places to visit in rome hotel

The 25 best hotels in Rome to book for your Italian holiday

With ancient ruins, splashing fountains, globally renowned art museums and charming cobblestone streets, Rome is an always popular destination. The city — and its mouthwatering pasta, pizza and gelato — beckons to both Europe first-timers and continental connoisseurs.

Whether as a stop on a longer trip through Italy or your home base on an extended visit, Rome is an ideal destination. It offers a wealth of things to do, a myriad of restaurants to enjoy and plenty of excellent hotels to hang your hat at.

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From opulent grande dames where you can live out your dolce vita fantasies to trendy new boutique hotels for a more contemporary experience, here are the 20 best hotels in Rome.

The unassuming facade on Via del Babuino, just off the bustling Piazza del Popolo, does little to reveal the chic oasis hidden within. Housed in a historic building designed by Giuseppe Valadier (the architect who also designed Piazza del Popolo), this hotel once hosted luminaries such as Pablo Picasso and ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky. It lived many lives — and even housed the offices of the Italian TV network Rai at one point — before it was reborn as a deluxe hotel under the Rocco Forte Hotels brand.

Inside, the design is tastefully modern. Geometric furnishings in Mediterranean colors and Roman history-inspired details, such as little marble statues and mosaic tiles in the bathrooms, adorn the rooms. Some rooms have views of the garden, while others look out onto Piazza del Popolo and the rooftops of Rome. Suites are dedicated to past guests, including Picasso.

The major draw is the "secret garden," with the elegant Stravinskij Bar on the ground floor and Le Jardin de Russie above it. Both attract a "who's who" of celebrities and beautiful people who flock there to sip spritzes and twirl strands of spaghetti al pomodoro. Don't leave without tasting the signature dish, ravioli cacio e pepe.

At the De Russie Spa , guests can relax with a treatment incorporating natural products by Irene Forte, Sir Rocco Forte's daughter.

Rates start at $1,300 per night.

This gorgeous relative newcomer shares the same DNA as its older sibling, the Hotel de Russie, but it also shows its own personality. When dreaming up this hotel situated on the prestigious Via Sistina in an 18th-century palazzo atop the Spanish Steps, Rocco Forte's design director Olga Polizzi drew inspiration from the Grand Tour.

A peaceful courtyard welcomes guests to dine alfresco at Mosaico , and the Julep Herbal & Vermouth Bar is a cozy spot for cocktails when it's too cold to stay outside. However, the real showstopper is Cielo , the hotel's rooftop terrace. This is the place to savor an aperitivo under a shaded pergola while watching the sunset over the city's domes and terra cotta roofs.

There's also a lovely spa with five treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, hydropool and plunge pool. Skincare products used in the spa treatments and in the rooms are by Irene Forte.

Rates start at $1,115 per night.

We like to think that renowned filmmaker Federico Fellini would approve of the improvements made to his former haunt, now part of the luxurious Dorchester Collection. (Some of the brand's other properties include the Beverly Hills Hotel and the Plaza Athenee in Paris.) Originally opened in 1889, the Hotel Eden exudes Belle Epoque grandeur, with polished marble and gold-coffered ceilings in the lobby. Old World elegance reigns in the rooms, which have an ivory and gold color palette and some pops of color.

The top-floor restaurants feature a more modern design and demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to dining. The property's more casual dining venue, Il Giardino Ristorante, serves classic Italian food and healthy options. On the other hand, the Michelin-starred La Terrazza is a culinary tour de force highlighting innovative techniques and exotic ingredients.

The cozy spa is the only place in Rome with facials by French brand Valmont. It also offers traditional massages, mani-pedis and more.

Rates start at $950 per night.

Opened in 1893, this family-run hotel is one of Rome's most legendary. The overall vibe is classic luxury, but the hotel mixes traditional with contemporary decor. Guests expect white-glove service, and the Hassler delivers.

The 87 rooms and suites are updated on a rolling basis and each one has its own unique touches. For the best of the best, splurge on the massive penthouse suite, which has two king bedrooms, two terraces, a grand piano and cocktail bar in the living area — as well as private butler service.

The hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, Imago , is popular for romantic dinners and special occasions. It serves creative Italian cuisine alongside panoramic views. For something more casual, there's the Salone Eva and the Palm Court, which serve Roman dishes like spaghetti carbonara in addition to international staples like club sandwiches and Caesar salads.

The 7th Floor Terrace also serves light meals with fantastic views. A new spa and wine cellar are currently under construction.

Rates start at $1,385 per night.

If you think of W as a brand of party hotels, you might be pleasantly surprised by its first property in Italy. One of Rome's most exciting new hotels, the W Rome keeps the fun, social ambience the brand is known for. However, it adds a level of sophistication thanks to a gorgeous design and collaborations with Italian creatives.

For example, the check-in desks, which resemble gladiator chariots, are housed in a room with a mural painted by local artist Costanza Alvarez de Castro. Just off it is a shop curated by the owners of Big Soup, a sneaker reseller for streetwear fanatics.

Superstar Sicilian chef Ciccio Sultano helms the ground-floor restaurant Giano, while the rooftop area serves cocktails and pizza by lauded pizzaiolo Pier Daniele Seu.

Because this is a W, there's a resident DJ as well as special events ranging from music festivals to LGBTQ-focused programming. There's a shallow pool on the rooftop (better for photo ops than swimming laps), and the gym is fully equipped with equipment and classes.

Rates start at $410 or 71,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Legendary hotelier César Ritz opened this luxurious hotel in 1894 (back when it was the Grand Hotel). Thanks to a meticulous renovation in 2018, it certainly upholds his legacy today.

As soon as you enter the St. Regis Rome through the porte-cochere, you'll feel the grandeur of the marble lobby lounge with its wood-paneled walls and enormous chandelier.

Enjoy a meal or afternoon tea at Lumen Cocktails & Cuisine, where the art of sabrage to pop Champagne bottles is practiced according to St. Regis tradition. For the best seat, request a table in the intimate sky-blue library.

Tucked away down a hallway is the easy-to-miss outpost of Galleria Continua — an international contemporary art gallery with locations in Tuscany, Paris, Beijing and Dubai. It's certainly worth discovering, as the gallery also curates the phenomenal art installations sprinkled throughout the hotel's public spaces.

As you would expect, rooms and suites are suitably plush, with marble bathrooms and that signature St. Regis butler service.

Rates start at $1,090 or 88,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

It's no wonder Wes Anderson likes to stay here when he visits the Eternal City — as soon as you walk through the door, you feel like you've stepped back in time. This discreetly luxurious independent hotel opened in 1925 and still feels like a portal to that era.

Notable design details include herringbone parquet floors, casually arranged antiques and a poster by Anselmo Ballester (who created film posters for major movies in the first half of the 20th century).

On-site Bar Locarno is a local favorite for cocktails surrounded by art deco splendor. When it's warm, you can sit in the courtyard or on the terrace. Instead of a restaurant, the hotel has a menu of burgers, salads and other staples that you can order in any of the lounge spaces, whether you're at the cozy bar or on the terrace.

The 44 rooms and suites maintain the opulent ambience with antiques, sumptuous textiles and bathrooms with either showers or clawfoot tubs. Some of the top suites have a Venetian air, with gilded carved moldings, leaded glass doors and terrazzo floors.

Rates start at $403 per night.

Tucked away down a narrow cobblestone lane a few blocks from the Spanish Steps, this boutique property is housed in a 16th-century building annexed to Palazzo Borghese.

Despite its historic pedigree, the hotel is anything but stuffy. The interiors are bold and contemporary, with elegant furnishings in vibrant colors and art by renowned Florentine photographer Massimo Listri on display.

Sitting in the lobby lounge feels almost like hanging out in the living room of a very chic friend's house. The on-site restaurant, Adelaide, serves classic and creative Italian dishes in an elegant jewel box of a space. The staff is kind and attentive, making you feel right at home.

Rooms and suites have comfortable beds and botanical prints. Some have a private terrace overlooking the verdant courtyard of Palazzo Borghese.

Rates start at $832 per night.

The narrow streets surrounding the Trevi Fountain are usually crowded with foot traffic, but once you step inside this boutique hotel, you'll breathe a sigh of relief. The historic palazzo was home to opera composer Gaetano Donizetti and has been restored to its former glory.

The on-site restaurant, Don Pasquale, is a showstopper inspired by colonial English clubs. It has a greenhouse-style glass ceiling from which a giant chandelier dangles. There are also snug banquettes and cheeky art inspired by Dutch master paintings with a modern twist. The elegantly plated Roman dishes are just as alluring as the setting in which they're served.

Upstairs, 30 rooms and suites feature patterned headboards and curtains, bold color schemes and lavish marble bathrooms. This tranquil retreat is the perfect place to retire after exploring Rome's busy Centro Storico.

Rates start at $586.

The third Roman hotel in the Shedir Collection (Hotel Vilon and Maalot Roma are also members), this discreet bolthole focuses on art and midcentury modern design.

A participant of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the hotel has a glamorous design with furniture inspired by architect Gio Ponti, eye-catching jungle wallpaper and an impressive collection of original art.

Just off the main entrance is the Dandy Cafe, the hotel's all-day restaurant. The space is bright and airy, with a soaring double-height glass ceiling that lets in plenty of light. The hotel is also home to El Porteno Gourmet, an upscale Argentinian restaurant with locations in Milan and Rome. A rooftop terrace serving cocktails and Argentinian bites is opening in March 2023.

