Locanda al Viminale

Travelers reach the lobby of the Locanda al Viminale from an arched doorway that leads into an entryway flanked by potted plants and decorated with painted tile floors and vaulted ceilings. The six-floor exterior has the customary look of a smaller Roman property with blue shutters on windows and French doors on balconies. Renovations of this property were completed in 2011, so the interiors feel fresh. There’s a small old-fashioned elevator that wraps around the marble staircase. The atmosphere and service is welcoming, although space is cramped and there are no amenities. In general, budget-minded tourists -- couples and families -- stay here. But the close proximity to the Ministry of the Interior also makes this property suitable for business travelers.

Locanda al Viminale is in a lovely area of Rome that’s convenient for both tourists and business travelers. Across from the property is the Ministry of the Interior. It’s five to 10 minutes on foot to the Piazza della Repubblica Metro and Termini Train Station. Shops are one block away at the Via Nazionale, and surrounding the hotel are restaurants and markets. Travelers can access the major sights on foot from here. It’s a five-minute walk to the Baths of Diocletian and National Museum of Rome. The Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Colosseum are 15 to 20 minutes on foot. The drive to Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is 40 minutes and it’s 35 minutes to the Ciampino Airport.

Locanda al Viminale's six rooms are spacious and bright. Tile or wooden floors and tall windows provide the backdrop for colorful fabrics and tufted headboards. Some rooms have vaulted ceilings with lovely fresco paintings, and three upper-category rooms also have balconies. Simple white-laminate furnishings are offset by reproductions of famous artwork by Picasso and Monet. For couples, there’s a canopy bed in the Honey Room. All rooms have air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi, though connections are spotty. Other standard features include mini-fridges, unattached safes in wardrobe closets, flat-screen TVs, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Every room comes with a small private bathroom that offers a small shower, hairdryer, and bidet. 

Three apartments are available with kitchenettes that feature wet bars and mini-fridges. The Family Apartment fits two adults and between two to three children. The Family Room offers a bunk bed. A two-bedroom apartment sleeps four to six people, and the three-bedroom apartment holds eight to 10 guests. 

As with most bed-and-breakfasts, the Locanda al Viminale is short on extra features, but part of the charm of this basic, value property is the personal service. There aren't any public spaces here. Instead of a breakfast room, the staff delivers a free Italian breakfast of juice, fruit, meats, cheeses, toast, coffee, and sometimes omelets to rooms. Additional free coffee, tea, water, and snacks are usually in stock in the small kitchen. There isn’t on-site parking, but the hotel can arrange paid parking at a nearby garage. Wi-Fi is free of charge in all rooms. Pets are also allowed in rooms, which is a nice perk in Rome.