Botique type hotels bear Vatican

Pardon my ignorance--what is a boutique type hotel?

Small and expensive.

Not necessarily expensive. Our experience has been, perhaps, family owned, small & often less expensive than large international hotels. We love boutique hotels for ambiance & cheaper rates.

Keep in mind that 4 stars in Italy has little to do with "quality." It is an indication of the services available at the hotel. The higher the level of available services, the higher the star rating.

Yeah but, a fax machine, a meeting room, and a parking place are worth a star and a half right there.

I don't know about Boutique hotels near the Vatican. I understand Boutique hotels as small yet professional hotels with a nod on design, service and/or amenities. Somewhere staff will know you, maybe ask your preferences before your arrival to set-up your room, while preserving a professional attitude that goes missing on many hotels that are just small.

Never stayed here personally, but for what it's worth... http://www.orangehotelrome.com/

I hate to mention them, because I love them, and it's harder and harder to get a room, but the Hotel Alimandi Tunisi is across the street from the Vatican Museum entrance. It's' a 3*. Simple furniture, and the area behind the hotel is pretty much residential. Great restaurant, Piacere Molisi. Alimandi family also owns a 4 star also even one block closer to the Vatican. Neither of them are inexpensive anymore, but I love the Alimandi family and the neighborhood.