Palazzo Cardinal Cesi Hotel Rome Exterior photo

Key details

About the Hotel

Via Della Conciliazione 51, Rome, 00193

Next to St. Peter's Basilica

Great

8.6

8.8

/10

4.3

4.5

Loved by Palazzo Cardinal Cesi guests

Beautiful courtyard

Attentive staff

Comfortable beds

Fantastic location

"The decor inside includes a great dining room for breakfast and a beautiful peaceful garden courtyard inside the building."

Frank from United States

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"We awoke each morning to find a sheet of beautifully headed paper with the readings and Gospel of the day printed on it, we thought that was a lovely touch."

Fergal from Ireland

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"Beautiful ancient hotel located steps away from St. Peter's square and the Vatican City."

Mike M from Canada

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4-star historical palazzo 140 meters from Saint Peter's Square

History & Location

Palazzo Cardinal Cesi sits on Via della Conciliazione, the main boulevard linking Castel Sant'Angelo to Saint Peter's Basilica. The building dates from the 15th century and retains its Renaissance architecture, including a private courtyard garden with a fountain. Guests can walk directly to Saint Peter's Square in under two minutes and reach Ottaviano metro station in ten minutes on foot.

Amenities & Services

The hotel offers a complimentary American buffet breakfast served each morning in the old Refectory, a space once used by monks. Guest rooms include a free minibar that is restocked daily with water, soft drinks, and snacks. A concierge service arranges cultural tours, airport transfers, and tickets for the Wednesday General Audience with the Holy Father.

Dining & Lounges

Breakfast is served in the historic old Refectory, where guests can request freshly made cappuccino alongside the buffet. The Library lounge serves drinks in the evening, and a rooftop terrace at the sister hotel offers aperitivo with views of Saint Peter's Basilica. Restaurants, cafés, and shops are within a short walk on Via della Conciliazione.

Business & Events

Palazzo Cardinal Cesi has three renovated meeting rooms that overlook the private courtyard garden. The rooms accommodate small to medium business events and can be booked with catering from the hotel kitchen. Audiovisual equipment and fax or photocopying services are available on request.

Guest Experience

Each morning guests receive a printed sheet with the day's Gospel readings and Mass times under their door. The hotel provides complimentary tickets for the General Audience with the Pope in Saint Peter's Square, subject to availability. A private check-in and check-out service, luggage storage, and daily housekeeping are included.

Highlights

Location: 140 meters from Saint Peter's Square

Amenities: Free minibar restocked daily & private courtyard garden

Dining: American buffet breakfast in the historic old Refectory

Business: Three meeting rooms with garden views

Experience: Complimentary tickets to the General Audience with the Pope

Services: Concierge for cultural tours and airport transfers

“Palazzo Cardinal Cesi stands out for its unparalleled access to the Vatican; I imagine the convenience for pilgrims and those attending papal events is remarkable. The building itself whispers stories of Renaissance Rome, and the cloister garden offers a serene escape. For travelers seeking a blend of spiritual significance and historical charm, this hotel presents a compelling option.”

Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

Location: Perfect

9.7/10Review score

View our interactive map

Highlights from guests

BathroomSpa-Like Retreat

The bathroom featured a rainfall shower, luxurious toiletries, and plush robes - a true sanctuary.

Isabelle from France

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BedroomRestful Nights

The bed was incredibly comfortable with premium linens, ensuring a peaceful and deep sleep.

Kenji from Japan

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DiningExquisite Flavors

The on-site restaurant offered a fantastic menu with authentic regional dishes and fine wines.

Antonio from Spain

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Room FeaturesStunning Views

Our room offered breathtaking views of the surroundings, making our stay truly unforgettable.