Rooms and suites are spacious and elegant, with parquet floors, elegant marble bathrooms and complimentary minibars. The larger suites have kitchenettes with induction stovetops, microwaves and sinks.

Rates start at $626 per night.

British micro-hotel brand Hoxton brought its design-savvy style to Rome with this property in the upscale residential neighborhood of Parioli.

For travelers who want to be in the center of the action, this might not be the ideal spot. However, for repeat visitors, it offers a different perspective on the city.

As to be expected at a Hoxton, the public spaces are well thought out. The vintage sofas, cozy seating nooks in the lobby lounge and communal table for coworking encourage locals and visitors to linger. The all-day restaurant Cugino serves salads and light bites, while the main restaurant Elio is helmed by rising star chef Sarah Cicolini of cult favorite trattoria SantoPalato.

Rooms are petite but well designed, with statement headboards, hot water kettles, flat-screen TVs and Roberts radios.

Rates start at $189 per night.

French brand Mama Shelter's first Italian hotel has a whimsical design scheme seemingly made for Instagram. However, the hotel serves up more than just good looks.

For a budget lodging option, there's an impressive array of dining options and amenities. It's also in a calmer, off-the-beaten-path part of the Prati neighborhood and a bit removed from the city's main sights. The Cipro metro stop is within easy reach, though.

The fun starts in the lobby, where glass shelves display branded merchandise and sex toys for sale. The pizzeria has street art-style ceiling murals depicting ancient Roman figures, as well as a vintage pinball machine and arcade games.

The Giardino d'Inverno serves an extensive menu of Italian fare in a riotously colorful space featuring greenery and vivid lights hanging from the ceiling. When the weather is warm, the place to be is on the rooftop terrace, where cocktails and light bites are served with views of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica.

Rooms and suites have playful touches like animal or superhero masks and kitschy fabrics, as well as free movies (including adult movies). The overall vibe is sex-positive and LGBTQ-friendly, but kids and pets are welcome, too. There's even a colorfully tiled indoor pool and spa with a steam room, a sauna and a gym.

Rates start at $148 per night.

Perched high up on Monte Mario, one of Rome's tallest hills, this iconic property feels a world apart from the city's hustle and bustle and is ideal for a family trip to Rome.

Spread across 15 acres of manicured parkland, with 370 rooms, four pools and one of the city's largest spas, the Rome Cavalieri feels more like an urban resort than a typical Roman hotel. It opened in 1963, and the architecture is midcentury marvelous. However, the interior design skews traditional, with ornate woodwork and heavy draperies, as well as a triptych by 18th-century painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.

The hotel's main claim to fame is La Pergola, Rome's only restaurant with three Michelin stars. It also boasts one of the largest spas in the city, complete with Roman baths and even tennis courts.

If you're traveling with little ones in tow, you're in luck, as there's a kids club in the summer with activities like gladiator training and pizza making. Pets are welcome, too, should you wish to bring your four-legged friend.

Rates start at $350 or 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

A member of Design Hotels, this hip hotel draws a cool international crowd, most of whom come for the margaritas and Mexican food at the rooftop bar, Hey Guey. Many also stay to enjoy the sultry vibes and avant-garde cuisine at the Campocori restaurant. If that's not enough, Hey Baby Bar serves creative cocktails and has a communal table for coworking.

The hotel's design is industrial-chic, with lots of metal furniture, lighting by Tom Dixon and artwork by street artists like Alice Pasquini and Warios 1.

Rooms and suites have exposed brick walls, wooden floors, comfortable beds with statement headboards, sleek furniture, smart TVs and Marshall Bluetooth speakers.

Rates start at $171 per night.

If you dream of waking up to awe-inspiring views of the Colosseum, look no further. This hotel, owned by Count Goffredo Manfredi, is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and has an unparalleled panorama of the monument. In fact, rooms in the hotel's more modern wing have floor-to-ceiling windows and even glass-walled bathrooms so you can gaze upon the ancient amphitheater while you shower.

That's not the only reason to stay here, though. The hotel also boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant and one of the best cocktail bars in Rome.

Book a table at The Court Mixology Bar in advance so you can sip innovative cocktails by acclaimed barman Matteo "Zed" Zamberlan, who worked at some of New York City's top bars. While there, you can also enjoy gourmet bites from the kitchen as you watch the sunset.

Rates start at $444.

Situated on Gianicolo, one of the highest hills in Rome, this Leading Hotels of the World property is slightly removed from the city's buzz. Still, you can stroll down the hill and be at the Vatican's doorstep in less than 15 minutes.

The hotel's privileged location gives it several advantages: views, space and silence. Not to mention, it's one of just a handful of hotels in central Rome with a pool — a major draw in summer.

A new pool bar lets guests order drinks and food that they can enjoy from the comfort of their sunbeds. Also, the Gala restaurant serves a full menu at tables overlooking the pool.

When the pool and Gala close in winter, guests can dine at Amaro, the hotel's cocktail bar and bistro, or at Follie, a restaurant helmed by chef Luciano Monosilio (known as the king of carbonara).

Because the hotel is in a historic building constructed over the ruins of the villa of Agrippina — the Roman emperor Nero's mother — there are many different accommodation categories. Some have gorgeous views of the city and St. Peter's Basilica, while others have terraces or private gardens. The Agrippina Pool Villa has a large outdoor space with a private pool and sauna.

Regardless of which space you choose, you'll find sleek modern furniture and reproductions of Renaissance paintings above the bed. The hotel guarantees adjoining rooms to guests who request them when they book, so if you're traveling with kids, you can rest easy knowing you'll have connecting accommodations when you arrive.

Rates start at $391 or 6,500 Leaders Club points per night.

Hidden away on a narrow cobblestone street just off charming Via di Monserrato, this eight-room hotel is heaven for oenophiles.

As soon as you walk into the intimate lobby, you feel enveloped by good taste thanks to the velvet armchairs arranged around a coffee table and the glass cabinets showcasing rare wines. The hotel also displays local artwork by Andrea Ferolla, who, along with his wife, runs the concept shop Chez Dede just up the street.

Ferolla's illustrations are scattered throughout the hotel, both in the rooms and in the Charade Bar, which serves a complimentary aperitivo for hotel guests. Choose from the extensive wine list, or enjoy a classic cocktail served with a meat and cheese board.

There's no restaurant in the hotel, but the owner is none other than Lorenzo Lisi, who runs Pierluigi, one of Rome's best seafood restaurants. It happens to sit just up the street, and the hotel's staff will be happy to book you a table there.

Rooms and suites are cozy, with comfortable beds and hidden TVs that descend from the ceiling. The standout feature, though, is the wine fridge in each room, which the staff can fill according to your taste.

Rates start at $388 per night.

Hong Kong-based brand The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts does modern urban luxury to a T. In Rome, the brand runs a trio of hotels, each with its own unique character.

The First Roma Arte, just off Piazza del Popolo, was Rome's first art hotel, featuring works curated by Galleria Mucciaccia. The First Roma Dolce sits a few blocks away on bustling Via del Corso, and it offers a sweet respite with an elegant pasticceria. The First Roma Musica, across the river in Prati, is the newest hotel and sets itself apart with DJs and live music events.

All three hotels have luxurious rooms with a sleek contemporary design, high-tech amenities and marble bathrooms.

Service is professional and discreet. A house car shuttles guests among the three hotels, so visitors staying at the First Dolce or the First Musica can have dinner at Acquolina, the two Michelin-starred restaurant at the First Arte.

Rates start at $500 per night at all three hotels.

Soho House members and travelers who want to dip a toe into the world of Soho House's exclusive clubs finally have a place to stay in Rome — and it's fabulous. In the artsy San Lorenzo neighborhood, populated by students and artists from the Sapienza University of Rome, the hotel is nothing but cool.

The club restaurant on the ninth floor serves Soho House classics and traditional Italian dishes, as well as bottomless brunch on the weekends. However, the place to be is Cecconi's Terrazza on the rooftop. A rooftop pool creates an urban oasis for members and hotel guests in summer.

Patrons can also benefit from the Soho Health Club, which has a fully equipped gym, fitness classes, personal training and spa treatments. There's even a screening room for creatives in town on their latest junket.

Rooms and suites have terrazzo floors and stylish midcentury-inspired furniture, with most also featuring balconies. There are 20 long-stay apartments that come with dining and lounge areas, fully equipped kitchens and up to three bedrooms, too, should you need some extra elbow room.

Rates start at $170 per night for Soho House members or $224 per night for nonmembers.

A favorite of the fashion crowd and other sophisticates, this luxurious boutique hotel was designed to feel like a private residence.

Housed in the former architecture school of the Sapienza University of Rome, this member of the Leading Hotels of the World exudes understated refinement with a dolce vita retro vibe that mixes vintage and contemporary touches.

There's no gym or spa, but guests will find plenty of comfortable places to sit and sip a negroni or an espresso. The JKCafe is open all day, so you can settle into one of the forest green velvet banquettes under a Sputnik chandelier for Italian and international fare from morning to night.

Rooms and suites are cosseting, with soft linens and monogrammed pillows, polished mahogany furniture and photographs by Massimo Listri. The bathrooms are done up in Carrara marble and offer spacious walk-in showers.

Rates start at $746 per night.

One of the buzziest new hotels to open in the Eternal City, Six Senses Rome is also the first urban hotel for this brand, which is known for wellness-focused resorts in Asia. It definitely adds something new to the city's hotel scene, with its earthy contemporary design by renowned designer Patricia Urquiola and its holistic spa, where treatments go far beyond standard massages to include sound bath meditations, biohacking sessions and a Roman bath circuit.

