Travelers who lodge at the Deko Rome are treated like house guests by owners Marco and Serena; this is the frequent compliment paid by people who have stayed at the property. The small scale of the place tends to attract couples, who are primarily an international crowd. When they arrive, guests are offered a free welcome drink by the owners, like an espresso or a glass of wine. This is not a property where guests are whisked to their rooms; the owners take the time to chat and get to know their guests. The exterior of the building dates from the early 20th century. It is a classic, Palazzo-style building with articulated stones. Once inside, visitors see a hallway with rich molding and trim. An elevator surrounded by an intricate cage flanks the steep marble staircase. The hotel has a stripped-down lobby with a tiny, white reception desk under a rectangular pendant light of bubbly glass. A contemporary sofa and chairs surround a coffee table opposite a big window covered in sheers and flanked by dark red drapes. The breakfast room is off the lobby. Papered in gray and white stripe, the room has simple black-and-white tables and a small, curved counter with a magnificent, old-style espresso machine, set in front of liquor bottles in wall-mounted cubes. There are other old-school touches here, like black-and-white photos of Rome in the '60s and a turntable in an old leather suitcase. The mood conjured up is retro amid modern conveniences. 

The Deko Rome hotel is near many of the city's attractions. It's a nine-minute walk to the elegant shops on Via Veneto and the same distance to the Villa Borghese. For those who cannot or do not to wish to walk in the city, the Metro Boncompagni Abruzzi station is a one-minute walk from the hotel. From here, guests can be at the Spanish Steps and the Piazza di Spagna at the bottom of them, in 15 minutes; seven minutes if one drives. The Trevi Fountain is a nine-minute train ride or an eight-minute drive. It takes about 17 minutes to walk there. The Piazza Navona, with its fabulous Fountain of the Four Rivers surrounding an Egyptian obelisk, is a 13-minute drive or an 18-minute train ride. To get to the Colosseum and the Forum, guests can either drive 10 minutes or take a train for 20 minutes. Vatican City is a 19-minute drive or a 43-minute train ride. To reach Rome's Fiumicino Airport -- also known as the Leonardo Da Vinci Airport -- it's a 42-minute drive or a 55-minute train ride. 

High ceilings and pinkish-white walls lend a chilly, ethereal air to the six rooms of the Deko Rome. The furniture is plain: contemporary chairs in a pop of color, perhaps in patterned black-and-white or red, piped with white fabric. Small desks have Saarinen chairs in white or clear primary colors. Windows, facing the street or a courtyard, are covered in sheers and the long drapes are red or patterned brown or black. The art changes every two months, but guests can expect touches of the '60s: a triptych of Marilyn Monroe is a good example. The beds, rated as comfortable by guests, are covered in silk, quilted duvets. Accent lights are scattered throughout, and there are globe-shaped pendant lights. Each room has air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, safe, slippers, an iPad, and an electric kettle for coffee or tea. 

Bathrooms are dark but the lighting warms them up and adds a certain masculine elegance. The shower/tubs have rain head fixtures and a glass partition. There is the customary European bidet. The toiletries are Bioenergy and thoughtfully include a toothbrush and toothpaste. Minibars are lightly stocked, but lucky guests might find a bottle of something special awaiting them in their room. The biggest, most expensive room has a whirlpool. 

Breakfast is free at the Deko Rome and includes cold items like cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cheeses. But there isn't a full restaurant. The hoteliers greet guests with a beverage in the lobby when they arrive or return from the day, which can include an apertif or espresso at the small bar. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Transfers to the airport for a fee, laundry, help with printing boarding tickets, and other small but practical needs can be met by the owners. They will also arrange for guided tours of the city and trips to the Amalfi coast or Tuscan wine country. Babysitting can be arranged as can a crib or extra cot at no additional charge.