Mei from China

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Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included

Single Room
2 persons
130 sq. feet
1 Single bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Deluxe Double Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet
2 Queen Size Beds
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Superior Double or Twin Room
2 persons
195 sq. feet
2 Single beds or 1 Queen-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details

Show all rooms

Availability and pricing for your selected dates

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Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones

Facilities: Great

8.2/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Allergy-free rooms
Lift
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Housekeeping
Car hire
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink

Dining

Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Babysitting/Child services

Facilities for people with disabilities

Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Garden area
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Heating
Mini-bar
Soundproofed rooms
Garden furniture
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Palazzo Cardinal Cesi Location

Via Della Conciliazione 51, Rome, 00193

Map view

City landmarks

Fountain

Trevi Fountain

1.3 mi

Church

Pantheon

1.1 mi

Square

Colosseum

1.9 mi

Landmark

Piazza Navona

3300 ft

Church

St. Peter's Basilica

3600 ft

Museum

Vatican Museums

1.0 mi

Square

Saint Peter's Square

2800 ft

Landmark

Roman Forum

1.6 mi

Square

Piazza Venezia

1.1 mi

Church

Sistine Chapel

3600 ft

Landmark

Piazza di Spagna

1.5 mi

Square

Spanish Steps

1.5 mi

Cemetery

Altar of the Fatherland

1.1 mi

Square

Campo de' Fiori

3300 ft

Landmark

Torre di San Giovanni

3600 ft

Square

Piazza del Popolo

1.5 mi

Nearby

Square

Saint Peter's Square

800 ft

Piazza San Pietro

Vatican City

800 ft

RomeItaly

Via della Conciliazione

800 ft

Restaurants

Ristorante Wine Bar De' Penitenzieri

2100 ft

Via de Penitenzieri 16 16a 16b 16c

Satiricus Ristorante Pizzeria

600 ft

Via Dei Corridori 58

La Bottega di Raffaello

500 ft

Via Dei Corridori 42

Ristorante Venerina

1000 ft

Borgo Pio 38

Krugh

900 ft

Borgo Pio 127/128 Incrocio via del mascherino

Il Pozzetto Ristorante

900 ft

Borgo Pio 167

Farinone pastry shop

700 ft

Vicolo del Farinone 19

Trattoria Marcella

900 ft

Via del Mascherino 26

Universal Bar

800 ft

Via della Conciliazione 5/a Gruppo Don Chisciotte

Explore Rome

Explore The Heart of Rome

Saint Peter's Square

5 minutes' walk

Iconic gathering place with stunning architecture and the Vatican backdrop, ideal for photography and people-watching.

Vatican Museums

20 minutes' walk

World-renowned museums featuring art and historical treasures, including the magnificent Sistine Chapel.

Castel Sant'Angelo

13 minutes' walk

Historic fortress with panoramic views of Rome and intriguing exhibitions, connecting to the Vatican via the Passetto.

Piazza Navona

13 minutes' walk

Beautiful square famous for its Baroque architecture and three stunning fountains, lively with street artists and diners.

Biking Along the Tiber River

5 minutes' walk

Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the Tiber River; rentals available nearby, perfect for families and solo adventurers.

Wellness Retreats

5 minutes' walk

Relaxation experiences at local spas offering massages and yoga sessions, ideal for a soothing escape from sightseeing.

Ristorante Wine Bar De' Penitenzieri

8 minutes' walk

Charming ambiance with a focus on Roman cuisine; try their truffle pasta or local wines. Reservations recommended.

Satiricus Ristorante Pizzeria

3 minutes' walk

Casual dining offering delicious pizza and traditional Italian dishes in a relaxed setting, great for families.

Teatro dell'Opera di Roma

15 minutes' walk

Stunning opera house featuring performances of classical music and ballet. Check the schedule for upcoming shows.

Sant'Eustachio Il Caffè

12 minutes' walk

Famous coffee spot known for its rich espresso. A must-visit for coffee lovers looking for local flavor in a cozy environment.

