Near embassies and corporate headquarters, the Hotel Villa San Pio is spread over three buildings and attracts a grown-up crowd of business and leisure travelers who want to be away from the bustle of the city. The roomy lobby has marble floors, hand-painted walls, and large tufted leather sofas, plus windows with views of the street and back garden. There's also a breakfast room in a glass atrium with views of the garden and a bar with a high, stone-vaulted ceiling. The multi-level gardens are beautiful, with bougainvillea and lemon trees, and they feature palm-shaded tables, stone stairways, and wide, and curving paths leading to the other two buildings, which are solely devoted to guest rooms. 

Set in south-central Rome in a historical and largely residential neighborhood, the Hotel Villa San Pio is near many villas, private palaces, and gardens; simply walking the streets provides much to see. The famed, keyhole of view of Rome in the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta is a three minute-walk away, while the Basilica of Saint Sabina -- Rome's oldest major basilica -- is five minutes away on foot. It's a 12-minute walk to the Testaccio neighborhood where there are several shops and restaurants with local flair. The Pyramide Metro stop is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, the same distance on foot to Circo Massimo. Fiumicino Airport is a 24-minute drive or a 59-minute train ride. 

Rooms at Hotel Villa San Pio have high ceilings and generously proportioned windows, many with views of the garden or the elegant surrounding neighborhood. The top-floor corner rooms in the main building are the most spacious and have the best views. Rooms range in size from single to quadruple configurations, and some of the larger rooms have spacious balconies. The beds have elaborate carved and painted headboards and harvest gold or navy blue bedspreads with matching draperies; some of the larger units also have coordinating upholstered furniture. The overall effect could be considered Old World or fussy, depending on your perspective. All rooms have air-conditioning, minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, tiny flat-screen TVs, safes, and irons/ironing boards. Bathrooms vary, with tiles or marble finishings, wall-mounted hairdryers, and shower/tub combos. 

Amenities at the Hotel Villa San Pio aren't extensive, as is typical for smaller, historic properties in Rome. Breakfast is free at the Hotel Villa San Pio and is served every morning in a high-ceilinged glass atrium. The property also has a bar with cane-backed seats and round, inlaid tables. The front desk is staffed 24 hours and offers free luggage storage. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and Shiatsu massage is offered in-room, for a fee. The hotel can also arrange babysitting services on request. Small pets are allowed, but guests should check about weight restrictions.