In the warmer months, the rooftop bar Notos is a leafy green oasis overlooking the bustling Via del Corso. The all-day restaurant Bivium on the ground floor serves fresh pasta, pizza made using ancient grains, meat and fish cooked on the Josper grill. Half of the menu is plant-based and as much as possible is sourced locally.

The rooms and suites are modern, verging on minimalist, with straight-lined furnishings and travertine marble bathrooms. Some suites have deep soaking tubs or a terrace. The hotel's Guest Experience Makers are available 24/7 to recommend restaurants, activities and anything else needed to make your stay memorable.

Rates start at $1,349 per night.

Jewelry and hospitality brand Bulgari made a splash when it opened this showstopping hotel in a 1930s Rationalist building a few blocks from the Spanish Steps in 2023. Though the brand's first hotel was in Milan, this one represents a homecoming for Bulgari, which was born in Rome. No expense was spared regarding the design, which features exotic marble, polished wood and even an ancient statue of Augustus Caesar from the Torlonia Marbles collection, whose restoration Bulgari financed.

The 114 rooms and suites feature neutral palettes with colored marble in the bathrooms, some of which have intricate mosaics depicting jewels. The massive Bulgari Suite is the ultimate luxury pad with custom-made wall coverings by Rubelli, as well as a private kitchen, bar counter and dining room with plates designed in the 1930s by legendary Italian architect Gio Ponti.

Niko Romito, known for helming Michelin-starred Reale, oversees all of the hotel's dining and drinking outlets, which range from his signature restaurant to the rooftop bar La Terrazza, which boasts fantastic views of the Mausoleum of Augustus and central Rome. There's even a patisserie where chocolates are displayed like jewels in glass cases.

The Bulgari is also the only hotel in the center of Rome with an indoor pool. Its design was modeled on the ancient Baths of Caracalla.

Rates start at $1,535 per night.

Ian Schrager's trendsetting Edition brand has landed in the Eternal City, and it's drawing hip locals and travelers keen to soak up the vibes. Housed in a 1940s Rationalist building that was once the offices for the Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, The Rome Edition is located on a quiet street just a few blocks from Piazza Barberini and the famed Via Veneto. The entrance evokes a garden with verdant plant walls, while the lobby makes a grand impression with its soaring ceilings.

Rooms and suites are enveloped in wood paneling and done up in a sleek, minimalist style, with luxe touches like fur throws, Nespresso machines and Le Labo amenities in the bathrooms.

As one would expect at an Edition hotel, the food and beverage offerings are top-notch and varied. Local chef Paola Colucci, who's behind the cult favorite restaurant Pianostrada, heads up the signature restaurant Anima. Plus, there are not one but three bars: the speak-easy-inspired Punch Room, the intimate Jade Bar and The Roof, which serves poolside cocktails and light bites.

Rates start at $550 or 82,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Just down the street from the American Embassy, this hotel ( reviewed by TPG in 2023 ) was originally built in 1900 as a residence for visiting ambassadors. After a turn as a library for the American Embassy, it became a family-owned hotel and was taken over by IHG in 2018. In renovating it, the brand aimed to bring back some of the glory of Via Veneto, which was famous in the 1960s for "la dolce vita."

Fittingly, it tapped New York-based LDV Hospitality (LDV stands for la dolce vita), which brought an outpost of its beloved restaurant Scarpetta, as well as a rooftop bar called Charlie's. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows make the bar one of the only rooftop bars in Rome that can stay open year-round. There's also a ground-floor bar called Anita's in homage to Anita Ekberg, the star of the 1960 film "La Dolce Vita."

After indulging at Charlie's and Scarpetta NYC, guests can retreat to the serene guest rooms, which have neutral white walls, comfortable beds and bathrooms outfitted with Byredo bath products.

Rates start at $439 or 77,000 points per night.

Thai brand Anantara recently took over the historic Palazzo Naiadi Hotel, which occupies one of the curved neoclassical landmarks right on Piazza della Repubblica on top of the ancient Baths of Diocletian. The public spaces — including the beautiful lobby lounge, fine dining restaurant and rooftop restaurant — have been completely revamped and gleam like new with sleek modern furnishings.

Now under the direction of Roman chef Heros De Agostinis, the gourmet restaurant Ineo has received many accolades for its inventive tasting menus that draw inspiration from the chef's multicultural heritage (his family comes from Abruzzo and Eritrea), childhood memories and experience abroad. The rooftop is now home to Seen by Olivier, an Asian and Mediterranean fusion concept by celebrity chef Olivier da Costa.

The 238 rooms and suites have received a soft refresh but have kept the more traditional style that the hotel was known for in its previous incarnations. Rumor has it Sophia Loren stays in the presidential suite when she's in Rome. Expect traditional decor replete with antiques and brass accents. Be sure to request a room with a view of Piazza della Repubblica and the monumental Fountain of the Naiads.

The spa has also been completely renovated and offers Asian and European treatments in line with what guests of Anantara's other hotels would expect to find. The signature treatment here, though, is the Diocletian Ritual, which includes a scrub made with local ingredients like olive oil, sage and lavender.

Rates start at $595 per night.

Turn your dream vacation into reality

Where to Stay in Rome (For First-Time Visitors)

• December 26, 2023

Rome is located in the central part of the Italian peninsula. Initially built on seven hills, the city has spread during its 3000 years of existence.

Rome was the heart of the ancient Roman Empire and today it’s the capital city of Italy. Also, the city is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church. It has always been a centre of power, religion and culture. No wonder why it’s called the Eternal City.

Choosing where to stay in Rome can be overwhelming, especially when it’s your first time to the city. What is the best location to stay in Rome? Should you choose a place near to Colosseum or Spanish Steps or Termini station?

River Tiber divides the city into two halves. On the east side, you’ll find most of the tourist attractions like the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Trevi Fountain. The west part is dominated by Vatican City and Trastevere, the most picturesque neighbourhood.

In this article, I cover the most preferable places to stay, plus the most popular Rome hotels in these areas.

I’ve been several times to Rome, staying in a different location every time. However, my favourite area is around the Trevi Fountain. It’s the heart of the city, the most central location, ideal for first-time visitors. Rome is not a small city, but from here you can walk almost everywhere. And in case you need public transport, the red metro line A is at hand. 

And being not far from Vatican City is a huge advantage, as you can get there early and avoid the crowds (which are huge). Plus, you can take late-night photos of the beautifully illuminated St. Peter’s Basilica.

Most popular hotel in Rome

Looking for the best hotel to stay in the heart of Rome?

Then check out H10 Palazzo Galla – it’s the most popular hotel in the historic centre of the city.

H10 Palazzo Galla occupies a beautiful bourgeois building from the end of the 19th century. The hotel features a fantastic location, right in the historic centre of Rome, a few meters from Piazza Venezia and the Roman Forum. Many historic sights, including the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Colosseum are only a short walking distance. Why book – great location for sightseeing, modern spacious rooms, panoramic rooftop terrace

Where to stay in Rome (for first-time visitors)

• Piazza Navona and Pantheon – for sightseeing
• Termini Railway station – for one night
• Spanish Steps – for a honeymoon
• Trastevere and Campo de’ Fiori – for nightlife
• Colosseum – to experience ancient Rome
• Vatican City – for a more local feel

Best area to stay in Rome for a first-time visitor

If you look for the most central place, choose the area around Piazza Navona and Pantheon. It’s the perfect location for first-time visitors because you’ll be within a few minutes walk to most of the major attractions.

This area, overload of beauty, is the heart of the Historic Centre. Tiny cobblestone streets lead to quaint piazzas and picturesque fountains. Ancient ruins, Baroque churches, Renaissance palaces, you’ll find it all here. Just walk out of your door and you’ll find yourself surrounded by centuries-old history.

It’s a wonderful place to wander both day and night. Moreover what could be more magical than looking out of your hotel window to the incredible sights of the Eternal City.

Why stay near Piazza Navona and Pantheon

• stay here if you want to experience the real Rome and to walk everywhere
• a great number of good restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops around
• you’ll be at walking distance from the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Trastevere and Castel Sant’Angelo
• Campo De’ Fiori, a lovely area for aperitivo, is just around the corner

Hotels near Piazza Navona (Best for couples)

The hotel has an unbeatable location – right next to Piazza Navona. Housed in a historic 17th-century palace, the hotel features unique rooms. A rooftop bar gives you the chance to enjoy a fabulous 360 degrees view over the city. The rooms are spacious with every modern facility available. It’s the perfect place for your Roman vacation. Why book – ideal location for tourists, right on Piazza Navona, unique rooms with original frescoes, awesome staff

It’s a stylish 4-star hotel less than 100m away from Piazza Navona. A great, convenient location to explore the highlights of the city. Modern and tastefully decorated rooms. In addition, the hotel provides a smartphone so you can easily navigate your way around the city. Don’t miss the happy hour at the rooftop bar. Why book – prime location, next to Piazza Navona, modern air-conditioned rooms, comfortable beds, great rooftop bar

Hotels near Piazza Navona (Best for families)

Lunetta is a 4-star spa hotel only 200m away from Piazza Navona. The air-conditioned and soundproofed rooms feature an elegant design. The spa area boasts an indoor pool, a Finnish sauna and a Turkish bath. Plus, the rooftop bar is great for some coffee or cocktails. Why book – 200m from Piazza Navona, air-conditioned and soundproofed rooms, indoor pool and rooftop bar

