Stay at the Charming Hotel Raphael in Rome
One of the original European "boutique" hotels, Hotel Raphael puts visitors in the middle of all the action.
Located just off the beautiful Piazza Navona and within easy walking distance of many of the Eternal City's best attractions, Hotel Raphael in Rome is a great place to stay while visiting this marvelous city.
About the Hotel
While this lovely 70-room, ivy-covered hotel boasts a friendly staff and fine amenities, the Hotel Raphael is best known for its astounding art collection. Resembling an art gallery, the hotel proudly displays the owner's personal collection of artwork and antiques.
While the paintings that hang on the walls are truly magnificent, the centerpiece of the hotel's many artworks is the collection of ceramic jugs and plates fashioned by none other than the great Pablo Picasso. On display in both the lobby and the restaurant, this priceless collection draws "oohs" and "aahs" from nearly everyone who walks through the door.
Elsewhere in the hotel, the 55 traditional hotel units are warm and welcoming though not terribly large, as is typical of many European hotels. The 18 suites and 19 deluxe rooms, however, are exquisite. Each has been hand-painted and decorated in Renaissance décor. Many boast private balconies.
The views from the rooftop terrace restaurant at Hotel Raphael Rome are magnificent and the food is excellent as well. The chef, well-known in the region, dreams up imaginative Mediterranean dishes that make use of wonderful local, seasonal foods.
Conference facilities are available and the hotel also offers a full-service Finnish spa and Fitness Center, offering body-pampering spa services as well as exercise equipment for your daily work-out.
About Rome
One of the nicest things about the Hotel Raphael is its close proximity to so many of Rome's top tourist sites. As a matter of fact, many can be reached on foot, avoiding the need to decipher the bus system or hail expensive taxis.
Travel to the famous Trevi Fountain, made famous by the old song Three Coins in a Fountain. Toss in a few cents and make a wish. Legend has it that you will someday return to Rome if you contribute to the fountain's vast coin collection!
The Pantheon, also within walking distance of the hotel, is the best preserved ancient Roman building in the city. At the time it was built in 27 BC, and long after, it was acclaimed for its design, especially its dome, and was the model for many buildings that followed.
Vatican City, with its many marvelous museums and magnificent Sistine Chapel, is a must-see for visitors to beautiful Roma. The museums, which are a series of palaces and galleries, house one of the world's most extensive collections of priceless works of art. The chapel, of course, boasts Michelangelo's famous painted ceiling.
Though you may have to nab a taxi or hop a bus, don't miss Rome's other top attractions, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Palantine Hill, and The Spanish Steps.
Try to include a trip to the opera and find a little out-of-the-way restaurant for great local Italian food at reasonable prices. Top it off with a glass of fine Italian wine and be sure to save a little room for a scoop or two of gelato!
Staying at Hotel Raphael in Rome
Because Rome's Hotel Raphael is relatively small, rooms disappear quickly, especially during peak tourist time, which encompasses the months of June through August. If you are traveling during that time, be prepared to pay higher room rates and book early.
The spring and fall are a wonderful time to visit Rome, so if your schedule is flexible, consider planning a vacation during those seasons.