Hostel Review: The RomeHello

I didn’t actually think I’d be heading back to Rome so soon. After my visit last summer, I came away with the impression that Rome just had too many people in it. It was hot and smoggy and full of tourists everywhere, and even with the A+ bruschetta, I thought the city was just okay.

But when I was invited back last week to celebrate the launch of a brand new hostel, The RomeHello, I figured I should give it another shot. Clearly the universe thought I should reconsider my opinions on the place.

And y’know what? I really enjoyed it!

I think visiting off-season had a lot to do with it (I bloody hate crowds), as well as some of the fun activities we got up to (more on that later). But it was also massively impacted by this hostel.

You see, when I was looking to visit Rome last year, I struggled to find my kind of hostel. I like hostels that are a bit different and fun, but not a party hostel. I like places that are chill and friendly and have the mod-cons I want. But I struggled to find that in Rome.

I settled on The Yellow last time (read my review here), which was definitely fun and had loads of cool activities on offer. But it was 100% a party hostel. Great when you’re a 20 year old American on a Euro trip for the summer. Not so great when you’re a 30 year old couple that want to get some sleep in a comfy room before an early flight.

And this is pretty much the thinking that Lorenzo, The RomeHello CEO, had when he decided to launch this hostel. He saw a gap in the market, and decided to fill it, putting his family’s extensive background in the hospitality world to good use.

So let’s get right into it shall we, lads? Here’s everything you need to know about The RomeHello hostel.

* Make sure you scroll right down to the bottom of this post for a 10% off promo code, kiddo! *

The RomeHello

The RomeHello has a pretty sweet location, just 10 mins walk from Termini train station and within walking distance of a lot of the sights. The Trevi fountain and Colosseum are also just 10 mins away, pal.

But what makes this place extra-special is that it doesn’t just draw inspiration from street art, it actually showcases legit street art from the best artists in both Rome and the rest of the world. Yep, these talented artists came from far and wide to decorate The RomeHello with their masterpieces, including Alice Pasquini from Rome, Facte from Mexico and Victoriano from Spain.

But wait, I know what you’re thinking.

When I heard that it was a  hostel with lots of street art, I immediately thought of those hostels that try to prove they’re “down with kids” and put tacky 90’s tags on the walls in crazy colours. Y’know like Saturday morning TV targeting 15 year olds?

It’s not like that.

The RomeHello actually looks bloody cool. Even the stairways have really awesome artwork by HNRX, one of my faves.

But actually the thing that stuck out most to me about The RomeHello? The people.

At most hostels, the staff are actually travellers that decided to stop to make some money and will move on soon, y’know? But at The RomeHello everyone seemed like they genuinely loved their jobs. Okay, I realise they just opened so are probably high on the launch event and stuff. But even so, there was a total community vibe.

Lorenzo is so chill for a CEO, Alfonso the Breakfast Manager was super friendly and the guys at Reception were funny and approachable whilst still being professional and helpful. Total dream team.

I also think it’s worth noting that this is actually a non-profit organisation with any money the hostel makes going to various charities. Even the artists’ commissions were made up of half a fee for themselves and half for a charity of their choice. Pretty neat, huh?

Okay let’s talk common areas.

The inner courtyard was a lot of fun as the hub for a lot of the launch party activities, but actually I reckon in summer this place will be dreamy. A nice little spot to catch a few rays with a beer in one of the colourful chairs.

Inside, there’s an open plan lounge, dining area, computer corner and kitchen. Of course there’s lots of artwork in here, I love the colourful blue and yellow mural by Alice Pasquini. But it’s also complimented with hippy sofas to chill in, a TV with Nintendo Switch, a bookshelf to peruse and lots of tables to have dinner with your new hostel pals.

I also liked that the kitchen was modern and clean without being clinical. Something I think lots of hostels don’t always get right.

And then there’s The Barrel, the hostel bar and restaurant that is also a destination in its own right – it’s open to the public, not just hostel guests. This is a really nice place to grab a drink in the evening with strong beer, retro signs and, of course, more amazing street art.

It’s also where you can get breakfast in the morning. It’s not a massive selection but includes a bit of everything – hot food, pancakes, continental, sourdough toast, cakes, donuts! Plus, v nice coffee. It’s a nice place to start your day.

The RomeHello has dorm rooms and private rooms and they all have ensuite bathrooms. I stayed in room 205 which is a private twin room but is actually bunk beds so I got an idea of what the dorm rooms are like too. And it definitely helps that they are sturdy and modern bunkbeds. There’s nothing worse than a flimsy one that squeaks every time someone moves!

Best bit? Every bunk comes with a little shelf complete with USB plugs (no adapter needed!) and a night light. Plus the beds are REALLY comfy. It felt more like a nice hotel than a hostel.

Throw in lots of space, under-bed lockers, a large wardrobe, a desk area, a hairdryer (means you don’t have to bring one), hot showers and cosy towels, and it’s a very nice experience indeed!

My only negative about my room is that there was only one mirror, in the bathroom, so it was tricky when straightening my hair and I ended up having to use a hand mirror. But obviously that is like the smallest criticism ever. It was a nice room all round.

So that’s The RomeHello. And I know this is turning into quite a long blog post, but I also wanted to tell you about the launch party for this hostel! Because it was very fun.

We enjoyed some live music from both a really cool acoustic duo as well as a pretty quirky band, No Funny Stuff. They were awesome. They do covers but also play instruments they’ve made and during their set at The RomeHello were playing a trumpet made out of a watering can and a guitar made out of a street sign! Definitely unique!

Oh and food wise there were spinach and ricotta sandwiches and an actual arancini bar from a food truck called Food Family! Man, those arancini balls were fucking amazing.

And later on there was even nutella focaccia! GENIUS.

I had a really good night catching up with Ellie and Sam, and getting to know new blog pals Catalina, Peter, Kash, Katie and Ed. And it really felt like a good hostel night, y’know?

Anyway I’ve rambled on long enough. Moral of the story? The RomeHello is pretty cool place to stay in Rome, babes.

If you fancy a stay at The RomeHello, click here and use promo code ‘HEELSINMYBACKPACK’ for 10% off your stay!

Let me know what you think of this place in the comments below, tweet me at @HeelsInBackpack or find me over on Insta at @Heels.In.My.Backpack!

Total Blogger Transparency: I enjoyed a complimentary visit to The RomeHello but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I wouldn’t play you like that, shorty.