The Idea Behind
Unicorn House Vatican
A small design guesthouse close to the Vatican, and what makes this space different
A Small Space with Big Intention
Unicorn House Vatican began with a simple observation: travelers who visit Rome often want to be close to major monuments like the Vatican, but they also want to experience the city as locals do—with quiet mornings, neighborhood cafés, and a sense of privacy that larger hotels can't provide.
The 5th floor of Viale Giulio Cesare 118 offered exactly this balance. A small guesthouse with spacious rooms, each with its own entrance, in a residential building above the everyday rhythm of Prati. Close enough to walk to the Vatican Museums in five minutes, but situated in a real neighborhood where you can buy fresh bread from a local bakery and have your morning espresso at the corner bar.
"We wanted to create a place that feels like your own private apartment in Rome, not just another hotel room."
Design Philosophy
The design approach was intentionally minimal: clean lines, natural materials, and plenty of light. We didn't want to impose a heavy aesthetic or compete with the drama of Rome itself. Instead, the rooms are designed to be calm refuges—spaces where you can rest and recharge between explorations.
White walls, warm wood details, comfortable beds with quality linens, and windows that frame the Roman sky. Everything is considered, but nothing feels overdone. The 5th-floor location adds a sense of elevation—literally and figuratively—placing you above the city's bustle while keeping you connected to its pulse.
Name & Symbol
The unicorn isn't a cartoon or a rainbow mascot here. It's a heraldic reference—subtle, elegant, and tied to the idea of something rare. A small boutique guesthouse with separate entrances for each room is uncommon. It's not a hostel, not a large hotel, not quite a traditional B&B. It's its own category: intimate, independent, and thoughtfully designed.
The two keys in our symbol represent the two entrance doors on the 5th floor—a detail that defines the entire experience. Each guest has their own key, their own entrance, their own sense of autonomy. It's this independence that makes Unicorn House Vatican feel special.
Our Approach to Hosting
We believe in quiet hospitality. That means providing everything you need—comfortable beds, fast WiFi, clean bathrooms, local recommendations—without hovering or over-managing your experience. The separate entrances reinforce this philosophy: you come and go as you please, on your own schedule.
Before you arrive, we'll share practical details about the building, the neighborhood, and how to make the most of Prati. During your stay, we're available if you need anything, but we respect your privacy above all. Our goal is simple: make you feel at home in Rome, from the 5th floor of Viale Giulio Cesare 118.
Experience It Yourself
Opening March 2026. Book your stay and discover Prati from the 5th floor.
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