HOTEL SAN ANSELMO

Lush and seductive hideaway on Rome’s Aventine Hill

IF YOU’D SOONER SAY ARRIVERDERCI ROMA when it comes to the Eternal city’s streetside hustle-bustle, here’s a hideaway that’s close enough to the action but blissfully away from it all.

Hotel San Anselmo sits in pretty surrounds on the leafy Aventine Hill, in a quiet residential area of parks, graceful villas and trees. The views over Rome are terrific, the scent of oleander hangs in the air and you’re within striking distance of the Colosseum and other big attractions. It’s a great location for anyone after a gorgeous and great-value urban escape who doesn’t mind walking.

Inside this handsome 19th century Roman villa, with its lofty ceilings and tall shuttered windows, the tone is lush and seductive. Splashes of Baroque and Italianate opulence mixed with stylish contemporary touches push up the glam factor. While rooms are not huge, the feel is wonderfully self indulgent.

Walls of poetry

Moodily distressed walls in deep rose and old gold are the backdrop for Venetian glass chandeliers, canopy beds, ornate mirrors, prettily stencilled doors and (in some rooms) walls scrawled with poetry – so you might even find yourself reading Keats in Italian.

Shades of pale terracotta, coffee and cream make things pleasingly restful, while pristine, mosaic-tiled bathrooms come with jacuzzis, walk-in showers or huge roll top baths. The retro-chic feel continues downstairs in the lobby, with its velvet covered daybed and inset fireplace.

Outside, it’s a treat. Sit amid the orange trees and birdsong on a vine-covered terrace, flower-filled balcony or peaceful patio – perfect for breakfast, cocktails or simply some postcard-writing. There’s even a little pergola and fountains. San Anselmo also a lovely breakfast room cum bar for cooler days.

You’re a 15-minute walk here from the Roman Forum and Colosseum, though you’ll need to stride out for around 30 minutes to reach the Spanish Steps and Trevi fountain. There’s a metro stop five minutes away if you'd sooner take the ride, and the nearby Testaccio neighbourhood has a few great trattorias as well as a Sunday market at Porta Portese.

San Anselmo’s friendly, can-do staff are the icing on the cake here. Romance in Rome? This place is spot on – and great value, too.


Hotel San Anselmo was reviewed by Room for Romance

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
Have breakfast on the terrace, then stroll over to candlelit Il Giardino degli Aranci at San Anselmo’s sister hotel Villa San Pio, for dinner. You’ll find traditional Italian and Mediterranean favourites on the menu such as baked sea bass and fresh-caught seafood.


Breakfast
Buffet breakfast is served until 10:30am.

Room service
Available morning and evening.



See & Do
You’d need an eternity to scratch the surface of the Eternal city, so start with the classics (literally) like the ancient Forum, the soaring Coliseum and the Imperial Palace. Then there is awe-inspiring St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, the Spanish Steps – just the place to sit and idle away an hour – and the Trevi Fountain. (Better throw that coin in, to ensure you come back). The Pantheon is beautifully preserved, while wonderful squares for morning wanders include Campo de Fiori.

Diary Dates
May-August
Estate Romana is Rome’s summer festival, with concerts, outdoor cinema and a variety of gigs.

October
Rub shoulders with the stars in the Rome Film Festival.

GETTING THERE

Location
Piazza San Anselmo, Rome

Parking
There is free guest parking.

Trains
Ostiense station – 7km

Taxis
Around EUR 15 from the station, EUR 40 from the airport.

Airport
Rome Fiumicino – 25km, Rome Ciampino 20km

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
EUR 180-360

Open/closed
Open all year

Check-in
Midday

Check-out
Midday

Minimum night stay?
No

Children
Welcome

Pets
No

Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms

Wedding license?
No