Domus Sessoriana

The Domus Sessoriana Hotel doesn't look like the average budget Roman hotel -- it has the special feature of being in a monastery. The hotel features 18th-century interiors, with the original colors of the monastery still visible throughout the hotel. Whitewashed walls, terra-cotta floors, restored stucco frames, exposed stone, dramatic artwork, and high ceilings all pay homage to the previous monastery. The eccentric interiors, however, are restricted to the lobby and reception area. The rest of the hotel features dark, narrow hallways, a central glass encased elevator, and rooms derived from cells where the monks used to live. The breakfast area is the highlight of the hotel -- a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Rome. The terrace is open throughout the day, and offers a beautiful setting for nighttime views. Domus Sessoriana Hotel is geared towards tourists, particularly those interested in history and churches. With its close location to public transportation, many travelers use this hotel as a base for site-seeing rather than as a hotel in which to relax. 

The hotel is situated in the San Giovanni area of Rome, inside the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. There are several cafes and restaurants within close walking distance of the hotel, as well many metro and tram stops, making transportation to the rest of the city easily accessible. The number three bus stop is just outside the church's door. The Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Rome Opera House, and Roma Termini Train Station can all be reached within 15 minutes on public transportation. Trevi Fountain and Palatine Hill are further away at 25 minutes. Both the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport and the Ciampino Airport are a 30-minute cab ride away.

The guest rooms at Domus Sessoriana Hotel are derived from the cells where the monks used to live, accessed through long, narrow hallways -- characteristics of every monastery. The 80 rooms vary in size, and include Single, Double, Triple, and Family Rooms. Possibly in line with the simple life lived by the monks, the rooms all feature basic, slightly dated, interiors -- with tiled flooring, lime colored walls, metal-framed beds with white and red linens, and simple furnishings. Each room features basic the basic amenities of air-conditioning, mini-fridge, safe, work desk, and flat-screen TV. The Wi-Fi signal doesn't reach the rooms. En-suite bathrooms are plain, and feature stall showers, a hairdryer, and limited toiletries.

The hotel's prime feature is the free daily buffet breakfast, though guests seem to enjoy the location of the meal on the rooftop terrace more than the meal itself. The usual continental spread of yogurt, croissants, chilled meats, cheeses, bread, cereals, and fruit juices are provided. There are no other dining facilities in the hotel, apart from catering for conference facilities. Other hotel services include 24-hour reception, concierge service, free luggage storage, and airport transfer (for a fee). There are parking facilities available 300 meters from the hotel, though these need to be organized separately from the hotel and come at an additional cost. WI-Fi is free in the common areas.