Many hotels in Rome occupy buildings that were made for something else: convents, noble palaces, 20th-century public offices, former industrial spaces. Staying in a restored historic building means choosing an atmosphere, but also accepting some features that a purpose-built hotel doesn’t have. Here are the types of buildings you’ll find, what to expect and how to choose.
What “restored historic building” means
A restored historic building is one that takes on a new function without erasing its history. When it is protected by the heritage authority (Soprintendenza), any work is subject to its oversight and must preserve the building’s character: the new use fits inside the building rather than replacing it. For guests, this means the architecture is not a backdrop but a concrete trace of what the building used to be.
Types of historic buildings that house hotels in Rome
| Type of building | What is usually preserved | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|
| Former convents and monasteries | Cloisters, corridors, intimate rooms | Quiet, secluded |
| Noble palaces | Grand halls, decorated ceilings, courtyards | Classic, stately |
| 20th-century public buildings | Rationalist façades, stone cladding | Monumental, pared-back |
| Industrial buildings | Factory façades, structures, the light of former workspaces | Urban, contemporary |
What to expect from a hotel in a historic building
- Rooms that differ from one another: shapes and sizes follow the building, not a standard plan.
- Original features: beams, floors, façades or structures that tell the story of the place.
- Limits on alterations: some changes aren’t allowed, and the design has to adapt to what’s there.
- A unique character: no chain hotel can reproduce a building’s history.
How to choose
- Look at what was preserved: photos of the common areas say more than descriptions.
- Check the room category: in historic buildings, rooms can differ considerably.
- Check modern comforts: air conditioning, lift, soundproofing.
- Consider the neighbourhood: a historic building in a quiet area is worth twice as much.
An example in Trastevere: the former Morosini printing works
Among Rome’s restored industrial buildings is the former Morosini printing works at Via Emilio Morosini 17 in Trastevere, home to Loly Boutique Hotel since June 2022. The building is protected by the Soprintendenza: the renovation preserved the exterior of the old factory, and several original architectural features are still visible inside. Alongside these traces of its industrial past, the interiors are contemporary, with marble, porcelain stoneware, brass, parquet and Italian design furniture. All 35 rooms have a balcony or outdoor space; the building sits in a quiet corner of Trastevere, near Piazza San Cosimato.
Frequently asked questions
What types of historic buildings house hotels in Rome?
Mainly former convents and monasteries, noble palaces, 20th-century public buildings and former industrial spaces.
What does it mean for a building to be protected?
It is under the oversight of the Soprintendenza: any work must respect its historic character.
Are rooms in a historic building all the same?
Rarely. Shapes and sizes follow the building, so it’s worth checking the category and photos carefully.
Is there a hotel in Rome in a former printing works?
Yes, Loly Boutique Hotel has occupied the former Morosini printing works in Trastevere since June 2022.