Residenza Paolo VI

The thermostat didn’t seem to adjust to the set temperature, and it got so hot while it kept running. Opening the windows was the only way to make it stop. That’s the only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars. Otherwise, I’d gladly stay again on my next trip to Rome and highly recommend it. The rooftop terrace was amazing, and all the staff were friendly and helpful. As a Catholic, I found it a great place for my spiritual needs, from the daily Gospel outside the door to the papal and religious art. It’s right across from St Peter's square and Basilica.

The morning we left, a mix-up over the hotel’s airport transportation turned into a very unpleasant experience. Before checkout, a man at the desk said we had to pay for the shuttle service, and I paid by credit card. We then met Claudio outside. When he dropped us at the airport, he demanded €85. I said I’d just paid at the hotel, but he became belligerent. I called the hotel, and the same man was rude, insulting, and impatient, implying I was stupid. He seemed to say the charge was for the shuttle from a week earlier. I felt humiliated. I had never intended not to pay, so I handed Claudio my credit card. He refused it and said cash only. I’d used my card EVERYWHERE in Rome, and as an American leaving Europe I had few Euros with me. I don’t use ATMs abroad. Luckily, I had two €50s, one €10, and two €5 notes. I gave Claudio the two 50s. He made a big show of me not having the right amount, rummaged around in the vehicle, then dropped coins into my hand, one-euro and 50-cent coins totaling €10. So actually, he ripped ME off. If the hotel offers transportation, it should handle the service properly. This was handled very poorly. The hotel is a former monastery in a great spot right next to St. Peter’s Square. The rooms are simple, clean, and comfortable. Our street-facing room was noisy. The bathroom was spacious, with a toilet, sink, bidet, shower, and even a shower seat if you need it. The outside terrace lived up to its reputation online and in photos. We spent time there every night, sometimes for drinks and a couple of times for dinner. If Francesca is working, lucky you, she’s wonderful. You can also access the area for the Pope’s Sunday Angelus. The transportation trouble started with my arrival on 19 March. I’d messaged the hotel to request a car service from the airport, knew the price was €85, and accepted it. Our driver, Roberto, was cheery and helpful, and dropped us at the hotel without asking for payment because we’d pay the hotel. I presented my credit card at check-in. On 24 March, the day before we left, I asked the young woman at the desk to book transportation to the airport for the morning of 25 March, and she arranged it.

The rooftop terrace was the highlight, with a stunning view of St. Peter’s Basilica. Seeing the Sunday Angelus prayer and the Pope’s blessing from there was unforgettable, the cherry on top of our stay. Our twin bedroom was small, but very clean, and the beds were comfortable. Breakfast was delicious, and the staff were extremely friendly and welcoming. The terrace and restaurant are a bit pricey, but that feels fair given the location directly at St. Peter’s Square within Vatican grounds. The food and drinks were excellent. This is a fantastic hotel in an unbeatable spot, with every major sight in Rome within about a 40-minute walk. If you want to fully experience the Vatican, you should stay here at least once in your life.

The room was perfectly adequate for our stay in the eternal city, and the breakfast was delicious. Service was excellent and the views were outstanding. I’d recommend arranging your visit to include a Sunday, so you can see Holy Father Angelus on the balcony from the hotel terrace. How can that be beaten for an experience?