Book A Stay At The Hotel Taking A Fresh Look At The Eternal City

A trip to Rome is near the top of every city break wish list. The ancient city brims with culture and history, with incredible cuisine and alluring attractions known by every keen traveller. Given its global appeal, however, the capital of Italy can feel a little overwhelming. As crowds return, its cobbled streets seem as busy as they were before the pandemic. With that in mind, Culture Trip looks at a quieter part of town close to Vatican City with a heavenly new place to stay.

The colourful Mama Shelter brand has been causing a stir on the city hotel scene for a while. The chain has branches in several countries, having opened its first in 2008: a Paris location that set its formula. Subsequent hotels have opened in cool neighbourhoods of major European cities and beyond. The unique interiors could be described as eccentric, but all feel authentic to their surroundings. Every new destination is selected carefully to make the most of the lean luxury template that has proven to be a big hit.

This concept is now a part of the landscape in the Italian capital. Mama Roma opened in July 2021 in the Prati district, close to the Vatican. A little farther on from the tourist bustle are the area’s large apartment blocks, where many locals live a relatively peaceful existence. The traffic noise isn’t as relentless and the cheap souvenir shops are replaced by small restaurants serving pasta just as, well, mama made.

Mama Pizzeria at Mama Roma offers great meals without need for leaving your hotel

The exuberant Mama Shelter ambience might seem like an odd fit for this part of Rome, but that’s just in keeping with what’s worked in the past. Mama Roma is nestled between a number of residential buildings, but rather than treat this as an inconvenience, the team behind the property have embraced the local spirit. A total of 217 guest rooms are spread across six floors, with a restaurant and rooftop bar becoming great attractions for people who already live in Patri as well. Stepping into the lobby, you instantly get what vibe the hotel is going for, and it’s confirmed by the lift, adorned with faded, Panini-style stickers of famous Serie A footballers.

1. Mama Roma

Boutique Hotel

The retro, pink and yellow poolside at the Mama Roma hotel in Rome.

The bold design throughout this new addition to the Rome hotel scene has proven to be a big hit with guests and locals. The pizzeria on the ground floor serves some of the best pizzas in town and the rooftop offers incredible views of the Vatican. Everything is done with a sense of fun, from the adult gift boxes you can order to “spice up” your stay, to the amusing messages staff leave in various places to catch you off-guard. The outdoor spaces are ideal for long summer nights, and there’s even a sauna and pool in the basement – like a neon-fuelled throwback to Roman baths of the past.

Things to do in Prati, Rome

The Prati neighbourhood is well connected to the major attractions of Rome but is certainly quieter than the crowded central hub. The Vatican and its museums are all within touching distance and its only a short walk to famous landmarks like the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. If you want to go to any of those more famous places, your best bet is to head there early in the morning to avoid the really big crowds.

The Trevi Fountain isn’t far away, but expect crowds

The food here isn’t as glamorous as in the tightly packed centro storico, but the reward is a more authentic take on classic dishes. You can’t go wrong if you just walk into a restaurant you like the look of and pick something off the menu – a haphazard method not really recommended in other parts of the city. The pubs and bars are cool places to hang out, with live music on offer most nights, although you can also get a really peaceful night’s rest, as general hubbub is kept to a minimum.

Fonclea is just one Prati restaurant you can expect to enjoy al fresco

It might not be the first place you think of when looking for a place to stay in Rome, but with its authentic cuisine, lively atmosphere and more relaxed vibe, a trip to Prati could be the city break you’ve been craving.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.