Hotel Pensione Joli

The two-star Hotel Pensione Joli provides an ideal location for anyone who enjoys shopping (or eating). It’s situated on Via Cola di Rienzo, one of Rome’s best shopping streets. Opposite the Joli: the famous Castroni International Delicatessen (the only place we know of where you can buy peanut butter in Rome).

This family-run hotel offers 17 rooms that are basic, comfortable and very blue. (You’ll see the color on both the bedspreads and walls.) The color scheme can make the Hotel Pensione Joli’s rooms a little dark, but modern, laminate floors and soft white curtains do brighten things up a bit.

Single rooms, which double as “economic doubles,” are outfitted with a generous queen-sized bed. All rooms are equipped with a TV and phone, but only some rooms have air conditioning (ask ahead).

The private bathrooms are basic but adequate and equipped with a hair dryer (toiletries are not provided).

Since the Pensione Joli is housed on the sixth floor of an apartment building (relax, there is an elevator), there isn’t much traffic noise. Still, light sleepers should ask for a room facing away from the street.

Breakfast, included in the room rate, consists of a voucher for a coffee and croissant at a nearby bar. Guests can also enjoy discounts at a local restaurant, Il Bacio; a handy perk since prices in the neighborhood can run high. Additionally, the Pensione Joli offers a communal fridge and eating area, and free Wi-Fi is available in the common areas.