Hidden away on a teeny side street, Daphne Inn is just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of the central Termini station in Rome. Once you’re inside, though, the hotel truly feels like a home-away-from home, with the staff welcoming you from the off and treating you like long-lost friends rather than total strangers. Owner Claudio will tell you the history of the city and its famous sights, and he’ll even book you into his favourite restaurant, Hostaria Romana on Via del Boccaccio for lunch, if you so wish (the carbonara is like none you'll have tasted) and advise you on the only places to buy gelato and cappucini in town.
Interiors-wise, the floors are stone and the small reception area is set past the old-style lift that travels up through the centre of the building. The rooms are incredibly modern with a palette of dark brown and cream. The fridge in each room boasts a free bottle of prosecco (which after a long journey is a wonderfully welcoming surprise) and there's a MAC laptop with wireless access that more than makes up for the lack of a television. The shower room is small, but perfectly formed. Being set back on a side street away from the frenetic city centre it's blissfully quiet, which means that after a busy day trawling the city sights you’ll be able to hunker down for a great night's sleep.
The next morning there are just a handful of tables and chairs at the breakfast buffet. It’s a continental offering of cereals, breads, cheese and ham that, if it errs a little on the rudimentary side, is more than enough to set you up for the day. What really stands out at the Daphne Inn is the impeccable, friendly, knowledgeable service and the homely feel. You'll almost feel like you live there, and really wish you did...
What’s hot?
- The service cannot be faulted
- The complimentary bottle of Prosecco in each room
- Each room comes with a MAC laptop, so you can work (if you have to) or research places to visit in Rome online
What’s not?
- There's no bath, which may disappoint some
- The breakfast is fairly basic
Need to Know: Daphne Inn
Number of rooms: Seven rooms and two suites
Check-in/check-out times: 2pm and 10.30am (although this is flexible)
Room service: No
Swimming pool: No
Spa: No
Dogs welcome: No
Eating and drinking: A breakfast of coffee, juice, cereal, bread, ham and cheese is included in the price. It’s basic, but filling enough to set you up for a full day's sightseeing.
Near to? Daphne Inn is ideally located right in the centre of Rome, not far from the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and all the best places for shopping.
Getting there: Most of the budget airlines fly directly into one or the other of Rome’s two main airports, Ciampiano Airport (a 30-minute drive away from the hotel) or Fiumicini Airport (a 50-minute drive from the hotel). A cheaper option would be to hop on one of the express trains that regularly depart from the airport to the main train station, Termini. It’s just a 15-minute walk from Termini Station.
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