The Yellow Hotel

It’s not surprising that the two-pearl Yellow Hotel, with its budget prices, attracts party-minded backpackers, especially considering its motto: "A hostel life your mum might not be proud of." The hotel property is made up two separate historic buildings divided by Via Palestro. On one side of the street is the hostel, trattoria, and the bar with its sidewalk patio. The Yellow Hotel is on the other side of the street and takes up four floors in a building that’s also occupied by other hotels. The brick-lined entrance, with an old-fashioned elevator, has charming antique touches and is well-lit, but the hallways are dark. The nonstop party scene appeals to young travelers, and there’s even a hashtag to describe the atmosphere: #yellowwasted. Rooms facing the bar get noisy, and quiet time is a rarity here. Blackboards surrounding the front desk have quirky drawings and information on Rome’s nightlife and attractions. There's a sign on the front desk that advertises free rooms to talented guests who are willing to sing, dance, or perform.

From the hotel’s location in the Castro Pretorio district, Rome’s attractions can be reached by public transportation. The immediate area is mainly full of hotels, but there are also cafes, restaurants, bars, and a nearby laundromat. The Santa Maria degli Angeli church, designed by Michelangelo, and the National Roman Museum are both around a 10-minute walk away. It’s also a 10-minute walk to the busy Termini Central Station, which offers public transport to the Colosseum in 10 minutes and the Pantheon and the Roman Forum in 20 minutes. The Trevi Fountain is a 25-minute bus ride. Guests don’t have to go far to find a party with city walking tours, including a pub crawl, led by the hotel’s staff. The Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is a 45-minute train ride or 38-minute drive.

The atmosphere in rooms is simple and dorm-like with white furniture, carpeting, reading lamps over beds, and blackout curtains for late-night revelers who want to sleep in. Pop artwork and fun handwritten notes on walls add a quirky touch, but there aren’t enough outlets to appease the modern traveler. Another downside: Standard rooms don’t have air-conditioning, only fans. Rooms are available for solo travelers or couples. Apartments have nine beds and kitchens. Most rooms offer free Wi-Fi, safes, private bathrooms with showers or shower/tub combos, hairdryers, writing desks or small dining tables, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. Across the street at the hostel portion of the property are female-only and mixed dorm rooms with bunk beds that sleep between four to six people. 

Early risers beware: This hotel shamelessly caters to party animals. Wine bottles line the shelves in the cozy Mamma Angela's Restaurant that serves traditional Italian fare. With beer on tap and live entertainment, the trendy Yellow Bar is jam-packed at night and on the sidewalk patio. In the morning, the bar serves meals like “The Rehab” breakfast in a classic diner setting. As well as giving maps and arranging airport transfers, the hotel also has guided “Romeing” tours, including its popular free beer tour at night. The party bus -- while pricey by some standards -- is a lively way to explore the city. Open until the wee hours, the Arcade Club in the basement has tables for beer pong and live sports on flat-screen TVs. For a comparatively quieter setting, a lounge in the dormitory building offers an Xbox and there’s a courtyard with patio furniture where smokers often gather. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and reception is 24 hours, available during the guests' night-owl hours.