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Any city break can soon bust a budget – and that’s absolutely the case in Rome. Some savvy travellers will be looking to cut corners when it comes to a place to lay their weary head after a day of exploring the Eternal City. Enter: Generator Hostels, which currently have 16 properties across Europe (including London, Barcelona and Amsterdam), and tend to dominate the ‘budget stays’ market. That’s thanks, in part, to offering private rooms at affordable rates in areas which provide a convenient base for exploring the city. The private rooms here don’t are no luxury affair, but are available at competitive prices and provide decent value in an expensive city.
While there are cheaper guesthouse options available in Generator’s rough-around-the-edges Esquilino neighbourhood, what sets this place apart is the friendly staff, who man a reception desk 24-hours a day, the excellent rooftop bar and the friendly, community vibe. Expect meet-and-greets, game nights and karaoke parties – ideal for solo travellers who want to get out there, make friends, and probably do at least a bit of partying.
Why stay at Generator Roma?
Let’s be clear: Generator Roma is not a glamorous destination, but if you’re looking for an affordable, no-frills option with good transport links, it ticks the right boxes. Opting for a private room means you’ll get relative seclusion while being able to meet fellow travellers. You will probably feel old, as the place is packed with backpacking teenagers, but I did spot a number of guests of forty and over, who made me feel a little less ancient. Generator Roma is within walking distance of Termini station, a key hub for trains and buses, meaning you're well-connected to both the central city and the airport. It’s also just across the road from the Vittorio Emanuele Metro station, which connects guests to all the must-visit sights.
The vibrant rooftop bar is an excellent addition and the communal areas downstairs offer a chance to mingle. This branch has been open since 2016 and, despite its relative age, its public areas still look pretty good, with shabby chic furniture, edgy artwork and football tables, setting it apart from other hostels devoid of stylish interiors.
What are the rooms like at Generator Roma?
While public spaces are pretty impressive, the bedrooms are what you’d expect from a budget option like this. The 67 guest rooms include four-bed dormitories and private spaces with double beds.
I stayed in the ‘private’ category which had wooden floorboards, white walls with black and green accents and an art print above the bed (pretty much all of which were chipped or marked). Sadly, no mini fridge, but the bed was remarkably comfortable with very squishy pillows and it was incredibly quiet. There’s even a private en suite bathroom – a luxury for a hostel – but I did find the shower pressure almost non-existent and the water cold on every occasion I tried it. There were, however, Anatomicals toiletries, which was a nice touch (and certainly better than your standard chain hotel).
What is the food like at Generator Roma?
Breakfast, which has to be ordered in advance, is made up of a hot drink, juice, croissant, sandwich, yoghurt and fruit and costs €8. That’s relatively good value, but you’re probably better off picking up a maritozzi pastry and strong coffee at a pasticceria nearby. The café, which doubles as the reception, serves up coffees, soft drinks, snacks and slightly chocolate bars. The bar and lounge is a better option, with very stylish decor – think mid-century furniture and Chinese lanterns which clash perfectly – and solid eating options. The menu is deli-style, and sources ingredients from the nearby Mercato Esquilino. Try the pinsa, a Roman-style pizza, known for its oval shape and light, airy, and crispy crust, from €8.50.
Don’t miss a visit to the rooftop bar, with views over parts of Rome most tourists won’t see, and plenty of comfortable, communal seating (and even giant chess). The bar staff are charming and the vibes are high pretty much every night (a great place to hang out and meet other solo travellers). Prices a bit higher than you’ll find at local bars (a standard Aperol Spritz is a fairly steep at €8, and a Hugo Spritz will set you back €12), and be warned that it typically closes at midnight – time to hit the clubs after that.
What’s the service like at Generator Roma?
Service is decent, and I didn’t meet anyone who wasn’t friendly. Check-in was straightforward, and staff get the job done. On one occasion, I couldn’t find anywhere to sit in the communal areas as they were taken up by large groups, and a reception worker made sure to find me a chair, which really felt like he was going above and beyond. The rest of his colleagues were more than competent and I felt secure and safe as a solo traveller, which is crucial for if you’re travelling alone, particularly for women.
Be warned that check out time is a bit earlier than elsewhere in Rome (10am rather than midday), but you can pay €10 to extend it to 1pm in a private room.
What are the pools and facilities like at Generator Roma?
Even though Generator Roma is a cut above your typical hostel, facilities are limited and there’s certainly no pool or gym. There’s no full kitchen but there is a small communal kitchenette with a microwave, fridge and kettle. Usefully, there’s an ATM in the main lounge area on the ground floor, and lockers cost €1.50. On the first floor, travellers can do their washing at the in-house laundry (from €4.50). While guests in private rooms are provided with towels, those in hostel beds can rent a towel for the duration of their stay for €5 from reception.
What’s the area like around Generator Roma?
While the Esquilino neighbourhood, home to Generator Roma, is apparently up-and-coming, you might find this area feels a little more sketchy after dark than Rome’s main neighbourhoods. I did explore the Piazza Vittorio square, just across the road, and it boasts pretty gardens and the remains of a Roman fountain from the third century AD. On Friday and Saturday nights, you’ll spot young locals enjoying a drink while listening to live jazz.
Nearby Monti is well worth a visit. Kind of like a mini Trastevere, without the riverside setting, it’s more charming than Esquilino and feels safer, but is still not overwhelmed by tourists. For culture vultures, the Colosseum and Roman Forum are about a 20-minute walk away and the numerous bus and Metro options makes it simple to head out and explore the rest of Rome.
Why you should book a stay at Generator Roma
If you’re looking for a private room in the Italian capital that’s affordable and well-connected to the city centre, Generator Roma is a solid option. It’s a decent place to stay, sociable for solo travellers and serves as a solid, affordable launchpad for a Roman adventure.
DETAILS
Address: 251 Via Principe Amedeo, Rome 00185
Price per night: In high season - one bed in a shared dorm is from €29 (£25) and private rooms start from €79 (£68.50); in high season, that rises to €38 (£33) and €99 (£85.90) respectively
Closest transport: Rome Fiumicino Airport is a 38-minute drive