Heavenly Sleeps in the Eternal City: Ecclesia Domus Vatican Inn in Rome is a Secret Gem

When Rome sweeps you off your feet with the seductive encounters of its storied sights, know there’s a secret gem for overnights.

A 25-minute walk from the sacred Vatican lies a diminutive, compact inn called the Ecclesia Domus Vatican Inn. Ideally situated in Rome, public transit can become your next best friend as the boutique property is accessible via metro or bus, leaving you within walking distance to see the most bucket-list-worthy sights.

On the other hand, our other new best friend quickly became innkeeper Claudia for a recent mother-daughter getaway to the Eternal City.

In prep for this special Roman holiday that would take Mum to see sights she only dreamed about or saw on TV, we made the customary inquiries made in advance to the property using WhatsApp on accessibility (did the inn have an elevator?), bathroom amenities (were hairdryers provided?), room inclusions (was there an iron and ironing board?), and safety (was the inn secure)?

Yes—the Ecclesia Domus Vatican Inn has it all!  As luck would have it, Claudia was always ready to accommodate any request by WhatsApp. She provided information and assistance for every need, from the service with a private airport transfer using one of the best limo service companies in Rome to guided tours and special experiences. In short, as the consummate hospitable host that she is—Claudia meets the expectations of every tourist.

As each day in Rome was filled with wonder, returning every evening to our temporary abode was always eagerly welcomed.

Here’s why.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

A few steps away are St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museum, and one of Rome’s most desirable districts, the Prati district. Known for its elegant architecture, green spaces, and bustling shops, Prati is popular for its residential feel. With its grid-like street plan and wide boulevards, you’ll find charming restaurants, local shops, and easy commutes to the Vatican and central Rome.  Walk past many churches that crowd the city and hear their bells toll. See animated locals converge street-side by bustling trattorias, wiling away the hours on chit-chat and shots of espresso or Aperol.  Watch dog walkers stop by shop windows with the latest fashion trends on display. See traffic, albeit not as bad as around the Colosseum, and know that you are in Rome.

Ecclesia Domus Vatican Inn Highlights

Unlike large hotel brands in Rome that often cater to large groups, the Ecclesia Domus is independently owned and operated with bespoke accommodations. There are only four double bedrooms on site, each with an ensuite bathroom and most with a balcony. You’ll find this experience to be curated and private.

Situated in a high-rise building built in the sixties during Italy’s economic boom, this renovated property welcomes guests. They press a well-appointed button announcing the Ecclesia Domus, which opens to lustrous red carpeted stairs leading to the main elevator. The elevator has a door like traditional high-rises found in Europe.

Once you reach the designated floor, a wondrous Ecclesia Domus sign mounted on the entrance door is clearly visible. Use the secure lock keypad, enter the provided security code, and voila! The main door unlocks in this automated entry! You have arrived at your home away from home. See key boxes on the wall and input your private code provided in advance that unlocks your key box. You are all set!

Guests can appreciate Roman culture at the Ecclesia Domus. You are never far off from gazing at a framed lithograph of a Roman reproduction, leafing through vintage magazines highlighting Roman antiquities, or turning the pages of books devoted to Rome neatly stacked on bookshelves in the common area. Each guest has the opportunity to enjoy this introduction. Ecclesia Domus provides complimentary city maps with a downloadable audio guide. 

Shared experiences and feelings became a daily pastime. Guests share a common area that has been kitted out with a fabulous kitchenette and seating area. Go for the Nespresso machine, restocked daily, and snack on tasty pastry, sealed in packages, compliments of the innkeeper. There’s a fridge with a shelf dedicated to each guest room and each guest room has bottled water chilling at the ready. A microwave and toaster oven provide options to heat take-outs (but why would you—you are in the land of pizza) and breakfast items you might have purchased from the local grocery store down the street.

Sustainability is important. Find eco-sustainable choices to protect the planet, from glass water bottles refilled daily to energy-efficient appliances and the removal of all single-use plastics, nowhere to be found. Instead, there are disposable soap bottles, refillable dispensers, glass and paper cups, and waste collection is separated for recycling.

Suite Pluses

This 4-room property gives guests an apartment vibe. Each room is air-conditioned, sound-proofed, and designed with a nod to the city’s four major basilicas. Our spacious Superior room, San Paolo Fuori le Mura (St. Paul Outside the Walls), had everything needed to provide two coming off a long-haul flight. The courtyard-facing room with balcony doors opened to a world of calm. Warm sienna tones with clouds of red geraniums on every level transported you to a quieter side of Rome.  On the balcony, find seating for two, with a pair of chairs and a wooden table.

For furnishings in this superior room, guests have a day bed and a queen-sized bed with fresh sheets and plump pillows. A 3-piece bathroom with a bidet and walk-in shower included, yes, a hair dryer and even bright lights that came in handy for applications

Plenty of hangers, closet space, and drawers and shelves easily gave two people an array of places to curate their belongings. A kettle came in handy for the tea and coffee choices on offer.

Ample outlets for necessary battery recharging and a wall-mounted wide-screen LED TV to catch up on Italian talk shows.

PERKS

The common area is equipped with a kitchen for guests to cook and store their food and drinks in the fridge and freezer. At guests’ disposal free of charge there are milk, fruit juices, sweet and savory snacks, and a capsule coffee machine… to feel at home!

To immerse guests in Roman customs, each guest receives a breakfast voucher to enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast in a typical bar. Order an excellent cappuccino and a dolce which is a Roman ritual.

OVERALL IMPRESSION

The rich Roman hospitality and generosity of spirit are evident at Ecclesia Domus Vatican Inn, which begins as soon as the reservations are completed. Steps away from the Vatican and Vatican Museums, you have arrived at a secret gem where everyone is a welcome guest in Rome, as they are in Ecclesia Domus.

Booking

With contactless check-in more of a hotel trend these days, Ecclesia Domus Vatican Inn offers seamless check-in and check-out. For reservations, visit Ecclesia Domus Vatican Inn. Room rates are seasonal. For a standard room double occupancy, the low season rates start from $87 in the low season (generally November through January) to $198 in the busiest months (spring and autumn). 

For the latest rates, check online at Hotels.com or Booking.com.

Words and photos by Ilona Kauremszky with additional photos courtesy of Ecclesia Domus Vatican Inn.