Picolo recommends · Hotel in Rome, Italy
Hotel Raphael
A building wrapped in ivy from the ground to the gutters, a short walk from Piazza Navona, with a roof terrace that looks across to the domes.
You spot the Raphael by its colour long before you read the name. The whole front is green with ivy, and inside, the lobby is crowded with antiques and pieces of art gathered by the family that owns it.
Upstairs, the roof terrace frames the dome of Sant'Agnese in Agone on Navona, with St Peter's further off. It is a view that tells you exactly where you are in Rome.
Picolo’s verdict
Why we chose Hotel Raphael
For a first trip to Rome, this location is hard to beat. Navona is around the corner, the Pantheon and Campo de' Fiori are a few minutes away, and Trastevere is just over the river.
Rooms are a mix of classic and modern styles, so pick the one you actually want. The street outside stays busy late into the evening, part of the deal in this corner of the centre.
What you get
- Roof terrace facing the domes
- Ivy-covered historic building
- Lobby filled with antiques and art
- Classic and modern rooms
- Restaurants of the centre on the doorstep
A day at Hotel Raphael
- Morning
- Piazza Navona before the painters set up their easels.
- Midday
- The Pantheon, a few minutes' walk to the east.
- Afternoon
- Across the bridge to wander Trastevere.
- Evening
- An aperitivo on the roof as the domes turn gold.
Location
Near Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy
Open in MapsQuestions about Hotel Raphael
How far is Hotel Raphael from Piazza Navona?
Only a couple of minutes on foot. The hotel is just off the square, in the middle of the historic centre.
Does Hotel Raphael have a roof terrace?
Yes. The terrace looks towards the dome of Sant'Agnese and on to St Peter's, and is the place to be at sunset.
Is Hotel Raphael quiet at night?
The surrounding streets are lively late in the evening. If you sleep lightly, mention it when you book.
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Updated 6 Nov 2026All articles
How Picolo chooses
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