
Fodor's Expert Review Hotel Santa Maria
Vicolo del Piede 2, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy See on Map Fodor's Choice
A Trastevere treasure with a pedigree going back four centuries, this ivy-covered, mansard-roof, rosy-brick-red, erstwhile Renaissance-era convent—just steps away from the glorious Santa Maria in Trastevere church and a few blocks from the Tiber—has sweet and simple guest rooms: a mix of brick walls, \"cotto\" tile floors, modern oak furniture, and matching bedspreads and curtains. Surrounded by towering tenements, the complex is centered on a monastic porticoed courtyard, lined with orange trees—a lovely place for breakfast. There's also a lovely rooftop terrace with panoramic views.
Because of its small size, this hotel books up months in advance in high season.
room
Guest rooms all look out onto the internal garden, a lovely sight full of orange trees and Mediterranean plants. Rooms are designed in simple dorm-like decor with terracotta floors and basic furniture. Bedding is cheery, but actual mattresses could use a refresh. Some rooms have oak comfort nooks to lounge about. Each room comes with air conditioning, tea service, minibar, a safe, satellite TV and free WiFi.
YOU SHOULD KNOW Most rooms open out into the courtyard, which can get noisy depending on the time of day. Room number 1, however, has its own private patio.
bathroom
Bathrooms are a decent size with a larger shower or tub and toiletries included. They follow the basic decor of the rooms with a simple mirror, white tiled walls and terracotta floors.
YOU SHOULD KNOW Shampoo and shower gel is provided on the first night, but usually not replace unless requested.
lobby
Inside the hotel you'll find a small central lobby with staff who are eager to please. A seating area with exposed brick and domed ceilings is cozy, but you'll probably want to spend most of your relaxation time in the courtyard.
dining
Breakfast can be enjoyed in the courtyard or on the roof terrace. It includes all of our standard Italian pastries, fruits and juices and an amazing cappuccino.
drinking
Grab a drink at the lobby bar and enjoy it on the terrace or out under the orange trees. There are free snacks during aperitivo.
LOCATION
Getting Around
This hotel is in the heart of Trastevere, just steps from Piazza Santa Maria. It's a short walk to many historic sites, and buses and trams are everywhere to take you directly to popular attractions. Try renting a bike or scooter for even more mobility.
Restaurants
Eat dinner outside in a lovely piazza at Tonnarello (1-minute walk) which has delicious homemade pizza and pasta that is served in huge pots. Da Enzo (11-minute walk) is a tiny trattoria run by three siblings that strives to offer the best in traditional Roman food.
WHY WE LIKE IT
This hotel stands out for its prime location and its incredible staff that are always there when you need them. You'll always be able to find a bit of quiet here, whether in the relaxing orange-tree filled courtyard, or the rooftop terrace, complete with sun beds. The property is surrounded by residential buildings, making it feel like a secluded retreat in the middle of this lively neighborhood. Rooms are simple yet cozy, and there's lots of extra amenities like free bicycles to explore the area.

QUICK FACTS
What’s Nearby
People also liked

Hotel de Russie
$$$ | Via del Babuino 9, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy
The Hotel de Russie has been attracting writers and artists throughout... Read More

Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria
$$ | Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101, Rome, Latium, 00136, Italy
Rome Cavalieri has been attracting international celebrities and jetse... Read More

Palazzo Manfredi
$$ | Via Labicana 125, Rome, Latium, 00184, Italy
Wake up next to the Colosseum in this 18th Century Italian mansion. Read More

Hotel Parco dei Principi
$ | Via Gerolamo Frescobaldi, 5, Rome, Latium, 00198, Italy
Set atop the Villa Borghese in Parioli (a bit out of the centro storic... Read More

Gran Melia Rome
$$ | Via Del Gianicolo 3, Rome, Latium, 00165, Italy
The Gran Melia Rome bills itself as an urban resort, set inside the 19... Read More

Hotel Panda
$$ | Piazza di Spagna | Via della Croce 35, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy
The Panda Hotel is great, comfortable option for groups of friends on... Read More