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.
Hit the spot
A tranquil spot on Rome’s leafy Aventine Hill.
Bedtime
Signature rooms include the Romeo & Juliet room – with its own balcony – and the Gold room, with its sumptuous gold decor.
Be savvy
Ditch the killer heels if you’re planning to walk back uphill!
Be smitten
Heavenly hillside hideaway.
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.
Dining out
You’ll find some good trattorias in the Testaccio neighbourhood. Try the linguine and baked turbot at Apuleius, or the bucatini all’amatriciana and other favourites at more traditional Bucatino. Romans lay claim to be the creators of the pizza – much to the annoyance of Neapolitans – so do try one of the great pizzerias around town.
Where?
Il Giardino degli Aranci at Villa San Pio
What’s cooking?
Innovative Med cuisine – try the clams with rocket salad.
Dress the part
When in Rome… the chic side of casual.
Top table?
Next to the open-sided windows.
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.
Shop
Label lovers can go to town in Rome, and you won’t go far without finding the glossy emporia of Valentino, Gucci and Fendi. Serious shoppers should graze in the golden triangle of pedestrianised streets around Via Condotti – the home of shoes and high fashion. For edibles, head for Volpetti deli, with its huge range of Italian cheeses, olive oils and biscotti.
After dark
The fun starts after dinner in Rome, and you’ll find plenty of late-night clubs and bars in the Testaccio district, where the beat goes on till late in Via di Monte.
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
Rooms and suites
34 rooms
Special features
Comfortable rooms (on a par with the nearby ancient Roman villas) come with flatscreen TVs, Ipod docks, wi-fi, a mini-bar and marble or mosaic tiled bathrooms.
Also…
Some have canopy or four poster beds, jacuzzi bathtubs and a private balcony. San Anselmo’s terrace and garden areas are a little oasis of calm.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 180-360
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
Midday
Check-out
Midday
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast is served until 10:30am.
Room service
Available morning and evening.
Children
Welcome
Pets
No
Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms
Languages
Italian, English, French, German and Spanish
Wedding license?
No
Your contact
Roberta Piroli – General Manager