Navona 49

A small luxury guest house, Navona 49 is a simple property with an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. It opened in 2015 after a total renovation of the historic building's third- and fourth-floor apartments. There's a common entrance with a marble staircase and wood-paneled elevator, and reception is located on the third floor. The small, elegant room's all-white walls are covered with black-and-white prints of Sofia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni from the film "Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow"—some of which were shot on the rooftop terrace. Piazza Navona is closed to car traffic and despite the restaurants and tourists, it stays pretty quiet for the mix of couples and families that stay here. 

Navona 49 is right on Piazza Navona, built atop the ancient site of the Stadium of Domitian. It now plays host to restaurant terraces, statues, and fountains, the most famous of which is the Fountain of the Four Rivers. Other major sights are within easy walking distance; it's an eight-minute walk to the historic market Campo de' Fiori, and it's about 15 minutes on foot to Trevi Fountain. Vatican City is just under 20 minutes away on foot by heading over the Tiber River, and the Spagna Metro station (near the Spanish Steps) is a 20-minute walk from the hotel. Expect drives to Leonardo DaVinci International Airport to take about 35 minutes, depending on traffic.

The hotel's six guest rooms are split across the third and fourth floors, with an additional penthouse occupying the fifth floor. Decor is simple and modern, accented with charming traditional details. Natural light pours in through windows overlooking Piazza Navona, and stark-white walls are dotted with black-and-white photos. There's decorative moulding throughout, bleach-blond wood floors, and contemporary furniture mixed with antique-style pieces. Double Superior Rooms (on both the third and fourth floor) are the smallest at 215 square feet, with king beds and built-in desks. Deluxe Suites have canopy beds draped in white and living rooms with sofas and chairs; upgraded suites are larger and have seating areas with dining chairs. The Presidential Suite features a separate living room with a sofa bed and a kitchenette, and the entire fourth floor can be rented out as a Three Bedroom Apartment with a kitchenette. The three-bedroom Penthouse has original architectural details like exposed beams and vaulted ceilings, along with a sofa bed and a private balcony. Free Wi-Fi is included, with flat-screen TVs, iPads, minibars, and electric kettles, but units lack coffeemakers. The tiled bathrooms have bidets, white basin sinks, walk-in rainfall showers, and heated towel racks. 

Amenities at this small hotel are limited, with no on-site restaurant, bar, or fitness center. There is, however, a free breakfast served either in-room or outside on the beautiful rooftop terrace, with views over the piazza. Celiac menu items are available on request. Staff offer private guided walking tours of major sites for a fee, and airport transfers are also available for a fee. No parking is available, but there's free  Wi-Fi throughout.