Review: 1880 Atypical Rooms Rome

One of the most difficult things about planning a trip is finding the right accommodation.

I used to think it didn’t matter. I’d say things like, “I’ll be out all day,” or “It’s just somewhere to sleep.”

Consequently, I’ve stayed in some pretty horrendous accommodation over the years, from hostels to hotels to Airbnbs.

These days, I’ve changed my tune. Not only do I think where you stay is more than just a place to rest your head, I’d also go so far as to say that your accommodation can make or break your travel experience.

That’s all well and good if you can always afford luxury hotels. I mean, when you’re staying in five star opulence every night, you’re probably going to have a good holiday, right?

But what about if you’re on a budget, and visiting one of the most popular (AKA most expensive) cities in Europe? Are you stuck with cheap, characterless hotels, or Airbnbs so far out of town your commute feels worse than London in rush hour?

How to find an affordable hotel in Europe

Earlier this year I was introduced to Doris & Dicky. It’s a website I’ve fallen head over heels in love with, and if you like affordable luxury then I’m pretty sure you will, too.

image courtesy of Doris & Dicky

The concept is this: the team at Doris & Dicky hand-picks the best boutique hotels around the world, all around the £100/night mark. There are over 500 properties listed on their site, each offering something unique and charming. They’re all carefully reviewed, and you can book your hotel instantly on the secure and easy-to-use Doris & Dicky site.

Perfect, right?

I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of trawling through TripAdvisor reviews, scouring Airbnb for something that looks safe and clean, or wistfully looking on sites like Mr & Mrs Smith, wishing I could drop hundreds of pounds a night for something boutique and special.

So Doris & Dicky is my new favourite, and when they offered for me to test one of their gorgeous hotels on my recent trip to Rome, the only problem was choosing one!

1880 Atypical Rooms Review

image courtesy of Doris & Dicky

The location of this hotel was what appealed to me when I spotted it on the Doris & Dicky website. The Colosseum was just a fifteen minute walk away, and the Trevi Fountain was about the same distance away in the opposite direction.

We arrived in Rome in the evening, and rushed to get to 1880 Atypical Rooms before 8pm, when reception closed. In the end we were about five minutes late, but we were able to check in quickly and easily at the hotel next door.

After dumping our stuff and running out for dinner, we fell into a pasta and wine coma, so it was the next morning when we really took in the room and the details of the hotel.

First, the room. It was modern, bright and airy – not one of those tiny, boxy hotel rooms so common around Europe – thanks to its high ceilings and simple, sleek furniture.

Although it was clean and uncluttered, the room was full of personality, with a pop of colour here and there, a bold gorilla print, an exposed brick wall. It had all the markings of a luxury design hotel, but without the price tag.

One of the coolest features was the shower that was integrated in the room – although if that’s not your thing, you can request a room with a private bathroom.

The hotel itself is tiny, with only six rooms in total.

There’s a small breakfast bar and an even smaller reception area, so it’s safe to say that 1880 Atypical Rooms is not made for socialising.

But pop down the elevator and you’ll find yourself smack bang in the middle of Via Nazionale. Slip down any side street to find charming bars and restaurants serving food to die for (ask the hotel for recommendations – they know the best local spots!)

image courtesy of Doris & Dicky

Breakfast was a simple affair – pastries, meat and cheese, yoghurt and coffee – but it was the perfect fuel for a day of exploring Rome’s jaw-dropping sights.

And at the end of a huge day of walking, I can’t think of a more comfortable, or better located hotel to return to.

I can’t recommend 1880 Atypical Rooms highly enough, especially for a weekend break in Rome.

And really…what’s better than a weekend in Rome?

Thanks so much to Doris & Dicky for providing my wonderful stay at 1880 Atypical Rooms!