Hotel Martis Palace is one of the best-rated hotels near Piazza Navona. The location is fantastic – only 50 away from the piazza. Most of the attractions are easily walkable from here. The hotel boasts a rooftop bar with 360° panoramic views of the historical city centre. The rooftop bar is a perfect place to enjoy sunset views and a drink before dinner. Why book – next to Piazza Navona, rooftop bar with panoramic views, comfy soundproofed rooms

Luxury hotels near Piazza Navona

If you look for a luxury stay just right next to Piazza Navona, then Hotel Raphael is your place. The location is ideal both for sightseeing and going out at night. Good-sized rooms with excellent amenities, comfy beds and huge bathrooms with Bvlgari toiletries. It’s all you need for the perfect Roman holiday. Why book – next to Piazza Navona, amazing rooftop restaurant, delicious organic breakfast, air-conditioned luxurious rooms

The 5-star hotel is located just a few steps away from the Pantheon. It’s the best place to stay in Rome if you’re looking for a luxury vacation. The air-conditioned rooms come with a Nespresso coffee machine and Acqua di Parma toiletries. Also, a free smartphone with internet access and unlimited calls is provided. The continental breakfast features seasonal and local products. Why book – next to Pantheon, panoramic terrace with city views, free smartphone with internet access

Apartments near Pantheon

Sant’Ivo Apartments are perfectly located, 200 away from the Pantheon. Quiet, bright and airy apartments, close to grocery stores and restaurants. Beside the apartment’s private balcony, there is a wonderful shared rooftop terrace. Why book – 200m from Pantheon, close to grocery stores, shared rooftop terrace

Eve Luxury Apartments are only 50m away from the Pantheon. Well equipped, modern and tastefully decorated, it’s a great base to explore the city. It’s close to a grocery store, a 24-hour taxi stand and countless restaurants. Why book – 50m from Pantheon, modern air-conditioned apartments, close to grocery stores

Termini – Where to stay in Rome for one night

If you’re in the city for a night, choose accommodation near Termini Railway station . The area is very convenient for transport links and travelling to the rest of Italy. Getting to both airports is also easy – just take the Leonardo Express train or any of the numerous shuttle buses.

Both metro lines intersect here at Termini station. The blue one takes you to the Colosseum, while the red one to Spanish Steps and Vatican City. Plus, a lot of the tourist attractions are within walking distance. The Historic Centre is about 1km away.

Why stay near Roma Termini

• stay here if you need a convenient area and want to be close to all public transport
• numerous shuttle buses to Ciampino and Fiumicino Airports (plus an express train to Fiumicino)
• the two metro lines give easy access to the city
• Termini station is a starting point of the hop-on-hop-off bus tours

Artemide is set in a 19th-century building, 500m away from the Termini Station. It has a great location, near restaurants, bars and shops. In addition, you can enjoy an excellent rooftop restaurant and a spa centre with a sauna and a Turkish bath. Why book – 500m from the Termini Station, excellent rooftop restaurant, wellness centre, modern air-conditioned rooms

iQ Hotel Roma is in a safe area, only 300m away from the Termini Station. Comfy, well-equipped rooms with memory foam beds and blackout curtains. The breakfast is excellent and has plenty of vegan options available. It’s a great place to stay in Rome for families and couples. Why book – 300m from the Termini Station, comfy rooms with blackout curtains, excellent breakfast with vegan options

Palazzo Naiadi is one of the closest 5-star hotels to Termini Station. Plus, it’s just a few steps from the Repubblica metro station. The hotel features a wellness spa area and a rooftop bar with amazing views of the city. Why book – next to Termini Station, panoramic rooftop terrace with seasonal plunge pool, mahogany bathrooms

Where to stay in Rome for a honeymoon

Rome is great for honeymooners! Around every corner, you’ll encounter charming squares, centuries-old ruins, elegant palaces and cosy little restaurants. The perfect setting for your romantic trip. Yet, there is one important question – what is the best area to stay for a honeymoon?

If you’re visiting Rome for a honeymoon, the area around the Spanish Steps and Trevi fountain is the ideal choice for you. It’s a fancy and cosmopolitan place with a lot of history, home to many high-end boutiques, chic restaurants and gorgeous Neoclassical buildings.

The beautiful gardens of Villa Borghese are just around the corner, providing the perfect setting for a romantic walk. Plus, the area is less touristy than Piazza Navona (except around the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps of course). Still, most of the tourist attractions are within walking distance.

Why stay near the Spanish Steps

• stay here if you’re planning a romantic trip (or some serious shopping)
• you’re at walking distance to Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Castel Sant’Angelo and many more
• the metro provides quick access to the rest of the city
• Via Condotti hosts some of the best haute-couture boutiques
• the romantic Villa Borghese gardens are just around the corner
• take an evening walk along the Tiber River

The hotel is set on a quiet street close to Via Condotti and Via Del Corso, two of the most famous shopping street in Rome. Trevi Fountain is just a 5min walk. The romantic boutique rooms give you a feeling like staying in an old Italian palace. And the best part – the breakfast is served on a rooftop terrace with gorgeous city views. Why book – 200m from Spanish Steps, next to shopping street, luxurious air-conditioned rooms, rooftop terrace

Housed in a 19th-century monastery, this unique hotel overlooks the beautiful gardens of Villa Borghese. The spacious rooms are designed with extreme elegance and class. The Mediterranean restaurant offers magnificent views of the city’s rooftops. It’s the most romantic place to stay for a honeymoon! Why book – next to Villa Borghese, housed in a 19th-century monastery, restaurant and terrace with views of city’s rooftops

If you look for a 5-star treatment with an ideal location, then Hassler is all you need. The hotel is located on top of the Spanish Steps and a few minutes from the main shopping street. In addition, Hassler boasts a wellness spa and a rooftop restaurant with stunning views. Why book – right next to Spanish Steps, Michelin-starred restaurant, wellness centre with sauna and Turkish bath

Where to stay in Rome for nightlife

If you’re visiting Rome for nightlife, stay in Trastevere or Campo de’ Fiori.

• Campo de’ Fiori – the best location for nightlife with numerous aperitivo bars (and close to tourist attractions)
• Trastevere – a charming area with hundreds of little trattorias, restaurants and bars (a little far from historic sites)

Trastevere is a good area to stay in Rome for nightlife. The neighbourhood is situated across the Tiber within a short walk from the Historic Centre. It’s a picturesque district with winding cobbled streets and vibrant piazzas. Filled with hundreds of little trattorias, restaurants and bars, it boasts some of the best nightlife in Rome. It’s the ideal spot for a nighttime aperitivo.

The only drawback is that there is no metro nearby. The closest metro station is Circo Massimo, about 1.5km away. Yet, if nightlife is what you’re looking for, there is no better place to be.

This 4-star boutique hotel is perfectly situated for exploring Trastevere. A lot of local trattorias, bars and shops within reach. You’d feel like stepping back in time as the hotel is housed a 16th-century historic building. Why book – in the heart of Trastevere, inner garden, quiet air-conditioned rooms

Campo de’ Fiori

However, if you look for a more central area with a vibrant nightlife, then Campo de’ Fiori is the place for you. It’s a popular aperitivo area right in the heart of the city. The best part is that it’s on a walking distance from the major attractions. However, it misses the charm of Trastevere.

Hotel Smeraldo is the most popular hotel in Campo de’ Fiori area. It’s perfect for travellers interested in nightlife and sightseeing. The hotel features modern comfy rooms and a rooftop terrace. Why book – 200m from the popular square of Campo de’ Fiori, roof terrace with a cocktail bar, air-conditioned rooms

Where to stay in ancient Rome

The area around the Colosseum is the oldest one in the Eternal City. It’s the perfect location to stay if you want to experience ancient Rome.

It’s a charming place, filled with ancient ruins and centuries-old history. Plus, you’ll find also a lot of traditional trattorias, wine bars and great aperitivo spots.

Moreover, the area is very convenient, as there is a metro station right opposite the Colosseum. It’s easy to get to Termini Station, Spanish Steps and Vatican City. As for the Historic Centre, it’s only a 15min walk from here.

Why stay near the Colosseum

• you’ll be in the heart of ancient Rome, surrounded by history and centuries-old buildings
• easy access to the Colosseum (to beat the queues in the morning)
• getting to Roma Termini and Vatican City is easy (using the metro)

Hotels near Colosseum (Best for couples)

Hotel Capo d’Africa is one of the closest 4-star hotels to the Colosseum. Although located in a very touristy area, the hotel is down a quiet side street. Breakfast is served on a rooftop terrace overlooking the Colosseum. It’s a great way to start your day. Why book – 300m from Colosseum, rooftop terrace overlooking the Colosseum, quiet air-conditioned rooms

Roma Luxus Hotel is only 300m away from the Roman Forum and 600m from the Colosseum. Housed in a historic 18th-century palace, it’s a very chic place. The breakfast is good and features plenty of choices and a great coffee. Why book – 600m from Colosseum, spacious air-conditioned rooms, excellent breakfast

Hotels near Colosseum (Best for families)

Although situated 600m away from the Colosseum, the location is more than convenient. The metro station Cavour is right next to the hotel. Modern and stylish rooms with a contemporary touch. Why book – 600m from Colosseum, next to metro station, rooftop bar

For a view to Colosseum right from your hotel window, stay in Hotel Palazzo Manfredi. It’s a 5-star luxury hotel less than 100m away from the Colosseum. Why book – 100m from Colosseum, next to metro station, rooftop terrace, spacious rooms

Where to stay near the Vatican City

If you look for a quieter area close to public transport and attractions, then the Prati neighbourhood is the best choice.

