Unlike its name suggests, the B&B Hotel Roma Trastevere is not a homey bed-and-breakfast. Rather it's a squat, 70-year-old building that got a colorful makeover in 2011. On the outside, the light-orange facade looks like an aging, boxy apartment complex. Inside, the numerous fluorescent accent walls appear to have been painted more recently. The hallways on each floor of the hotel is painted a different fluorescent shade such as pink, red, or green. The lobby features Day-Glo green walls and a black leather couch that's fine for those checking in, but there's little lounging space to linger. A windowless breakfast room with an orange accent wall and orange chairs resembles a small school cafeteria or youth hostel. The white-walled, compact meeting room would be fine for a seminar class but probably isn't professional enough for a business meeting. Guests are a mix of Italian and foreign business travelers and tourists. 

The Trastevere neighborhood, on the west bank of the Tiber River, is known for its quaint cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Several American colleges also have divisions there, such as the American University of Rome and American Pratt Institute of Architecture. B&B Hotel Roma Trastevere is outside of the neighborhood's historic center, however. The surroundings are a mix of residential and office buildings as well as restaurants, night clubs, and bars. Getting to many of the larger tourist attractions requires a ride in a car or on public transportation.

The property is a 20-minute walk from Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, the most charming and historic area of Trastevere. The river is about 10 minutes away on foot. As for reaching the major sights, conveniently there are a few light rail and bus stations within a five-minute walk from the hotel. A trip to the Colosseum takes about 10 minutes by car or 20 minutes by public transportation. Vatican City is about 15 minutes away by car or 25 minutes on public transportation. Reaching Leonardo da Vinci Airport takes about 25 minutes by car or 60 minutes on public transportation. 

The 81 rooms at Hotel Roma Trastevere have a clever design, but the layout doesn't leave much room for lounging. Walls and furniture are white, and there are gray cityscapes of Rome painted on the walls. Cream drapes, dark-wood doors, and neon-blue throw pillows break up the otherwise muted look. Each room has a unit with an open closet, a desk, and a luggage bench designed to take up the minimal amount of space. A safe is tucked into the closet and rooms have electronic-coded door locks. Beds are either twin-size or double, but some guests complain that there isn't much room to maneuver around them. That said, the rooms are generally clean and comfortable enough for post-sightseeing relaxation: Each has a flat-screen TV and free, fast Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are lined with beige and white tile and include bidets and shower stalls (no tubs). Hairdryers and a minimal amount of free toiletries are provided. 

Few of the amenities at B&B Hotel Roma Trastevere will keep guests hanging out at the hotel, but they can be helpful in a pinch. Breakfast is reasonably priced, receives average reviews, and includes items such as eggs, cereal, yogurt, and fruit. Gluten-free options are also available on request. There's no bar or full restaurant, but several guests recommend the nearby cafes and restaurants for a meal. Vending machines are also available for anyone who wants to grab a quick snack at any time of the day. While there isn't a business center, a computer is set up in the lobby for guests who need to get online. An on-site meeting room is big enough for a small gathering or presentation but is a fairly casual space. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property for free. Pets can stay at the hotel for a small fee.