Luxury on the River

Luxury on the River, a mix between a small bed-and-breakfast and a boutique property, sits inside a charming five-story building with a sunny facade accented with ornamental lintels and top cornice details. With few extra features and limited reception hours, the property sometimes feels more like a set of private apartments and rooms -- a con for some guests who don't expect it, but a pro for guests, many of which are couples, who welcome the privacy and independence. There's a nice, modern reception area with a velvety button-tufted couch, but it's not a real hangout spot. The main gathering spot is the breakfast room, where a free cold buffet is served daily. The room is small but charming and homey, with a wall of books accented by a rolling library ladder and a fireplace. The real draw here, though, are the eight chic, modern rooms, suites, and apartments, that are roomy enough to hangout in after a day of exploring Rome.

As the name implies, Luxury on the River is situated right along the Tiber River on a relatively quiet street that's still in walking distance to many of Rome's famous attractions. The Spanish Steps and the Pantheon are about a 15-minute walk, while the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona are a 20-minute walk. Other popular sights, like the Colosseum and The Vatican, are a bit of a hike, but can be reached on foot in about 30 minutes. The neighborhood itself is full of bars and restaurants, and for sights farther out, there are many public transit options, including the Lepanto metro station, a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The city's main train station, Roma Termini, is about 30 minutes away via public transit. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is about an hour away via public transit or 45 minutes away by car. The hotel can arrange airport transfers for reasonable rates. 

With clean lines, modern decor, and chic accents, the eight guest rooms are a highlight of the property. Wood floors, leathery black headboards, and arched beside lamps are common style features, often paired with pops of color -- a piece of art, a transparent molded chair with bright cushions, or a radiator painted red. Bathrooms are a real highlight, some featuring fashionable black-and-white checkered tiling, vessel sinks, and black-framed mirrors. Bidets and roomy walk-in showers are also common.Entry-level Superior Rooms have simpler (but still chic) decor and come in at about 215 square feet, while the biggest Luxury Apartment measures over 750 square feet and includes sitting areas, a hot tub, and a fully equipped kitchen. Rooms are air conditioned and have safes, 40-inch LED TVs with international channels, and free Wi-Fi, plus coffee and tea service with electric kettles and generously stocked minibars. Bathrooms have heated towel racks, hairdryers, and toiletries, plus bathrobes and slippers. Half of the rooms face the courtyard, while the other half have river views.

As a small-scale, bed-and-breakfast property, Luxury on the River has limited extra features -- there is no restaurant or bar, nor are there wellness facilities. The main gathering place for guests is the library-style breakfast room where a free continental-style breakfast is served each morning, with a nice spread of cold options like fresh fruit, bread and pastries, meats, and hardboiled eggs. A small coffee station is also set up by the front desk. Guests rave about the helpful, friendly staff who offer lots of attentive, personal service. Reception can assist with concierge-style services, like arranging airport transfers and offering tailored recommendations. Reception is only opened until mid-evening, though, so late arrivals must be arranged beforehand and cost an extra fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.