Via Giulia 93, Rome, Italy | (618) 248-8274
Stylish, atmospheric, mid-range option with unique Renaissance architecture
Set in a former 16th-century cloister with preserved original features
Great central location, a 10-minute walk to the Vatican
Specially commissioned design by two Italian architects
Characterful rooms with original features, industrial-chic design, and air-conditioning
Some rooms have dramatic four-poster beds and hydromassage tubs
Free breakfast includes pastries, cold cuts, cheese, yogurt, and cereals
Friendly service and good value for money
Pretty courtyard where free juice and pastries are served daily
Free Wi-Fi throughout and paid public parking nearby
Front desk is not staffed around the clock
No eggs or hot options with breakfast
The 13-room Relais Giulia is a stylish three-and-a-half-pearl boutique-sized option with preserved original features from the 16th century. Rooms were specially designed by two Italian architects, and feature unique industrial-chic touches with original accents like heavy wood-beamed ceilings and restored frescos. Amenities include decently stocked minibars, air-conditioning, slippers, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Suites feature dramatic metal four-poster beds and hydromassage tubs with separate showers. Facilities are limited, but the free continental breakfast has a range of cold options including pastries, yogurt, cereals, cold cuts, and cheese. There’s also a pretty courtyard with free daily pastries, as well as free Wi-Fi throughout. For another atmospheric cloister-style setting with a full range of facilities, try VOI Donna Camilla Savelli Hotel in Trastevere instead (though it's across the Tiber).
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Scene
Atmospheric hotel set in a 16th-century cloister with original details and a bit of romance
Stylish and atmospheric Relais Giulia -- a 13-room option set in a former 16th-century cloister -- makes a striking first impression. Low arched ceilings, stuccoed walls, and ancient brickwork may feel claustrophobic at first, but are fascinating original features. Modern touches, such as industrial pendant lights, form a curious complement to the ancient architecture, creating an aesthetic that’s popular with guests. A small open-air courtyard, attached to the narrow reception area via floor-to-ceiling glass panels, is an architectural novelty allowing plenty of fresh air when the weather is good. Being situated on a quiet residential street lends a calm atmosphere, and when combined with the friendly service, makes the hotel decent value for money. Relais Giulia attracts primarily couples and the occasional family from the U.S. and U.K., as well as Western Europe and Australia.
Location
On a quiet cobblestone street one block from the Tiber, walking distance to most major sights
Relais Giulia has a great location for those interested in exploring both banks of the Tiber River, even if it appears a bit less central on the map. The residential Via Giulia -- on which the hotel sits -- is just one block from the river's banks, not to mention a mere 10-minute walk to both the Vatican and the local markets of Campo de’Fiori. It’s just a six-minute walk to the medieval-era Castle Sant’Angelo, and the popular Piazza Navona is 12 minutes away on foot. It’s about a 15-minute walk across the river to the trendy Trastevere district with its many independent restaurants. Other major attractions, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Venezia, are just under a 30-minute stroll. Ciampino and Fiumicino Airports are both about a 35-minute drive from the hotel.
Rooms
Characterful rooms with preserved features and industrial-chic accents, plus minibars and air-conditioning
Carrying over the industrial-chic theme from reception, the 13 rooms at Relais Giulia are characterful, with trendy metal accents and preserved features, including wood-beamed ceilings and restored wall frescos. All rooms come with decently stocked minibars, air-conditioning, slippers, tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi, and free safe access. Views overlook either the internal courtyard or quiet cobblestone street. Bathrooms are a similar combination of ancient and modern, and most have showers. Although Comfort Double Rooms are the entry-level category, they’re elegant and distinguished, with special preserved features. Deluxe Double Rooms are larger and include a seating area, while Deluxe Family Rooms are split over two floors and can accommodate up to two adults and two children via a sofabed. Suites are spacious, most with dramatic metal four-poster beds, and a separate hydromassage tubs in the bathroom.
Features
Limited to free continental breakfast, pretty courtyard with free drinks and pastries, free Wi-Fi throughout
Facilities are limited at Relais Giulia, but the continental breakfast is free and includes a selection of pastries, cereals, yogurt, cold cuts, and cheese. Though there aren’t any hot options, most find it to be adequate. The hotel also offers free daily drinks and pastries in its courtyard -- a pretty open-air space with plenty of natural light and a unique architecture fusing modern floor-to-ceiling glass panes with ancient brickwork. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and there’s paid public parking nearby.
