Opened in 1939, Hotel Prati has seen better days. From the street, the four-story building looks like a large townhouse with a cream and peach-colored facade. Years of weather have left cracks and faded patches on the exterior walls. The low-key entryway is framed in black-and-white marble and a couple of potted plants. The lobby doesn't have much of a reception area. Beyond the desk are brown leather chairs and a small sofa that will suffice when waiting, but won't entice anyone to stick around. Like many European elevators, Hotel Prati's is notably small. Some guests complain that the lift doesn't have enough space for guests and luggage at the same time. The underground breakfast room has cream-colored marble walls, wood tables, and wrought-iron cafe chairs. All of it is serviceable, though not particularly welcoming. Overall, this budget hotel suits young tourists in search of a bargain. Businesspeople and older tourists will likely want to look elsewhere.

Hotel Prati is conveniently located for travelers who want to be near Vatican City, shopping, and several of Rome's tourist destinations. The neighborhood around the hotel has several restaurants, cafes, and shops. St. Peter's Basilica, in Vatican City, is an eight-minute walk away, while Castel Sant'Angelo can be reached in nine minutes on foot. Via Cola di Rienzo, known for its food and souvenir shops, is a two-minute walk from the hotel. The hotel's location also works well for many business travelers, and the Law Courts are 12 minutes away on foot or a five-minute drive. The nearest metro station, Ottaviano, is a seven-minute walk from the hotel, and gives access to most top attractions, like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon, in 15 to 20 minutes. Termini train station is about a 15-minute drive or around a half-hour by public transportation, while Leonardo Da Vinci Airport can be reached in 30 to 50 minutes by car, depending on traffic, or around an hour by public transit. 

Hotel Prati's 23 rooms are best suited for solo travelers or young couples who expect to spend much of their time outside of the hotel. Rooms range from Singles to Quadruples, but all are small and cramped, with not much space for lounging. Furnishings include small wooden desks and chairs; emerald-colored drapes and wrought-iron sconce lights add much needed decorative touches. Safes, old tube-style TVs, and free Wi-Fi come standard in all rooms. Bathrooms are just big enough for one person with beige tiles, aged fittings, and tiny showers. Note that some past guests have complained about the hotel's cleanliness.

As a simple budget property, Hotel Prati's features are limited. Several guests, however, comment about how helpful the staff is with various tips, suggestions, or services like making reservations. A free continental breakfast buffet, which includes croissants, yogurt, juice, and coffee, receives mixed reviews. Room service is available. While there's no business center, photocopying and fax services can be arranged. Airport transfers can also be arranged. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.