The location is great, especially if you plan to visit the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica and attend the Papal Audience . It’s a huge plus, as you can get there early and avoid the crowds. You’ll also be close to Castel Sant’Angelo, which is a lovely sight at night.

The area is well connected to the rest of Rome, as the red metro line A has two stops near the Vatican.

Why stay near Vatican City

• easy access to Castel Sant’Angelo and Vatican Museums (to beat the queues in the morning)
• well connected to the rest of the city and Roma Termini (red metro line A)
• quiet area with many local trattorias and gelato shops

Vespasiano is a boutique 4-star hotel housed in a typical Roman building. It’s one of the closest hotels to Vatican City. Also, the hotel is just a short walk from the metro station Ottaviano. A perfect base to explore the Vatican and the rest of the city. Why book – next to Vatican City, close to metro station, spacious air-conditioned rooms

Della Conciliazione is located on a cobblestone street with many restaurants, cafes and shops. It’s right in the middle between Vatican Museums and Castel Sant’Angelo. The rooms are spacious and comfortable with excellent air-conditioning. Why book – 250m from Vatican City, direct link with Termini train station (bus line 40), spacious air-conditioned rooms

Gran Melia is one of the best places to stay in Rome, near the Vatican. The location is more than ideal – 400m away from the St. Peter’s Basilica. Plus, Trastevere and the Historic Centre are within a walking distance. This 5-star hotel features a beautiful garden and a wellness spa centre with swimming pool and a Turkish bath. Why book – 400m from Vatican City, wellness centre with outdoor swimming pool, Nespresso machine

The aparthotel offers comfy and modern apartments with a fully equipped kitchen. Breakfast is served on the top floor with some amazing views of St. Peter’s Basilica. In addition, a big grocery store is available just around the corner. A great place for a family stay. Why book – 200m from Vatican City, rooftop terrace, quiet spacious apartments, next to grocery stores

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About the author

We stayed at IQ Roma . Perfect location – close to Termini station and major attractions! In fact, it was one of the best hotels we stayed in Europe during our vacation.

Hi Peter, I’m glad you’ve enjoyed your time in Rome.

Hi I’m staying at Eitch in 2 weeks. When is the last time you stayed there ? I’m reading mixed reviews. Thank you .

Hi Barbara,

I stayed there before the covid pandemic, about 4 years ago. Still, when I look at the reviews at the moment, more than 90% are excellent (not only on Booking.com, but also on Tripadvisor and Google Maps). Keep in mind, that in general the 4-stars hotels in Italy have the quality of 3-stars, especially if they have a central location. In addition to this, many are lacking a real reception, or they occupy only a few floors of a building, etc. Noise is often a problem if the hotel is housed in an old building or the location is central. Breakfast is usually limited and focused on sweet pastries.

You can find better hotels near Roma Termini (please see my recommendations in this article), but in this case you have to sacrifice the location. 🙂

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Where to Stay in Rome in 2024 – Top 12 Rome Neighborhoods

So huge and diverse, deciding where to stay in Rome can truly be overwhelming. With so much to see and do, if you are not familiar with the city, booking a hotel in Rome can definitely take you more time than you expect.

Some of the best neighborhoods to book your hotel in Rome are Prati because it’s close to the Vatican, it’s well served by metro and buses, and the city center is easy to reach, Monti because it’s a cool area next to all the relics of Ancient Rome, and obviously the Centro Storico to be in the pulsing heart of all the vibe!

As one of Europe’s most popular and cherished mainstream tourism destinations, all Rome neighborhoods have their own appeal. There are several factors that can impact your hotel booking decision.

Table of Contents

How to choose where to stay in Rome

Is it your first time in Rome? Do you want to enjoy the city’s nightlife? Is it your 2nd/3rd/4th trip and you are more into going offbeat and discovering hidden gems? Can you afford a longer vacation and you are looking for some budget options to stretch your stay further? You don’t mind using public transport?

Depending on what Rome holiday you plan , you might prefer one area instead of the other. With our guide, we hope to help you make a more informed decision about what’s the best neighborhood in Rome for your stay.

To do this, we will give you essential tools such as what to expect in each area, what are the best hotels, and also some options for local restaurants.

What is the best location to stay in Rome? Deciding what are the best neighborhoods in Rome to book your room is pretty personal and depends on the reasons for your trip and on your budget. Of course, deciding where to stay during a short holiday can be completely different than where you want to move to as an expat in Rome .

If you want to visit its historical landmarks, you might want to check out the hotels in Rome’s city center or near the Vatican. If you are on a short layover and need to catch a train, coach, or plane, you might want to stay near Termini station.

Below, I cover the most convenient areas for sightseeing and some of the best hotels in Rome’s city center, while in my eBook I suggest five itineraries to eat your way around five different Rome neighborhoods. For each of them, I mention the best restaurants and what to see and do. This can be very inspiring if you are still deciding where to stay in Rome.

Find out here what is the best area to stay in Rome for you and your family.

Centro Storico (Historic Centre) – The best place to stay in Rome for first-time visitors

If you are wondering where to stay in Rome, keep in mind that the Centro Storico is where most major attractions are. Including two of Rome’s most famous squares, Piazza Navona with its baroque charm and fountains, and Campo de’ Fiori , the piazza symbol of the florist profession as it was in the past. This is considered the very heart of Rome and quite predictably, it’s always packed with tourists.

This Rome neighborhood is very safe as all around are the government and Parliament palaces, making it always full of police, Carabinieri and Army.

This is definitely the best area to stay in Rome for first-time visitors as all landmarks are within easy walking reach. Impossible to miss a visit to the Pantheon , a walk along Via del Corso, a stop in the Capitoline Museums and a visit to Campo de’ Fiori and the Jewish Quarter.

I would probably avoid the restaurants offering tourist deal menus right in Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, but even here you can find some nice eateries and gelaterias . Some restaurants that always deliver good quality in this Rome neighborhood are Da Armando al Pantheon (Salita de’ Crescenzi 31), Da Gino al Parlamento (Via Rosini), Ginger Sapori e Salute (Piazza Sant’Eustachio), Emma Pizzeria con Cucina (Via di Monte della Farina 28).

If you are looking for a good artisan gelato in the city center, some of the best places are Otaleg (Via di S. Cosimato in Trastevere), Fiordiluna (Via della Lungaretta), Gunther Gelato Italiano (Piazza Sant’Eustachio).

If you are wondering where to stay in Rome with kids , this is a great option for all the landmarks to visit, the restaurants to try and the several pedestrian areas.

Rome’s Centro Storico Map

Staying in Rome’s city center is for you if:

• You want a holiday of sightseeing but also trendy nightlife
• You don’t mind paying a little more for accommodation and restaurants as long as you are in the city center
• You don’t mind the traffic
• You want to be surrounded by ancient art and history
• You don’t mind stumbling on your stilettos as long as you can walk around Rome’s cobbled alleys

Top hotels in the city center for every budget:

• Luxury: Rocco Forte Hotel De Russie
• Mid-range: Hotel Indigo Rome – St. George
• Mid-range: D.O.M. Hotel Roma
• Mid-range: Hotel Lunetta
• Budget: Minerva Monks Inn
• Apartment (Suite/Luxury): Propaganda Suites
• Apartment (Budget): Glory House Navona

What to see in Rome’s city center:

• Campo de’ Fiori
• Piazza Navona
• Sant’Agnese in Agone Church
• Piazza Farnese
• Largo Argentina
• The Jewish Quarter and Piazza Mattei

Where to eat: Restaurants Rome’s Centro Storico

• Da Armando al Pantheon (Salita de’ Crescenzi 31) – Traditional Roman
• Ginger (Piazza Sant’Eustachio) – Casual bistro
• Pirò (Vicolo della Cancelleria 36) – Seafood
• Supplizio (Via dei Banchi Vecchi 143) – Street food

The Spanish Steps – The best location to stay in Rome near famous attractions

Check out the hotels near the Spanish Steps if you are looking for one of the most luxurious areas to stay in Rome. The Spanish Steps are extremely touristy and Via Veneto is the historical street where celebrities liked to hang out in Rome’s golden era, namely the ’50s and ’60s. Via Veneto is in the quarter called Rione Ludovisi and it borders the historical Rome area Campo Marzio.

Just to be clear, the vibe here is largely exclusive boutiques, opulent hotels, semi-hidden gems for the in-the-know traveler, and elegant restaurants. With all the main landmarks within a pleasant strolling reach and well connected via public transport , this is definitely one of the most exclusive places to stay in Rome.

Very close to the city center, here too, it might not be easy to find good quality restaurants. For a tasty and casual meal with a wide menu, head to Ginger Sapori e Saluti (Via Borgognona), for a delicious vegetarian dinner or buffet lunch, don’t miss Il Margutta (Via Margutta 118). For a great gelato near the Spanish Steps, head to Gelateria dei Gracchi (Via di Ripetta) or Fata Morgana (Via Laurina).

