Via delle Carrozze 92-93, Rome, Italy | 39 06 678 45 48
Convenient location near the Spanish Steps and the metro
Classic rooms have flat-screen TVs and minibars; some have balconies
Charming breakfast terrace and a classic lobby bar
Free breakfast, includes cappuccino, served on the garden terrace
Quadruple Suite offers a lofted bedroom and a terrace
Free Wi-Fi in common areas and all rooms
24-hour front desk with English-speaking staff
Computer in the lobby bar
Private airport transfers (for a fee)
Overflow guests are assigned to rooms in the next-door annex
Space is tight in bathrooms and showers
Room decor is a bit old fashioned
Elevator feels claustrophobic
The 50-room Hotel San Carlo is a handsome 17th-century property that’s an easy walk to the Spanish Steps. Classic designs and cherry wooden accents give this mid-range hotel a welcoming feel, though it leans toward old fashioned. There are tufted red booths in the lobby bar and a lovely garden terrace where guests enjoy free breakfast. A variety of rooms are available, from basic budget categories to others with terra-cotta floors, frescoes, and wooden ceilings. The Quadruple Suite suits families with kids since there’s a lofted bedroom and a terrace. Overflow guests are sent to the next-door annex building with similar, but not as charming rooms. Travelers who prefer more modern interiors can try the Hotel Trevi Collection.
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Scene
Classic, three-pearl hotel from the 17th-century
The 17th-century Hotel San Carlo is a small, handsomely designed mansion set on a cobblestone street that's closed to traffic. Inside, the lobby displays cherry-wood detailing. Two arched entrances lead into the reception area, where there are comfy patterned sectional sofas and a 24-hour front desk with English speaking staff who often help guests with directions. A tiny glass elevator is available to take guests to their rooms, but sometimes luggage doesn’t fit inside. In that case, the bellman is on hand to assist with carrying baggage up a winding staircase. Views of Rome can be seen from the charming rooftop terrace that’s used for breakfast service in the morning.
Location
In the center of Rome, near the Piazza di Spagna and Spanish Steps
This hotel is on Via Delle Carrozze, a narrow cobblestone street in a tourist-friendly area of Rome that’s three minutes on foot from both the Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna. There are loads of restaurants and shops in the area. The Piazza del Popolo, known for its high concentration of cafes, is an eight-minute walk away. The Pantheon and Trevi Fountain are a 10-minute walk from the hotel. But it’s farther away to the Colosseum and Vatican City, which are 20 to 30 minutes by metro -- the Spagna stop is five minutes away on foot. By cab it’s 45 minutes to the Ciampino Airport and one hour to the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. The front desk can arrange car or minivan transfers to the airport for an additional charge.
Rooms
Classic rooms with cherry wood furniture and balconies or terraces in some
The atmosphere in guest rooms is warm and welcoming thanks to cherry-wood furniture and traditional designs. Chair railing and crown molding add a bit of elegance. But some of the rooms look a bit dated, especially with polyester bedspreads. And there’s no wall decor -- except for gold wall sconces or reading lamps. All rooms have mini-fridges, bottled water, flat-screen TVs, and safes. Small bathrooms offer shower/tub combos or tiny showers, bidets, mounted hairdryers, small baskets of free toiletries, and heated towel racks.There are a variety of room types. For those on a budget, Standard Double rooms offer 172 square feet of space and Standard Single Rooms have 108 square feet of space with single beds. Superior and Classic Double Rooms have up to 215 square feet of space with balconies in some. A few Classic Double Rooms feature charming exposed ceiling beams, frescoes, and terra-cotta floors. Guests traveling with children may prefer Superior Triple Suites that have two sleeping areas with 215 square feet of space. The Quadruple Suite features a lovely wooden pitched ceiling, a wooden banister that leads to the lofted bedroom, and French doors that open onto a terrace.
Features
Garden terrace dining space, lobby bar, computer corner, and free Wi-Fi
There aren’t many on-site facilities at Hotel San Carlo, which isn’t unusual for boutique hotels in Rome. Guests gather in the mornings for free breakfast, including cappuccinos and other Italian coffee, on a fourth-floor dining terrace that’s surrounded by pleasant landscaping. It's a simple, but quality spread of cereal, meats, fruits, and breads. Views of Rome can be seen from the terrace when the weather is warm. When it’s cold out, the terrace is enclosed and portable heaters are turned on. Near the lobby is a small bar with red tufted booths and a couple of stools at the bar. A computer is also available in the bar for guests, and Wi-Fi is included in all room rates.
