THE SANCTUARY URBAN RETREAT, Rome

The Sanctuary Urban Retreat is located on a quiet street in the elegant Aventino neighbourhood, just a 5-minute walk from Circus Maximus and 10 minutes from the Colosseum and Roman Forum. The area is peaceful and green, with several restaurants and bars within 500 metres. A metro station is 300 metres away, and Roma Ostiense station is a 15-minute walk. Rome Ciampino Airport is 14 km from the hotel. Guests with mobility issues can still reach major sites on foot. The Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) is a 5-minute walk and offers panoramic views over the city.

Rooms at The Sanctuary Urban Retreat are modern and minimalist in style, with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, and an electric kettle. Each room has a private bathroom with a shower, bidet, hairdryer, and complimentary toiletries and bathrobes. Some rooms feature a balcony overlooking the garden, while junior suites include a seating area with a sofa bed. The mattresses and memory foam pillows are supportive, which is beneficial for guests with back problems. However, rooms lack drawers or wardrobes, so living out of a suitcase is necessary. Road-facing rooms can be noisy due to slamming doors, and some rooms had reported ants. The building is new and well-insulated from street noise, but internal sounds from neighbours can travel.

Breakfast is served daily from 07:00 to 10:30, offering a continental, Italian, and gluten-free buffet, plus a la carte hot dishes such as fresh eggs and pastries. It is available for an additional charge of €16 per person if not included in the rate. The breakfast room and garden courtyard are a pleasant setting, though the selection was considered basic by some, and the coffee was noted as poor. A coffee shop on site offers warm drinks, and the garden bar opens at 17:30 for evening drinks. There are numerous restaurants within a 5-minute walk, including Italian, sushi, and pizza options. For a more extensive dinner, Trastevere is a 15-minute walk and offers many Italian specialities.

The main leisure facility is a beautifully designed internal garden courtyard with comfortable seating and a bar that opens in the late afternoon. This space is ideal for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. The hotel does not have a pool, gym, or spa. Some reviews mention a rooftop terrace that is not in use. The garden courtyard can host private parties, occasionally causing noise in the evening.

The Sanctuary Urban Retreat offers free Wi-Fi throughout the building, a 24-hour reception with concierge service, and complimentary luggage storage. A paid airport shuttle service can be arranged, as well as a shuttle service for local trips. Meeting and banquet facilities are available at an additional charge. Daily housekeeping is included, while ironing and laundry services cost extra - the external laundry takes 16-24 hours and costs €5-€10 per item (no underwear). Safety deposit boxes are free, and the property has CCTV and key card access. Pets are not allowed, and no parking is available on site, though the Aventino parking garage is a 5-minute walk away.