B&B Vittoria Colonna

The welcome was the real highlight: discreet, but attentive. It’s a charming place just outside Marino, furnished and equipped beautifully, and well insulated from traffic noise.

We only stayed because it was a long weekend and everywhere else was booked. The suite was dirty and dusty, and the beams were so low we hit our heads several times. Breakfast was poor, and the service didn’t justify the exorbitant price at all. There was no value for money, and we won’t be coming back.

We booked the attic apartment for a long weekend. It’s low in a few spots, and I bumped into the wooden beams four times. The older building could use some renovation here and there, though nothing seemed like a major problem once you keep its age in mind. The rooms were nicely furnished and spotless. They were cleaned and the beds made each day, and they even disinfected despite COVID being over. The owner was incredibly kind and accommodating. Breakfast was prepared to order. We had our two-year-old with us, and after he mentioned yogurt on the first morning, there was some for him the next day. Juice, coffee, or tea were available on request, and they made fresh eggs and bacon when ordered. It’s quite close to Castel Gandolfo. Getting to central Rome takes about an hour in the morning, and longer by public transport. The stay was good, and we’ll definitely book again next time we visit Rome.

This Bed and Breakfast has a small parking lot, six bedrooms on the first floor with no elevator, and a studio apartment upstairs on the second floor. Let the owners know if you’ll arrive late, even though they live on the ground floor of the beautiful old villa. Our room had both air conditioning and heating. Most rooms have en-suite bathrooms; one very large room has a large private bathroom directly across the hall, and the owner said he plans to add an en-suite there next year. The rooms are tastefully furnished and newly renovated. I loved the decor, a mix of antiques reworked with a modern feel. Each room has an electric kettle, fridge, and flat-screen TV. Wi-Fi reaches the whole property, though the signal varies by room. With the thick walls, phone reception can also be poor depending on your provider. The bathrooms are lovely. Some have a tub and shower together, while others have a hydromassage shower with lights and music. They’re supplied with a hairdryer, soap, and shower gel. There’s also a relaxation area with an armchair that looks like a king’s throne. Breakfast is served in a little country-style kitchen with tables and chairs. Tell them when you’d like breakfast, or call on the internal phone, and the host or maid will prepare or bring tea, coffee, cappuccino, juice, fruit, milk, croissants, jam, Nutella, and cakes. The owners are friendly and helpful. It’s an excellent Bed and Breakfast.