Hotel Grifo

Hotel Grifo is a boutique hotel that occupies a building from the 1700s. It was a brothel for many years, but opened under the current owners in 1976. It’s a standard, affordable property with well-kept interiors. The lobby has an elegant, old fashioned look with white floors, dark wooden walls and furniture, and large decorative vases. The breakfast room is one of two common areas, and features fairly basic decor with dark wood chairs and tables contrasted by white walls and floors. It’s the terrace that gives some life to the Hotel Grifo, thanks to a lovely view from the roof of the surrounding area, and a patio filled with plants and plastic seating. Travelers should be aware that there are a few rooms located in a separate building across the street, which doesn't have an elevator -- the main building has an elevator that doesn't reach the top floor. Guests are primarily couples attracted to the property by its central location, though its budget-friendly prices also draw some families and groups of friends. 

This hotel is located in the heart of the Monti district, a quiet area in the historic center of Rome filled with working class locals. It’s well situated for tourists looking to explore the city on foot, as many top attractions and historic sites are within walking distance. The Colosseum is a 12-minute walk away, while the Forum and the Trevi Fountain can both be reached in 13 minutes. The Pantheon and the Spanish Steps are about a 20-minute walk from here. Vatican City can be reached in about a half-hour via public transportation. The nearest metro station is a five-minute walk away, while Termini train station, Rome's main train station, is within a 15-minute walk. The area around the hotel is filled with restaurants, bars, and cafes. It’s about a 30-minute drive to Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, or an hour via public transportation.

Rooms at Hotel Grifo are simply decorated, with solid-colored bedspreads in hues like pale yellow or sky blue, tile floors, and lovely wall and ceiling molding. Antique lamps and chandeliers are an elegant touch, however, the plain, streamlined wooden furniture and unstylish curtains make the spaces feel dated. It’s a modest style, though not one that differs from similar Roman hotels in the two- to three-pearl category. All rooms offer flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi, however, there are no coffee- and tea-making facilities and only some have mini-fridges. Some rooms have access to a terrace. Bathrooms are small, with even smaller showers. They provide hairdryers, bidets, and toiletries.

There aren't many features to speak of at this small boutique property, though it does offer a free basic breakfast buffet in the mornings, plus there's a small bar in the breakfast room serving a selection of drinks. There’s a lovely terrace with great views of the Monti neighborhood, but the hotel lacks an on-site restaurant or gym. Wi-Fi is free. The front desk can provide airport transportation for a fee. There’s no on-site parking, though public garages can be found nearby.