The Inn At The Roman Forum

Historic and deeply atmospheric, The Inn at the Roman Forum is housed in a townhouse on a cobblestoned street. The lobby has parquet floors, dark walls, and accent lights, and the hotel has its own ancient crypt with sculptures and frescoes where guests are served a free welcome treat of tiramisu and wine in the unique, candlelit space. On the fourth floor, at the top of the hotel, guests will find an intimate lounge with striped walls and a marble fireplace. Breakfast is served here and on a generous stucco terrace with beautiful Rome views and lots of climbing and potted greenery. In the evening, the space is candlelit and the hotel serves free appetizers such as asparagus wrapped in prosciutto. The property also includes a garden with tucked-away umbrella tables. Overall, it's a quiet property that attracts international tourists who want a private hideout away from the bustle of the city.

First-time visitors to The Inn at the Roman Forum might have a difficult time finding this discrete townhouse. It's located in the charming Monti neighborhood, a ravel of streets filled with residences, artisanal shops, restaurants, and bars. The property is between two metro stops, Cavour and Colosseo, both a seven-minute walk, while the Piazza Venezia is five minutes away on foot. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Forum, the Colosseum, and the Capitoline Museums. The popular Trevi Fountain is 12 minutes away on foot, while the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is a 15-minute walk. Termini Station is an eight-minute drive. The Vatican and the Pantheon can both be reached in under 20 minutes by car or half an hour via public transportation. Fiumicino Airport takes around 40 minutes by car or an hour on public transportation.

There are 14 rooms at The Inn at the Roman Forum, including two fully furnished apartments. All units are decorated in a classic style with contemporary touches and the rooms look out either at the surrounding cobblestone streets, terra-cotta rooftops, or a walled garden. Room decor varies a bit, but many have high ceilings sometimes crossed by rustic beams, damask wall coverings with draperies, upholstery and throws in jewel tones, and leather headboards and chairs. All have air-conditioning, minibars, robes and slippers, kettles, and free newspapers. The apartments have full kitchens and dining tables, pull-out sofa beds, adjoining bedrooms, and private terraces. But bathrooms are clunky, with oversized square sinks and tubs and painted concrete walls, which make the spaces feel cramped. Units have either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, and some have jetted tubs. Etro toiletries, hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and even hair-straightening flatirons come standard. 

Given its small stature, The Inn At The Roman Forum doesn't offer a spa, fitness center, or on-site parking as other properties in this pearl category often do. The hotel does serve a free breakfast of various hearty breads and trays of cured meats and cheeses. Guests also receive tiramisu and wine as a welcome gift and upscale appetizers and drinks at happy hour. Though it's in a historic building, the hotel does have a small elevator. Concierge services are available through the front desk, who can arrange services such as airport transfers and babysitting. Pets are allowed, but guests should check with the hotel for size restrictions. Wi-Fi and luggage storage are free.