My husband and I stayed at Palazzo Cardinal Cesi on Sept. 23-Sept.27 for our 15th anniversary. This is a lovely place. The location is fabulous- with St. Peter's Basillica outside your doorstep, the taxi stand across the street and every hop on hop off bus in town making stops across the street the location can't be beat. The world outside the front door was busy touristy Rome, but once you step through the massive front door you step into a calm peaceful environment.
The staff was helpful. The breakfast was good. The room was clean. Do not let the prices detour you. I contacted the hotel to see if there was a better price than was being shown on their web page. Since we were staying for several nights the hotel was able to offer us a reasonable price that made it possible for us to stay here. (It never hurts to call/email and ask.) The only negative I have about our stay is that there was significant noise between each room; but I would take the noise to stay here again.

I booked this 'hotel' instead of where my uncle & aunt were staying on the other side of Castel St. Angelo b/c it was cheaper and in the best area. Don't be scared by the average price shown, I played with dates on their website and a single was as low as 85EUR. (I paid 170EUR) Except for their sister 'hotel', you couldn't find a better Vatican location. It is a very safe area, even for a female alone like me.

The very large exterior doors are closed at night but just buzz reception, they'll take a look at you on the small camera and open the automatic doors for you, to get out push the button on the inside.

Inside the doors is a beautiful calm oasis. Reception is straight ahead and just to the right (looks like someone's office). There's a small bar area that seems to be quite popular. An elevator past that takes you upstairs or take the marble staircase. Just past the elevator is the breakfast room on the left which looks like monks are expected for a meal, and a small lounge with a computer with internet access.

I had a single room which had no room for a crib/cot but was a nice size for just me and baby. There was a safe, fridge w/ honor bar, slippers, remote TV, phone, luggage rack, plug for internet and electric blinds to block out sun. Might have been more things like an iron and bathrobe, but I didn't notice. The double paned windows kept out any noise.

The bathroom was a very nice looking marble. On closer inspection it was the fake marble but a very good one. There was a shower and enough space to put toiletries.

The room was deliciously chilled when I went into it and I actually turned down the A/C fan. The bed was comfortable but I was tired. Buttons for the lights and to control the blinds and the internet plug are on the headboard.

Breakfast was coffee & teas, pastries such as chocolate croissants, ham, cheese and other cold cuts, and probably cereals and juices. I was in a hurry and didn't have time to try everything.

They do not discourage children, they have a cot/crib and there was another couple with a small child there. I am not sure it would be good for older children, like my 3 and 6 year old. Noise in the halls would carry and they can't really run around too much. The atmosphere is too quiet and they have the courtyard cordoned off.

From what I gathered it is a headquarters of the Salvatorians. Part of the building seems to be used solely for religious purposes. The paper slipped under my door in the morning was not a bill but a list of bible readings for the day. There are materials in the rooms of a religious nature as well. If this bothers you, it might not be the place for you.

I think it was recently opened to guests and everything seems new and of good quality.

My Partner and I stayed at this hotel last week and loved it. You cannot beat it for its location. It is literally moments away from St Peters Basilica and is an oasis of calm in the madness that is Rome.
The bedrooms are not big, but hey it is an old building. The bathrooms are really tiny - I was worried after reading about the size of the showers, however they were adequate.
I really loved it there. We booked via the hotel website and breakfast is included, albeit a strange breakfast and not to everyone's taste but "when in Rome you should do as the Romans do" and try it, My partner liked it.
I would definitely stay at this hotel again.

In late May, a group of 12 "old friends" (we graduated from high school together over 44 years ago!) booked a Princess cruise that left from Civitavecchia on May 26th. We decided to add a little adventure to our trip by flying to Rome two days earlier and seeing the sights on our own. Luckily we found the web site for the Palazzo Cardinal Cesi and they had rooms for all of us! (Only 30 rooms are available as it is still an active monastery).
Not only were the rooms quiet, comfortable & fabulous, but the people who work at the hotel are all fantastic! Franz, especially was awesome! Not only did he see to our every need during our stay, but he also helped as our unofficial tour guide booking Vatican tickets and making sure we understood the open air bus routes...plus he located some lost luggage at the airport!
Every morning we were treated to a delicious Italian buffet breakfast that was out of this world with variety. Everything about this hotel is 5 star plus! You'll love the location, too as it's just yards away from St. Peter's Square!
We highly recommend the Palazzo Cardinal Cesi!
Sincerely,
Judy, Gary & fellow travelers