47 Boutique Hotel

Fortyseven Boutique Hotel is housed in a classic building that served as the seat of the capital for the Province of Rome until 2004. However, the property’s new incarnation looks fresh and modern, and has plenty of buzz -- especially upstairs in its rooftop Mediterranean restaurant, where tourists and locals mingle from the afternoon into the night. Visual art plays a fairly major role through the hotel, as each floor is decorated with a different artist from the 20th century, including Modigliani. Art is also featured in rooms, particularly in the more design-conscious higher-category units. In any case, for travelers looking to meander the city on foot -- especially the endlessly scenic streets of Trastevere (which is just across the river) -- this can be a great value option. Rates are generally a bit lower than what you'll find in the center of town, and the suites mean families can post up here comfortably as well. 

When you first look at the map of this hotel, you might think it's a bit less than central. And yes, it will be along walk to major sights like Trevi Fountain or Piazza Navona. However, being just outside the tourist-packed core has its advantages, and the hotel is surprisingly close to a few major monuments you may have heard about. The Roman Forum and Bocca Della Verita are both within a 10-minute walk, while the Colosseum and Pantheon are both a 15-minute walk away. You can also reach utterly atmospheric Trastevere in just five- to 15-minutes, depending on your destination. In any case, it's just across the Tiber River, which is essentially next to the hotel. It's only a 15-minute walk to trendy Testaccio as well, for old-school Italian restaurants and the cool art space, Mattatoio. It’s somewhat of a trek, however, to the nearest metro station -- the closest is at the Colosseum. Budget around an hour to reach Rome's main international airport, Fiumicino, by either taxi or by using a taxi to reach the express trains from Termini.

The Fortyseven’s rooms, ranging from standard fare to suites. All are spacious and feature hardwood floors, a neutral color scheme (white bedding, gray throws, light woods, and beige walls), and comfortable hypoallergenic mattresses. In a city where far too many hotels look beaten down and are incredibly expensive relative to their quality, the rooms here are a solid value. You'll get modern interiors and nice amenities for prices that are generally lower than those found in the city's most central districts. That's especially true in the higher-category units, which include Nespresso machines and balconies. Multi-room suites with separate bedrooms and kitchenettes are also available and work well for families. Bathrooms across the board feature spacious walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads plus high-end Ortigia bath products. You can also expect perks like robes and slippers. Air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, safes, closets, and free Wi-Fi also all come standard. 

Features aren't too numerous here, but what's found at the Fortyseven Boutique Hotel does add value to a stay here. As is typical with Rome hotels in this price range, guests can expect a decent free breakfast -- served in an outdoor courtyard during warmer months. Lunch and dinner are also served in the rooftop garden restaurant, where views of the city are exceptional. The venue draws locals and tourists alike, and buzzes throughout most of the afternoon and evening -- especially around aperitivo time. Downstairs, a cool and artsy bistro serves fusion cuisine for dinner as well as evening cocktails. The Fortyseven also has a modern fitness center with a steam room. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and the concierge can arrange all manner of activities, including Vespa tours of the city.