Spanish Steps/Piazza di Spagna area map

Staying near the Spanish Steps is for you if:

• You enjoy luxury in all its forms
• You like to feel like a celebrity
• You want to explore lesser-known Roman landmarks
• You want to go on a shopping spree
• You are not much into public transport
• You like to walk everywhere

Top hotels near the Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna

• Luxury: Hotel Vilòn
• Luxury: Elizabeth Unique Hotel
• Luxury: Hotel Eden – Dorchester Collection
• Mid-range: Hotel Splendid Royal
• Mid-range: Margutta 19
• Mid-range: Hotel Degli Artisti
• Budget: Il Corso
• Budget: Rifugio degli Artisti
• Apartment (Luxury/Suites): Fendi Private Suites

Landmarks near the Spanish Steps

• The Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna
• Via dei Condotti luxury shopping street
• Via Margutta
• Piazza del Popolo
• Via del Corso shopping street
• Via del Babuino
• Mausoleum of Augustus
• Capuchins Crypt
• Palazzo Barberini

Where to eat near the Spanish Steps

• Il Margutta (Via Margutta) – Vegetarian
• Ginger (Via Borgognona) – Casual bistro
• DonnaE Bistrot (Via delle Colonnette 35) – Gourmet restaurant of Elizabeth Unique Hotel

Trastevere – Best neighborhood to stay in Rome for tourists and nightlife

Famous for its nightlife, Trastevere is a bustling neighborhood at any time of the day. Popular among American students for the presence of John Cabbott University, this is a young area of Rome.

The charm of this gentrified district stems from its old buildings, narrow alleys, and traditional shops and restaurants. Its quaint alleys and trendy nightlife are what make it one of the best Rome neighborhoods for first-time visitors. And the wide range of Trastevere accommodation makes it easy to stay here overnight.

Trastevere has it all. Here, you can lead the typical tourist life in the heart of the city as well as witness the local life of residents working and going about their daily life and chores.

Among the landmarks to visit, don’t miss Santa Maria in Trastevere Basilica, Raphael’s frescoes in Villa Farnesina, Santa Cecilia in Trastevere Basilica and the Museum of Rome, and Santa Maria della Scala ancient pharmacy.

Trastevere is also one of the best places in Rome’s city center for eating out. Some of the best restaurants in Trastevere? Da Enzo al 29 (Via dei Vascellari 29), Seu Pizza Illuminati (Via Angelo Bargoni 10), Glass Hostaria (Vicolo de’ Cinque 58). Craving gelato? Try Otaleg (Via di San Cosimato 14a), Fiordiluna (Via della Lungaretta 96) and Fatamorgana (Via Roma Libera 11).

READ MORE: The ultimate guide to the best gelato in Rome

Trastevere neighborhood easy map

Staying in Trastevere is for you if:

• You don’t mind daily crowds
• You like to walk and don’t need much public transport
• You want a vibrant nightlife
• You like quaint cobbled alleys
• You want a historical/traditional feel

Top hotels in Trastevere:

• Luxury: Gran Melia Rome
• Mid-range: San Cosimato House
• Mid-range: Nikis Collection Trastevere
• Budget: Hotel Domus Tiberina
• Apartment: Casa in Trastevere

READ MORE: For affordable accommodation in the city center and other neighborhoods, check out our guide to the cheaper hotels in Rome .

What to do in Trastevere:

• Trastevere neighborhood itself
• The Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica
• Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
• Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere
• Villa Farnesina and Raphael’s frescoes
• Botanical Gardens
• Galleria Corsini Museum of Ancient Art

Where to eat in Trastevere

• Enzo al 29 (Via dei Vascellari 29) – Roman traditional
• Seu Pizza Illuminati (Via Angelo Bargoni 10) – Pizza
• Trapizzino (Piazza Trilussa) – Street food
• Zia Restaurant (Via Goffredo Mameli 45) – Gourmet fine-dining

Don’t miss our extensive guide to the best restaurants in Trastevere .

Trevi – The best area to stay in Rome close to most attractions

Trevi neighborhood is all about tourist places. This small quarter turns around its claim to fame, the gorgeous Baroque Trevi Fountain .

A central historical hub, this quarter was ruled by the Colonna family during the Middle Ages. In the Renaissance, it was dominated by the presence of the papal “royal mansion” that today is the Quirinale presidential palace. A notable resident of this upscale Rome neighborhood was Michelangelo Buonarroti , who died here very old and alone.

With some great hotels, this is probably the best location to stay in Rome if you want to be in the heart of tourist life. Major attractions, restaurants, shops, cafes and all you can think of are here. Plus, with an easy walk, you reach Via del Corso, one of the most store-packed streets in Rome, and from there you will easily reach the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps and the rest of the city’s attractions.

This is one of the best areas where to stay in Rome for 3 days if you are visiting for sightseeing and exploring the city center.

Many restaurants in this Rome neighborhood have probably tourist quality, but it’s not uncommon to find pretty good ones. For a delicious pizza a stone’s throw from the Trevi Fountain, I suggest Piccolo Buco (Via del Lavatore 91) which is also one of our favorite pizza places in Rome , Trattoria Al Moro (Vicolo delle Bollette 13), Piccolo Arancio (Vicolo Scanderbeg 112). For a good artisan gelato nearby, rely on San Crispino (Via della Panetteria 42) and you won’t be disappointed.

Map of the Trevi neighborhood in Rome

Staying near the Trevi Fountain is for you if:

• You don’t mind crowds day and night
• You like to get lost in narrow Roman alleys
• You want to be the first one to photograph an empty Trevi Fountain in the morning
• You like to be where all the excitement is

Top Hotels in the Trevi neighborhood:

• Luxury: Harry’s Bar Trevi Hotel & Restaurant
• Mid-range: Brumble Luxury Suites
• Mid-range: Trevi QQ Rooms
• Budget: Residenza Ki
• Apartment: Penthouse Suite Rome

For more options, check out our guide to the best hotels near the Trevi Fountain .

What to see in the Trevi area:

• Trevi Fountain
• Vicus Caprarius
• Quirinale Palace
• Via del Tritone
• Piazza Ss. Apostoli
• Piazza Venezia
• Trajan’s Markets

Where to eat near the Trevi Fountain

• Piccolo Buco (Via del Lavatore 91) – Pizza + Roman traditional
• Colline Emiliane (Via degli Avignonesi 22) – Emilia-Romagna specialties
• Baccano (Via delle Muratte 23) – Fine dining traditional
• La Sandwicheria (Via del Nazareno 16/17) – Street food

Monti and Celio – The best areas in Rome for nightlife and visiting Ancient Rome

Trendy and historic neighborhoods in Rome, Monti and Celio are a stone’s throw from Termini train station yet it has lost the shabby feel the station around the area still has.

Here, you will find good restaurants and pubs that managed to find a good balance between the touristy and the “authentic”, giving foreign visitors a perfect experience. Weekends are crowded, and if you have your own car, make sure you know you are bound to walk as finding parking nearby is pretty hard. Adding to that, much of this area is ZTL so watch out the signs “varco/ZTL attivo” or “non attivo”.

Is Monti a good area to stay in Rome?

This is a great neighborhood where to stay in Rome for first-time visitors who want to discover the relics of the imperial times such as the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, and the Baths of Caracalla .

By booking one of the best hotels near the Colosseum , you won’t only be close to the main archaeological site in Rome, but you will also be able to enjoy great views from your own room.

READ MORE: Check out my best tips for visiting the Colosseum .

Map of the Monti/Celio neighborhood of Rome

Staying in Monti/Celio is for you if:

• You like trendy clubs and nightlife
• You don’t mind traffic and noise
• You have serious shopping intentions
• You want to visit Rome’s archaeological sites

Top hotels in Rione Monti and Celio:

• Mid-range: Hotel Palazzo Manfredi – Relais & Chateaux
• Mid-range: Villa Spalletti Trivelli
• Mid-range: Rome Glam Hotel
• Budget: Hotel Borromeo

What to see in Monti and Celio neighborhood:

• Via dei Fori Imperiali
• The Colosseum
• Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
• The Baths of Caracalla
• Museo Nazionale Romano and Baths of Diocletian
• Piazza Repubblica
• Fontana dei Catecumeni
• San Pietro in Vincoli Basilica
• Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
• Santa Pudenziana Basilica
• Santa Prassede Basilica

Where to eat in Rione Monti

• Trattoria Monti (Via di S. Vito 13) – Home-run trattoria
• La Licata (Via dei Serpenti 165) – Bar, for breakfast and light lunch
• Cuoco & Camicia (Via di Monte Polacco 2/4) – Modern trattoria with a rustic feel open only for dinner
• Aromaticus (Via Urbana 134) – Green, healthy bistro
• Grezzo (Via Urbana) – Raw vegan pastry shop

Aventine Hill – The Roman neighborhood to stay for history and great views

Close to the Celio area, Aventine Hill is the best place to stay in Rome for tourists who are not afraid of walking and want to explore ancient and medieval history. If you are wondering about the perks of this area of Rome, think romantic views and off-the-beaten-path landmarks.

Here, in fact, you will be close to plenty of historical sights and fascinating hidden gems like underground Mithra temples and ancient Roman houses. From the Aventine Hill’s Orange Garden, close to Santa Sabina Basilica, you can also enjoy a great view of Rome’s city center and landmarks.

This is definitely the best hotel location in Rome to be close to the city’s pulsing heart but not right among the crowds. This Roman quarter is all uphill and downhill and even though elegant and residential, you won’t really find opulent 5-start hotels. The Aventine Hill is more a place for cozy mid-range hotels and handy budget accommodation.

To eat, you will find something around the area but mainly in Testaccio, where you are going to find for sure a better selection of eateries of all types. You can also easily head to the city center, where there’s no lack of restaurants and coffee shops.

On the other hand, for your sweet tooth, there are quite a few delicious options. Try Torcé (Viale Aventino 59) and Biolee (Viale Aventino 30) for a fantastic gelato or Casa Manfredi (Viale Aventino 91) for scrumptious pastries.

