Suore di S Elisabetta

This pristine and friendly convent, located directly next to the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, is heaven on earth for budget travelers who don’t mind an 11 p.m. curfew (or sleeping under a crucifix).

The welcoming sisters of the Suore di S. Elisabetta offer 45 quiet guest rooms in their immaculate convent, originally a 16th-century palace, just south of the Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore and a quick walk to the train station. As one would expect, rooms here are simply furnished and super clean. Beds and furniture are modest, and rooms are equipped with telephones (no TV). Some upper-floor rooms also offer a balcony. Rooms sleep between one and four guests.

The cheapest rooms have a shared bath, while those with a private bathroom have either a bathtub or shower.

Unsurprisingly, we found the real charms of the convent come out in the shared spaces. From the immense sparkling hallways to the impressive marble staircases, it's not hard to imagine the building in its previous palace life. These days, a ground-floor chapel offers a quiet, although certainly not obligatory, respite. A small TV lounge is also available.

However, we imagine that guests will be drawn up to the rooftop terrace (check out all the photos!). Here you can take in sweeping vistas of central Rome, Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, and the outlying mountains. It's truly breathtaking.

Breakfast, included in the room rate, is served in an ornate room that casts simplicity aside in favor of chandeliers hanging from a spectacular ceiling.

The Suore di Santa Elisabetta is one of the best deals in our guide, especially during the high season when other hotels will raise their rates to the heavens. Reserve by email, the convent’s website (below), or by phone, and take note that while not all of the sisters can speak English, you’ll figure it out—just let the spirit guide you!

Important: The guesthouse strictly enforces an 11 p.m. curfew.