Rome - Domus Sessoriana

I have stayed in monasteries previously in Italy and in Rome in particular. The location of this one was not my favorite, felt like i was in a bit of abandoned but not dangerous territory. No real... More>

I have stayed in monasteries previously in Italy and in Rome in particular. The location of this one was not my favorite, felt like i was in a bit of abandoned but not dangerous territory. No real finds of restaurants around, except Ottavia, which is expensive but well recommended. The parts I did not like about this professional monestary were: --tedious walk from main entrance to elevator, down, through walkways, doors, etc. to arrive at ones hallway and ultimate room destination. I though it was expensive. The management asked us to change from our original two separate rooms (we were three people, siblings) for first two nights, for a bit less money. We agreed. Mistake. The three person suite given to us was a horror of stairs to the bed, stairs to the bath, stairs from the room entrance. Our fault-- we agreed to the change. Once we were in our originally reserved rooms, much better. I just think people should be aware of some of the down sides, if you care about these elements. Loved and will always love Roma.

Crisp white linens, heated towel rack, birds diving and singing outside the window, view of the monks' potager, an ever so subtle scent of incense wafting from the Church below on Sunday morning... More>

Crisp white linens, heated towel rack, birds diving and singing outside the window, view of the monks' potager, an ever so subtle scent of incense wafting from the Church below on Sunday morning, cypresses and pine trees and the colossal statues of St. John Lateran rising above them. Stately hallways, vitrines with rare books, three meter-tall paintings in the landings, long passages that might have been used by Roman athletes going to the stadium adjoining the former imperial villa out of which the church and the monastery grew. Solid furniture: stained pine cabinets, brass two-foot lamps, wrought iron headboards, nothing from Ikea (like those scrappy bnbs!). I had a room at the top of the watchtower, up a few turning marble steps: where else would a princess want to be?

I was studying in Italy last year for 6 months and my boyfriend met me in Rome for a little getaway. We were on a budget so when I came across this on Travel Republic, I was pleased. It looked cute... More>

I was studying in Italy last year for 6 months and my boyfriend met me in Rome for a little getaway. We were on a budget so when I came across this on Travel Republic, I was pleased. It looked cute and is a converted 10th century monastery so it does have a very unique interior. I was a little skeptical as I'd read really differing reviews on it but I have to say we were both really pleased with our stay. Our room was basic but very sweet, it had quite a nice view of the city and also overlooking a garden. It was in a really good location, we walked to places like the colosseum as it was quite a romantic walk through the park near the hotel. There is a metro really nearby, probably a 10-15 min walk depending on how fast. We had continental breakfast in the hotel every morning which was reasonable, italian meats, cereals, yoghurt, fruit juice. The reception staff were lovely, they gave us a map, pointed out where we were, what was near us etc. They were happy to answer any questions and reserve us tables for dinner. I'd really recommend it for anyone, whether a cute and unique get away for couples and also for families or groups of friends looking for a cheap but cheerful place to stay while exploring Rome.

We really liked the Domus! It's different & unique in that you are staying in a converted, but still active, church property. However, think like a monk... it's simple - it's not a 4 star modern... More>

We really liked the Domus! It's different & unique in that you are staying in a converted, but still active, church property. However, think like a monk... it's simple - it's not a 4 star modern hotel. That's the charm. We were in a "standard" room and it was inexpensive by Roma standards so that's what you get. We loved the location, away from the rush & noise (except those ambulances, but what can you do) and it's just beautiful to walk to & from after a day around Roma. It is close enough to walk to things, or the Tram & Metro are close by. Just staying here is part of living history - if you read about the property and take the time to look around. The room was small, but we've had smaller. The bath was OK, everything worked and it was clean. The bed was surprisingly comfortable. The TV was really small... wait, you're in Rome, what are you doing watching TV? Loved the old doors, but hated the key ring - made an awful racket unlocking the door. We loved walking down the massive halls w/ the old paintings. We had our windows open and birds singing in the garden - it was raining, hailed, and cold... we loved it! Staff were nice enough - not overly friendly, but certainly not rude. Breakfast was good - basic Italian fare. Had a better Espresso machine than higher end hotels we've stayed at. Our only disappointment was the Internet - their wireless went down. Also, they have limited wireless "areas". We got spoiled by other hotels where we got wireless in our room. I don't know when we'll get back to Roma, but we'll be here if we do! PS: Yes it is sorta hard to find... in that you look at this huge church, thinking where is it, and the entrance is this little door without a sign w/ a small #10 above it.

Booked a trip through Gate 1 travel for our hotels in Rome and Venice. The hotel was absolutely awesome!! The hotel looks like a church from the outside, but when you get inside it was so quaint and... More>

Booked a trip through Gate 1 travel for our hotels in Rome and Venice. The hotel was absolutely awesome!! The hotel looks like a church from the outside, but when you get inside it was so quaint and cute! The location was great because it was 25 minute walk to the colosseum, but also only a 20 minute walk to Roma Termini. The church was absolutely gorgeous as well...a must see and a great place to stay for the price!