Mr & Mrs Smith

Babuino 181 is a gorgeous apartment-style boutique in the heart of the shopping district of Rome. Just a leisurely stroll from the Spanish Steps and the myriad of shops and restaurants in the area, with two trattorias nearby: Edy and Babette (www.babetteristorante.it). We particularly loved the hotel’s location, from which you can see almost all of Rome's treasures by foot. A good day's excursion from the hotel takes in the Castel Sant’Angelo and the simply stunning Vatican City (www.vatican.va) with its museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica; all achievable on foot, particularly if you refuel somewhere like Hotel Columbus (www.hotelcolumbus.net), which has a great terrace. Meanwhile, spend a day meandering the Centro Storico – The Pantheon, Piazza Navora, Campo dei Fiori and the Jewish Ghetto all offer wonderful sights, sounds, tastes and memories. Elsewhere, ancient Rome with its Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, is clearly a must, but take in these sites from the top of Vittoriano too. All this to see, without even mentioning the wonderful churches, museums and piazzas you cannot help but fall into on every street; a simply stunning city and a welcoming, hospitable, stylish hotel too.

Stayed here after two days in Sextantio Albergo Diffuso hotel (www.sextantio.it) in Abruzzo, and what a difference, going from mediaeval splendour to modern luxury. The hotel – found on cosmopolitan via Babuino – is excellently placed, close to the Spanish steps; and we were able to walk to all the main tourist sites easily. The rooms in the hotel were a good size and the raised bed was extremely comfortable. The extras: champagne on arrival and the Nespresso coffee machine, were a nice touch, especially as we arrived on my birthday. There’s no restaurant at the hotel, but this was no problem, because there are many good restaurants in the area. After reading a previous review, we ate at Edy – a fish restaurant, just a few minutes walk from the hotel – and found it reasonably priced, with excellent food.

Babuino 181 was a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed the fact that it was a small, intimate hotel. The room I stayed in was quite spacious, considering rooms in boutique hotels have a tendency to be small. The room was very well appointed and had wonderful lighting options. This hotel is resonably priced and is very well located amongst the best shopping and restaurants that Rome has to offer. The staff were friendly and accommodating. Being quite particular about hotels, I would definitely reserve and or recommend this hotel.

An incredible hotel, in a great location. Thoroughly recommend wandering around the corner from the hotel to Edy, in the tiny Vicolo del Babuino around the corner, for an authentic and delicious Italian meal.

Only stayed one night, Roman bliss.

We went to three restaurants, all of which were good. The best of all is just around the corner to the hotel, Hostaria da Pietro, serving high quality Roman food with heart, love, wonderful flavours and service but with reasonable prices! Try the carcioffi! Don’t miss it, it’s fab. Restaurant Edy was very good and close to the hotel too. Nice paintings on the wall and good service and food. Similar styled food to the above but less bustling. Finally we tried a restaurant in Tratasvere area called the Osteria La Gensola, which was a Sicilian and very nice. Also rustic in style and very good fish! All were restaurants that cost around 40-55 eu per head and very good value for money

There is a very good restaurant called Gusto about two blocks around the corner from the hotel that stays open late.

Just wanted to say that we had a brilliant stay here. The rooms and service are everything you'd expect from a Mr & Mrs Smith hotel. The staff were very helpful with directions and restaurant recommendations. The first night we ate a local place that the hotel recommended and the second night at Gusto. This has a restaurant upstairs and a pizzeria downstairs. We had fantastic beef with parmesan sauce, fish coated in pistachio, and a brilliant three-chocolate mousse. It's only a 5-10 minute walk from the hotel.