The Exe Domus Aurea is housed in a 19th-century neoclassical building, but the lobby has a more contemporary feel, with velour sofas and modern art. Guests gather here to relax on the sofas, watch TV, and use the public computer. There's also a small bar, but it's a bit lacking in style and atmosphere. The breakfast room is a more appealing space, with a warm beige-and-brown color palette, wood tables, and large windows framing views of the city. An outdoor terrace is lined with potted plants, and also offers city views and dining in nice weather. The hotel isn’t as close to main Rome attractions as some other properties, but with its affordable rates and location near Termini Station, it draws a lot of tourists. Some business travelers also stay here, as the hotel is near several office buildings. 

The Exe Domus Aurea is in the Castro Pretorio (XVIII rione) area of central Rome, in a neighborhood filled with office buildings, tourist-oriented shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants. A supermarket and mini-markets are also within a short walk of the hotel. The Volturno/Cernaia bus stop is across the street, and Termini Station, which also contains a shopping mall and restaurants, is only a five-minute walk away. Roman National Museum and the Diocletian Baths are a one-minute walk, and the 19th-century Basilica Sacro Cuore di Gesu is three minutes from the hotel on foot. Aula Ottagona archaeological site, the 16th-century Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels (designed by Michelangelo), and Piazza della Repubblica, with its famous Fountain of the Naiads, is about a five-minute stroll, as is the 17th-century Santa Maria della Vittoria church, which contains a sculpture by Bernini.

Major attractions like Via del Corso for prime shopping, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Roman Forum, Colosseum, and St. Peter’s Basilica are all within 10 to 25 minutes by bus or metro from the hotel. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is a little more than 30 minutes by car from the Exe Domus Aurea, or about 40 minutes by train from Termini Station. 

Guest rooms at the Exe Domus Aurea are simply decorated but have a pleasant, homey look, with art on the walls, wood furniture and headboards with decorative embellishments, and cheery colors of yellow and green. Spaces are kept tidy and they're in fine condition, but entry-level rooms are on the small side at 118 square feet (11 square meters). All come with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars (upgraded units have free items but they aren't restocked), free bottled water, and free Wi-Fi, but there are no electric kettles. Bathrooms are also well-maintained, and they contain stall showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and toiletries, and some have bidets. Rooms overlook the street and the neighborhood's pretty brick buildings. 

Features at the Exe Domus Aurea are a bit limited, with no leisure facilities or full-service restaurant. A breakfast buffet (fee for some bookings) gets solid reviews from previous guests for its ample continental spread of baked goods, cold cuts, cheeses, and other cold items. The breakfast is served in a top-floor space with large windows and views of the city. Outdoor terrace dining is available in warm weather. The hotel also has a small lobby bar, lobby microwave, public computer, and 24-hour front desk. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. Nearby public parking is available for an extra charge, but it’s a bit expensive.