Hotel Santa Maria is housed in a former monastery, built in the 16th century. An exterior arcade, characteristic of a monastic structure, circles the building, where the guest rooms can be found off the courtyard. Set back from the street, the hotel is a small, intimate, unexpected oasis reached through an inconspicuous gate leading to the large, leafy garden. Guest room doors open onto the garden courtyard -- not a hallway -- contributing to the feeling of privacy and exclusiveness. The garden, filled with orange trees, flowers, potted plants, and wrought-iron tables and chairs for sitting, is at the heart of the property. A rooftop terrace with umbrellas and sun loungers is another pleasant outdoor space. The overall vibe is rustic and country, with red bricks, terra-cotta floors, and ochre walls painted with garden scenes. The romantic atmosphere makes the Santa Maria popular with couples, but plenty of families stay here too. 

Hotel Santa Maria is in the heart of Trastevere, one of Rome’s oldest and most atmospheric neighborhoods. The hotel is about a minute's walk to the Piazza Di Santa Maria, a lovely square with many trendy bars and restaurants, and a central fountain where street musicians and other performers gather in the evenings. The Tiber River and the pedestrian bridge Ponte Sisto is about a five-minute walk from the hotel. Some of Rome’s loveliest neighborhoods and squares can be easily explored on foot from the hotel, but most of the main tourist attractions are farther away but can be reached by bus.

• 19-minute bus ride to Termini Train Station
• 22-minute bus ride to the Pantheon
• 22-minute bus ride to the Vatican
• 24-minute bus ride to the Trevi Fountain
• 25-minute bus ride to the Colosseum
• 29-minute bus ride to the Opera House
• 30-minute bus ride to Santa Maria degli Angeli
• 30-minute bus ride to the Spanish Steps
• 32-minute bus ride to the Baths of Diocletian
• 33-minute bus ride to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
• 45-minute drive to Leonardo da Vinci International Airport

The guest rooms are located off the courtyard, and many have their own private patio areas outside the door. Decor follows the same rustic style found throughout the hotel, with terra-cotta floor tiles, wood ceilings with exposed beams, and basic wood furniture. Bright floral curtains adorn the windows, and large colorful prints of Rome decorate the walls. Rooms, while reasonably sized, are not that spacious, and bathrooms, which have no counter space, can be cramped, with small shower/tub combos and bidets. Air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi come standard.

Breakfast is included in the room rate and is served in the garden courtyard during the summer months, or in the homey breakfast room, which has a decorative fireplace. A bar sits off the breakfast room, where a happy hour with free snacks and drinks is held each evening. Bicycles can be borrowed free of charge. The hotel will also arrange for airport transfers, private city tours, limousine service, laundry, hairdressers, massages, beauty treatments, babysitting, and parking, all for a fee. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.