Tips on navigating the city

City Centre
Rome 5 min · 1.9 mi
Airports
Ciampino (CIA) 27 min · 11.2 mi
Fiumicino (FCO) 44 min · 18.0 mi
Train
Roma San Pietro Train Station 10 min · 2700 ft
Underground
Ottaviano metro 11 min · 3000 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

All visitors are offered a continental breakfast for a fee.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

English, German, Spanish, Italian

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Palazzo Cardinal Cesi enjoys a prime location, practically next to St Peter's Square, which many guests appreciate. The breakfast offers a good selection to start the day. Rooms are generally comfortable, and some guests have noted that the walls could be thicker due to hearing noises from adjacent rooms. The hotel also provides complimentary bottled water, a welcome touch for visitors exploring the city.

Review score

Based on 6 verified reviews

8.2 /10

Great

100%

Recommend

Location

9.7/10

Staff

9.4/10

Facilities

8.2/10

Value for money

8.3/10

Pros

Great location

Clean rooms

Good breakfast

Excellent staff

Cons

Tired decor

Broken wardrobe

Small bathroom

based on 472 reviews

4.5/5

Evelyn from United Kingdom

Family with children

Superior Double or Twin Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 04, 2026

6/10

stale pastries inadequate soundproofing

the breakfast was quite underwhelming i found the pastries rather stale and the fruit selection limited. also the soundproofing was not adequate i could hear street noise quite clearly even with the windows closed. this made it difficult to sleep at times. the lack of proper sound isolation is a serious drawback. i expected better from a hotel of this supposed caliber.

0 Helpful

Mia from Germany

Single

Deluxe Double Room Extra Bed

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 31, 2026

9/10

helpful staff complimentary water breakfast choices

the front desk staff was very helpful. i received complimentary water in my beautiful double room extra bed. the breakfast offered many choices.

The bathroom was tiny. It had just a shower curtain around the shower, not a proper cubicle.

0 Helpful

Shirley from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 23, 2026

7/10

acceptable stay near the vatican

great location helpful staff relaxing courtyard small room wet bathroom street sellers

the location was definitely a highlight. i could easily walk to st peter's basilica. the staff was pleasant and helpful (i especially appreciated their tour recommendations). the courtyard was relaxing after a long day.

the room was fairly small. the bathroom was a shower room, so it was difficult to shower without getting the whole floor wet. there were quite a few street sellers directly outside the hotel, which got tedious.

0 Helpful

william from united kingdom

Single

deluxe double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 08, 2026

9/10

excellent hotel near vatican city

superb location friendly staff

the location is superb. i found the staff friendly and helpful .

0 Helpful

Isabella from Italy

Couple

deluxe double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 13, 2025

9.2/10

vatican oasis!

kind staff open-air atrium daily bible

I loved that the hotel is right next to st peter's basilica. You can practically touch it! the staff was super kind and always helpful. the open-air atrium inside has tall trees, like stepping back in time. It is a unique experience. a daily bible reading was left each day.

I needed to drag my bags to the closest corner, which took about five minutes.

Location

10/10

the hotel is ideally situated, steps away from vatican city. it is convenient for visiting st peter's basilica and surrounding attractions. several restaurants are also nearby, providing various dining options.

Facilities

9/10

an open-air atrium with tall trees provides a unique atmosphere. the courtyard offers a relaxing space after a day of sightseeing. complimentary water and soft drinks are available in the minibar.

Dining

8/10

the breakfast offers a nice variety of choices, including both sweet and savory options. options included scrambled eggs, cheeses, meats, and vegetables. good coffee is also served each morning.

Rooms

9/10

the room included a comfortable mattress and blackout shutters. a coffee machine with capsules was provided, a nice touch. rooms are cleaned daily, keeping them fresh and tidy.

Service

10/10

The staff is very helpful and friendly. They assist with directions and recommendations. staff gave all the information about services and mass dates. they are polite and accessible, always ready to assist.

0 Helpful

Jack from United Kingdom

Single

Deluxe Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 08, 2025

9/10

fresh cappuccino complimentary drinks

the breakfast offered fresh cappuccino upon request i found that very nice. my room included a minibar with complimentary soft drinks that was restocked daily

the shower room design made the floor quite slippery

0 Helpful

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