Map of Aventine Hill in Rome

Staying in Aventine Hill is for you if:

• You want to be close to the city center
• You want to do historical sightseeing
• You want a quiet neighborhood
• You don’t mind uphill walks
• You want to discover hidden gems

Where to stay in Aventine Hill:

• Mid-range: Hotel Villa San Pio
• Mid-range: San Anselmo
• Mid-range: Hotel Santa Prisca
• Budget: Althea Inn Roof Terrace
• Budget: BePlace Aventino
• Budget: Hotel Major Aventinus

What to see in Aventine Hill:

• Santa Sabina Basilica
• Knights of Malta Keyhole
• Rome’s Rose Garden
• Sant’Anselmo Basilica
• The Orange Garden
• Santa Prisca Basilica
• Basilica of Saints Bonifacio and Alessio

Where to eat near Aventine Hill

• Ristorante La Villetta dal 1940 (Viale della Piramide Cestia 53) – Roman traditional
• Lo Scopettaro (Lungotevere Testaccio 7) – Roman traditional in Testaccio
• 100% Bio (Piazza di Porta San Paolo 6/a) – Organic vegetarian
• Il Grottino a Testaccio (Via Marmorata 165) – Pizza and Roman traditional

Prati and Trionfale – Where to stay in Rome near the Vatican

If you are still wondering what is the best area to stay in Rome, this is one of my favorites. Great restaurants, nice pubs and bistros, enticing shopping streets, and close to major tourist landmarks yet, it conveys a more residential type of vibe.

It’s well connected with public transport such as buses and the metro and has also a large daily market where you can do your own grocery shopping, Mercato Trionfale.

If you are looking for a hotel near the Vatican , this is the right area. You will definitely see a lot of tourists, but in the evening you can relax with a more “local” feel. This is one of the best neighborhoods in Rome for first-time visitors, sightseeing, and experiencing local life.

Prati and Trionfale easy map

Staying in Prati and Trionfale is for you if:

• You like to get out of the crowd in the evening
• You like to feel like a local
• You prefer a residential area rather than a touristy one

Top hotels in Prati and Trionfale neighborhoods:

• Luxury: The First Musica
• Midrange: Growel Exclusive Suites San Pietro
• Midrange: Hotel dei Mellini
• Budget: St. Peter’s Luxury Rooms
• Budget: Domus Terenzio
• Apartment: Popologrande Apartment
• Apartment: Stars Luxury Apartments 1

What to see in Prati and Trionfale:

• The Vatican Museums
• St. Peter’s Basilica
• Hadrian Mausoleum
• Piazza Cavour
• Via Cola di Rienzo shopping street
• Via Ottaviano shopping street

Where to eat in the Prati/Trionfale area

• Porto (Via Crescenzio 56) – Inexpensive seafood osteria
• L’Arcangelo (Via Giuseppe Gioachino Belli 59) – Gourmet traditional restaurant
• Il Sorpasso (Via Properzio 31/33) – Roman traditional
• Pizzarium (Via Meloria 43) – Pizza by the slice street food style
• Romanè (Via Cipro 106) – Revisited Roman traditional

Don’t miss our guide to the best restaurants in Prati.

Testaccio – One of the best areas in Rome to mingle with locals

With the diverse range of things to do and places to eat it has, I love this district. If you ask me, this is one of the best places to stay in Rome. It’s well-connected with the other areas via public transport including tram, bus, train, and metro and has a lovely, traditional vibe.

Testaccio is one of the best neighborhoods in Rome to experience genuine, traditional life, perfect if you are staying longer, 3 or 4 days in Rome . Between the lively Mercato Testaccio selling fresh local produce as well as hearty sandwiches and tempting Sicilian pastries, and the non-Catholic cemetery, here you can totally spend half a day or even a whole day.

Thankfully, it doesn’t lack excellent places to eat. Do you want a casual, hearty pizza/sandwich? Head to Trapizzino (Via Giovanni Branca 88). Do you prefer to sit comfortably while enjoying a delicious traditional meal? Da Felice a Testaccio (Via Mastro Giorgio 29) is your best bet. While for a vegan organic buffet lunch, 100% Bio (Piazza di Porta S. Paolo 6a) is excellent and so is Brivido (Via Giovanni Battista Bodoni 62) for fantastic artisan gelato.

If you are wondering what are the best neighborhoods to stay in Rome, Testaccio is a good choice for an authentic experience close to the most touristy piazzas. In Testaccio, you are likely to find budget accommodation rather than sumptuous palace hotels, but the genuine traditional vibe is guaranteed.

Map of Testaccio

Staying in Testaccio is for you if:

• You want to experience genuine Roman life
• You want to eat great traditional Roman dishes
• You like to explore lesser-known landmarks
• You don’t mind using public transport to the city center
• You want more affordable accommodation

Top hotels in Testaccio:

• Mid-range: Seven Suites
• Budget: Le Tre Sorelle a Testaccio

What to see in Testaccio:

• Non-Catholic Cemetery
• Pyramid of Cestius
• Mercato Testaccio
• Macro Testaccio Museum

Where to eat in Testaccio

• Felice a Testaccio (Via di Mastro Giorgio 29) – Roman traditional
• La Fraschetta di Mastro Giorgio (Via Alessandro Volta 36) – Roman traditional
• Piatto Romano (Via Giovanni Battista Bodoni 62) Roman traditional

Ostiense – Where to stay in Rome for modern history and street art

Former industrial district, in Ostiense you can see the relics of Rome’s industrial archaeology in the old Gasometer, the general warehouses, and the old power plant now turned into a fascinating museum, Centrale Montemartini . Even just a stroll around Ostiense will reveal its trendy and colorful side with a series of murals by international street artists along Via Ostiense, Via dei Magazzini Generali, and Via del Porto Fluviale.

With a short and pleasant walk, you can reach also the large and important Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls and the cobra-shaped bridge named after Settimia Spizzichino.

Once an entirely working-class district, now Ostiense is one of the cool Rome neighborhoods with plenty of restaurants and coffee shops. Some of the nicest restaurants in the area are Trattoria Pennestri (Via Giovanni da Empoli 5) for a blend of tradition and new age, Porto Fluviale open all day for every meal or casual snack (Via del Porto Fluviale 22) and Romeow Cat Bistrot (Via Francesco Negri 15). For a gelato, you can stop at La Romana (Via Ostiense 48) and for a great maritozzo for breakfast, you can try Andreotti (Via Ostiense 54).

Map of Ostiense Rome neighborhood

Staying in Ostiense is for you if:

• You like contemporary history
• You are interested in Rome’s industrial archaeology
• You like street art
• You like local restaurants

Top hotels in Ostiense

• Mid-range: Hotel Abitart
• Mid-range: Hotel Pulitzer
• Budget: Crossroad Hotel
• Budget: Roma Suite Piramide
• Apartment: Abbazia di San Paolo Appartamento Moderno

What to see in Ostiense:

• The Gasometer
• Centrale Montemartini
• Garbatella neighborhood
• Settimia Spizzichino Bridge
• San Paolo Fuori Le Mura Basilica

Where to eat in Ostiense

• Trattoria Pennestri (Via Giovanni da Empoli 5) – Modern trattoria with traditional dishes
• Romeow Cat Bistrot (Via Francesco Negri 15) – Vegan bistro
• Marigold (Via Giovanni da Empoli 37) – Hip restaurant with its own micro-bakery
• Porto Fluviale (Via del Porto Fluviale 22) – Large hip restaurant and pizza place in a former warehouse.

Castro Pretorio and Esquilino – Rome neighborhoods near Termini train station

Very busy and lively area, Castro Pretorio and Stazione Termini are well-connected to all other neighborhoods and are close to pretty much anything you will be looking for, from restaurants to landmarks to different nightlife options.

While the surroundings of Stazione Termini were once considered unsafe, especially at night, now it’s really not the case. Mind you, pretty much everywhere around train stations at night is not ideal, but Castro Pretorio is not an unsafe neighborhood.

Bordering the Sallustiano area, here you can find some of the best gelato (Come Il Latte) and pizza by the slice (Pinsere) in Rome. While on the other side of the Termini train station is the lively Esquilino neighborhood, Rome’s multicultural district. Here, you will find shops, goods, and ingredients literally from all over the world.

Between the Castro Pretorio and the Esquilino neighborhoods, you will be close to some of the most famous churches in Rome including Michelangelo’s Santa Maria degli Angeli and one of the four papal basilicas, Santa Maria Maggiore.

Map of Castro Pretorio and Esquilino neighborhoods

Staying near Termini station is for you if:

• You want to be in the middle of the hectic Roman life
• You want to be close to Rome’s main train station and bus hub
• You enjoy a multicultural vibe

Top hotels in Castro Pretorio near Termini Station:

• Luxury: The St. Regis Rome
• Mid-range: NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento
• Mid-range: Palazzo Montemartini
• Budget: The Liberty Boutique Hotel

READ MORE: Are you on a short layover or on a business trip to Rome? Check out more hotels near Stazione Termini .

What to see in the Castro Pretorio neighborhood near Termini train station:

• Piazza della Repubblica (Piazza Esedra)
• Diocletian Baths
• Santa Maria degli Angeli Basilica
• Nuovo Mercato Esquilino

Where to eat near Termini station

• Rifugio Romano (Via Volturno 39/41) – Traditional Roman and vegan restaurant
• 50 Kalò (Via Flavia 3) – Pizza place
• Matò (Via XX Settembre 41) – Street food

Parioli and Villa Borghese – Where to stay in Rome residential areas close to a park

The “posh” district in Rome, Parioli is very much a residential area and at night, apart from some bars and restaurants, pretty quiet.

