Auditorium di Mecenate

Heavy wood doors with a plaque of the hotel’s name greet guests arriving at this 19th-century building, which blends in with surrounding residential buildings and shops in the historic district of central Rome. Just outside the entrance is a lovely inner courtyard with many plants, marble tile floors, and covered-arch walkways. The hotel is located on the fourth floor of the building, where a small desk of light wood serves as the check-in area, with an upholstered bench providing limited seating. A small table with light snacks and pitchers of water and tea is a welcoming touch, as is a collection of travel books and area guides farther along in a bright hallway. The corridors leading to guest rooms are narrow, but cheery, with white and yellow walls and light hardwood floors. Though there aren't many public spaces here, the hotel's central location, inexpensive rates, and quiet and friendly atmosphere make it a popular pick with travelers on a budget.

This hotel is located in a safe and busy area just off Piazza Vittorio in one of central Rome’s oldest neighborhoods. The Vittorio Emanuele metro station is a five-minute walk. Roma Termini, Rome’s central rail and bus station that provides links to the airports and the rest of Italy, is a 10-minute walk. The Colosseum is a 15-minute walk, and many other top attractions can easily be reached via public transportation, such as the Trevi Fountain (15 minutes), the Spanish Steps (12 minutes), the Pantheon (23 minutes), and the Vatican (about 30 minutes). There are numerous shops and restaurants along Via Merulana, half a block away, as well as Via Cavour, which is about a nine-minute walk away. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is a 40-minute drive away, or about an hour by train. 

Rooms are clean and simple, with adequate space by European standards, but not large and rather sparsely furnished. One room even features vaulted ceilings and an original 19th-century fresco, but most are basic, with light-colored walls and wood flooring paired with patterned bedspreads in a range of colors and matching drapes as well as large, light wood headboards. Small nightstands are mounted on the wood paneling, and lights above the bed are wall-mounted as well. Some rooms have small desks and chairs, while others have only small benches for seating. Closets or wood armoires holds small electronic safes. Other amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Though small, bathrooms are attractive and functional. They feature dark or light gray tile on the floors and walls, as well as small stall showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and a selection of toiletries. Note that street noise can be an issue in some rooms.

A free breakfast is included in the rate and delivered directly to rooms. Though there's no restaurant or bar on-site in this small hotel, there is a kitchen that guests can use occasionally upon request. Free snacks and pitchers of water and tea are available at the front desk. Staff can assist in the purchase of theater and sightseeing tickets or restaurant reservations. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the hotel, and the property is air-conditioned throughout as well. The front desk has a safe deposit box, and various travel guides are available for guest use. No parking is available on-site.