishings and antiques make up the decor. The ground-floor reception area has been reconstructed in a medieval style, with arched ceilings, terra-cotta tiling, and exposed wooden beams, while above it  is a charming garden, with a lawn, trees, fountain, and covered seating, and views of the timeless Italian countryside. 

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Location

Surrounded by picturesque countryside, an hour outside Rome

The hotel is located in the middle of the pretty Roman countryside about an hours' drive northwest of Rome. The surroundings consist of  fields, trails, and small wooded areas, and not much else, although there is a pizzeria within walking distance. Local buses travel to Rome, but public transportation is not recommended  -- it's  best to use  the hotel's shuttle service (for a fee)  to travel to and from the capital. Leonardo Da Vinci Internetional Airport is about a half-hour drive from the Relais.

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Rooms

Quaint, country-style rooms -- though some have thin walls

Most of the 31 rooms are housed in quaint, terraced cottages with terra-cotta tiled roofs and similarly toned stucco facades. Rooms are styled traditionally, with chintz fabrics, exposed brickwork, and rustic wooden furnishings. All units have air-conditioning, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Standard Rooms are the simplest, with simple wrought-iron bed frames. Suites step up luxury a bit with flamboyant padded headboards, and antiques -- some have in-room hot tubs. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, and hydro-massage showers. Given its location, road noise is almost nonexistent, but room walls are thin, and noise from other rooms can reach problem levels.

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Features

Regionally inspired menu served in medieval surroundings or on a terrace when it's warm

The hotel's main restaurant is La Taverna, where regional specialties are served under an ancient-style arched ceiling or on an outdoor terrace. Its basement houses a natural stone grotto wine cellar. La Taverna is popular with local residents, so it can get busy. A buffet breakfast (included in the room rate) is served in the breakfast room and bar. While there's no pool, spa, or fitness facilities, the hotel can organize horseback riding or mountain biking excursions in the immediate environs, as well as day trips to Rome. There's also a large medieval hall that is used for meetings and events, as well as a large garden with panoramic views that's a popular wedding venue.

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Relais Castrum Boccea

Scene

Restored medieval property with original features and panoramic views

Through a large pair of pointed wrought-iron gates and along a leafy driveway visitors enter the renovated and reconstructed medieval village now occupied by the Relais Castrum Boccea. After many years of neglect, this ancient property had fallen into ruin until it was rebuilt and restored in 2010 and opened as a hotel. Much of the medieval structure has been retained, including the original stone walls and hand-dug caves, while numerous period-style furnishings and antiques make up the decor. The ground-floor reception area has been reconstructed in a medieval style, with arched ceilings, terra-cotta tiling, and exposed wooden beams, while above it  is a charming garden, with a lawn, trees, fountain, and covered seating, and views of the timeless Italian countryside. 

See More Scene

Location

Surrounded by picturesque countryside, an hour outside Rome

The hotel is located in the middle of the pretty Roman countryside about an hours' drive northwest of Rome. The surroundings consist of  fields, trails, and small wooded areas, and not much else, although there is a pizzeria within walking distance. Local buses travel to Rome, but public transportation is not recommended  -- it's  best to use  the hotel's shuttle service (for a fee)  to travel to and from the capital. Leonardo Da Vinci Internetional Airport is about a half-hour drive from the Relais.

See More Location

Rooms

Quaint, country-style rooms -- though some have thin walls

Most of the 31 rooms are housed in quaint, terraced cottages with terra-cotta tiled roofs and similarly toned stucco facades. Rooms are styled traditionally, with chintz fabrics, exposed brickwork, and rustic wooden furnishings. All units have air-conditioning, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Standard Rooms are the simplest, with simple wrought-iron bed frames. Suites step up luxury a bit with flamboyant padded headboards, and antiques -- some have in-room hot tubs. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, and hydro-massage showers. Given its location, road noise is almost nonexistent, but room walls are thin, and noise from other rooms can reach problem levels.

See More Rooms

Features

Regionally inspired menu served in medieval surroundings or on a terrace when it's warm

The hotel's main restaurant is La Taverna, where regional specialties are served under an ancient-style arched ceiling or on an outdoor terrace. Its basement houses a natural stone grotto wine cellar. La Taverna is popular with local residents, so it can get busy. A buffet breakfast (included in the room rate) is served in the breakfast room and bar. While there's no pool, spa, or fitness facilities, the hotel can organize horseback riding or mountain biking excursions in the immediate environs, as well as day trips to Rome. There's also a large medieval hall that is used for meetings and events, as well as a large garden with panoramic views that's a popular wedding venue.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Business Center

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Pets Allowed

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Swim-Up Bar

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.