Residenza Santa Maria

With the success of his first venture in accommodations at the well established Hotel Santa Maria, Paolo Vetere opened a second establishment just across the square. Using his architectural know-how, he has converted the ground floor of one of colorful Trastevere’s characteristic buildings into a pleasant hotel with the same look and feel of the first. Following the natural shape and features of the 18th century edifice, the six quiet rooms are positioned around an inner courtyard, reached by passing through the main reception/lounge area. A simple country style has been given to guest rooms with wood furniture, floral print bedspreads, stenciled motifs, beamed ceilings and brick archways. Bathrooms have a choice of showers or bathtubs. Both hotels are extremely family friendly, being on one level and offering a choice of triples or family suites, plus baby-sitting service. A hearty buffet breakfast is served a level below in what was once a Roman cistern, where relics of ancient Rome found during the renovation are cleverly installed within niches in walls. The amiable staff is always on hand to suggest tourist attractions, many at walking distance from the hotel, or to reserve private guides who take you right to the entrances, avoiding long lines. There is no problem for meals as this area has a high concentration of Rome’s most popular trattorias.