Hotel Emmaus

Hotel Emmaus Exceeded Expectations! As a first-time visitor to Rome, I sought a hotel that truly embodied the city's rustic charm, steering clear of the typical branded chains. My goal was for my son to experience something authentically Roman, and finding a family room that comfortably accommodated our group of four was key. Given my stepson is a friar, proximity to the Vatican was paramount, as we planned frequent early morning walks and attendance at Mass. Hotel Emmaus immediately caught my eye online due to its unbeatable location just a stone's throw from the Vatican. While some reviews mentioning it being "old and rundown" gave me pause, I decided to take a chance, and I'm so glad I did! From the moment we arrived, I was thoroughly pleased. One of the first things I noticed and truly appreciated was the clean, fresh smell upon entering both the hotel and our room—a significant plus for someone who values a tidy environment. Yes, Hotel Emmaus is an older establishment, but it is certainly not tired or rundown. Our family room was a haven of comfort; the beds were incredibly soft, and our private bathroom was spotless. While the room amenities were simple (soap, shampoo, and towels, with no toothbrush, lotion, water bottles, slippers, or robes), this was perfectly fine with us. Housekeeping was fantastic, ensuring our room was cleaned and towels and beddings changed daily. I was particularly impressed by the strong shower pressure and excellent toilet flush—a rare find in older hotels! Most importantly, during our summer visit, the air conditioning was wonderfully cold, providing a much-needed respite from the Roman heat. Beyond the Vatican's doorstep, the hotel's location truly shines. It's surrounded by an abundance of eateries and shops, making it incredibly convenient for meals or last-minute needs. We particularly enjoyed La Vittoria, a restaurant so affordable with such great food that we dined there twice! For easy transportation, there were always taxis waiting right outside the hotel doors. Despite being so close to the Vatican and all the surrounding activity, we found the hotel environment to be surprisingly quiet and pleasant. The breakfast buffet was a daily highlight we genuinely looked forward to for our entire five-day stay. It was consistently sumptuous with a wide variety of choices. Each morning, we enjoyed approximately four kinds of cold cuts, two types of cheese, and an abundance of breads, including plain, chocolate, and pistachio croissants, along with delicious sourdough and crackers. The selection of juices was great, but my personal favorite was the extensive menu of cappuccinos, coffees, and hot cocoas. While the offerings were largely the same each day, we didn't mind in the slightest. The staff were consistently friendly and helpful. While their approach to hospitality differs from what one might expect in Asian or American hotels (they don't typically approach you proactively), they were always ready to assist if we had any requests, providing excellent service when asked. Though Hotel Emmaus is listed as a 3-star hotel with mid-range pricing, I honestly feel it offers a 4-star type experience and excellent value within our budget. I rarely give a 5-star rating, reserving it for truly exceptional experiences that go above and beyond. However, considering the unparalleled accessible location, the sheer comfort, and the overall positive ambiance we experienced at Hotel Emmaus, I feel it's safe to make an exception. This hotel truly provided the authentic Roman experience we were hoping for.