The area includes two of the most important parks in Rome, Villa Borghese , and Villa Ada. So it’s ideal if you like to spend time in nature and you cherish your jogging/cycling routine.

There are also several lesser-known landmarks to visit if you are a fan of offbeat traveling. Parioli is one of Rome’s neighborhoods where you are more likely to find locals rather than tourists. This is the best area to stay in Rome if you like quiet nights, a residential area, and want to enjoy walks in the park.

Map of Parioli/Villa Borghese areas

Staying near Villa Borghese is for you if:

• You like to stay in nature
• You prefer residential areas
• You don’t mind higher prices
• You don’t mind taking public transport to reach the city center

Top hotels near Villa Borghese

• Luxury: Sofitel Villa Borghese
• Mid-range: The H’All Tailor Suite Roma
• Mid-range: Parioli Place

What to see near Villa Borghese

• Villa Borghese
• Santa Ilaria Catacombs
• Villa Grazioli
• Mosque of Rome
• San Valentino Church
• San Roberto Bellarmino Church
• San Luigi Gonzaga Church

Where to eat near Villa Borghese and Parioli areas

• La Pariolina (Viale Parioli 93) – Pizza place
• Ristorante Sughero (Via Eleonora Duse 1e) – Seafood restaurant

Nomentano/Trieste elegant neighborhood in Rome

This is hands-down one of my favorite neighborhoods in Rome. If you are still wondering where to stay in Rome, I suggest checking this out. Elegant and residential-style, it’s made of large streets such as Via Nomentana and Viale Regina Margherita, as well as more narrow alleys like Via Nizza or Via Mantova. Even though it’s not in the immediate city center, it’s very well connected via public transport through several buses and three metro stations of the B line.

Apart from being a residential neighborhood, this is a strong office area, so don’t worry about tourist menus, here you will only find good-quality restaurants. While it’s hardly included in any guided tour itinerary and is located out of the Aurelian Walls, the Trieste/Nomentano neighborhood doesn’t lack fascinating landmarks.

Between charming hidden gems to discover, great eateries, and quiet alleys, I think this is a fantastic neighborhood of Rome to book your hotel. You are not going to find much of 5-star flashy resorts but rather B&Bs, apartments, and smaller hotels, but I think here you can better decide your own pace.

Even though an office area, towards Piazza Bologna, you will also experience the vibrant nightlife. If you know you are going to rent a car in Rome, this is the perfect area because it’s out of the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone).

Read our guide to know everything about driving in Rome .

Trieste/Nomentano map

Staying in the Trieste/Nomentanto neighborhood is for you if:

• You want to go offbeat
• You want quality restaurants
• You don’t mind using public transport
• You want a more local Roman quarter
• You don’t want to stay in the midst of tourist crowds
• You are going to drive in Rome

Staying in the Trieste/Nomentanto neighborhood is NOT for you if:

• Your idea of a Roman holiday is all about Colosseo and Spanish Steps
• You want to stay in the pulsing heart of Rome’s Centro Storico
• You don’t feel like using public transport
• You want to reach all the landmarks by walking
• You know you won’t be renting a car

Top hotels in the Trieste/Nomentano neighborhood of Rome

• Mid-range: Hotel La Ville
• Mid-range: Rome Garden Hotel
• Mid-range: Palm Gallery Hotel
• Budget: La Breccia a Porta Pia B&B
• Budget: Bbrothershouse B&B

What to see and do in the Trieste/Nomentano neighborhood

• Villa Torlonia
• Casino Nobile
• Sant’Agnese Fuori le Mura complex with early-Christian sites
• Quartiere Coppedè
• Porta Pia gate
• MACRO Museum of Contemporary Art

Where to eat in the Trieste/Nomentano neighborhood of Rome

• Berberè (Via Mantova 5) – Delicious pizza place
• Osteria Maré (Viale Regina Margherita 225) – High-quality and affordable seafood restaurant
• Smor (Via Cesare Paoletti 23) – Scandi-style street food place
• Santi Sebastiano e Valentino (Via Tirso 107) – Bakery with kitchen.
• Perfecto (Viale Regina Margherita 103) – Great artisan gelato

What is the best part of Rome to stay in?

When deciding where to stay in Rome, you really need to consider your travel plans and how much time you can stay. If you are only planning to stay 2 days in Rome to visit the main central landmarks, I would probably suggest booking your hotel near the city center. By staying near the Centro Storico, you won’t need to use public transport because all landmarks will be within pleasant walking reach.

If you enjoy the traditional vibe, you can book your room in Trastevere, but knowing that most parts of the neighborhood are always busy with tourists, day and night. If you are a nightlife enthusiast, then this is the perfect spot so to go back to your hotel you won’t need a taxi.

For those who prefer to stay in a more quiet and residential area but still not far from the pulsing heart of the city and the main artistic, historical, and architectural masterpieces, quarters such as Monti and Prati are perfect.

If you don’t mind using buses, trains, and the metro, and also if you are staying longer, let’s say a week in Rome , then you can totally enjoy the authentic Roman spirit of neighborhoods such as Testaccio, Ostiense, and Garbatella.

Where should you NOT stay in Rome?

There is not really an area that is too dangerous to stay in Rome, but if it’s your first trip, I would probably avoid quarters like Tor Bella Monaca or San Basilio. They are far from the city so of little interest to tourists and probably at night they are not safe to go around. At night, I would avoid also the area around Stazione Termini, especially all along Via Giolitti.

I suggest staying near and around the city center even though it would probably cost a little more expensive, even though also in central neighborhoods there are budget accommodation options.

What is the safest area to stay in Rome?

Neighborhoods like Centro Storico, Prati, Monti, around the Vatican, Trastevere, and Testaccio are all very safe both day and night. With this, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t pay attention to your belongings, purse, camera, smartphone, and money.

Whatever the area, you never know who’s passing by at a certain moment in time, so always make sure your bag, purse, or backpack is tightly closed, especially if you are on a bus or on the metro.

Moving further north of Rome in areas like Flaminio, Monte Mario, and Ottavia you will certainly be surrounded by fewer landmarks to visit but also the traffic is less mental. These are mainly residential areas served with everything you might need from shops to pharmacies to the post office, and they are also well connected with public transport to the city center.

Monte Mario and Ottavia are near where I live and are served by the F3 railway line and several buses, while the lovely Flaminio neighborhood near Ponte Milvio and the Olympic Village is connected to Piazza del Popolo with tram n.2.

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About The Author: Angela Corrias

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The best hotels in Rome

By Maresa Manara

Rome may be an ancient city, but its hotel scene is as up-to-date as befits the capital of Italy . The city's options span an eclectic mix of design, glamour, and all-out Italian inspiration: A high-minded hostel that’s halfway to being a hotel, the opportunity to bed down in a former monastery, a couple of private penthouse residences with discreet, as-you-please service, and plenty of blow-out luxury abodes, from art-filled villas to sleek new brand-names. To help you get started, we've rounded up the best hotels in Rome, whether you're seeking the best view of the Eternal City or a high-end hostel. Here are our favourite places to stay, to bookmark for your next trip.

What are the best affordable hotels in Rome?

Some of our favourite affordable stays tend to be boutique boltholes and guesthouses, like Passepartout , a modern guesthouse located steps from Piazza Navona. The Hoxton Rome is another great option, found at the base of the elegant Parioli neighbourhood, with enough distance from the crowded city centre but still within close proximity to the city’s most coveted sights. See our pick of the best affordable hotels in Rome for more options.

How we choose the best hotels in Rome

Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveller journalist who knows the destination and has visited that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

First in: Bulgari Hotel Roma Arrow

Featured on our 2024 Hot List of the best new hotels in the world

Bulgari opened its flagship store on Via Condotti back in 1905, and has finally unveiled a crown jewel flagship hotel in its hometown. Every inch of this instantly venerable institution, a stone’s throw from Augustus’s mausoleum, is adorned with museum-worthy pieces: handcrafted mosaics from Friuli, handblown lamps from Venice’s Murano and Gio Ponti Ginori icons from the 1930s. It all comes with next-level modern comforts: custom mattresses and bedding with a pillow menu; bathtubs fit for a Roman emperor under mosaics in the design of a Bulgari brooch; Dyson hairdryers; and a 21st-century lighting system that’s gratifyingly easy to use. There’s a Niko Romito restaurant (he helms a place in Casadonna with three Michelin stars, and oversees most Bulgari restaurants); a spa with a columned Roman-bath-styled pool; jet-lag-cancelling massages; and a terrace bar with hundreds of plants and views across the Eternal City. A partnership with the Torlonia Foundation facilitates the rotation of priceless statues in the lobby, which sit alongside the brand’s exquisite jewellery. The starting rate is fearfully expensive – well-heeled guests aren’t just paying for the exquisite digs, but sightseeing in vintage Fiat 500s, personal shoppers and a fleet of chauffeured cars. Ondine Cohane

Price: Rooms from about £1,370

Six Senses Rome: First In Arrow

Six Senses has long been associated with its lush, secluded destinations like the Maldives , Thailand, Bali, Seychelles and Oman’s Zighy Bay, for example. The decision to inaugurate the first urban Six Senses property in Rome was partially driven by the owner’s love of all things Italian and is part of a new drive to bring sanctuaries to bigger cities. Set back from Via del Corso, one of Rome’s main arteries, this former noble palazzo, the 18th-century Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini, was also a bank before its present incarnation. Now the lobby, with its oval bar and piazza-like restaurant, has quickly become a gathering point for well-heeled locals looking for a post work aperitivo. Guests include those already loyal to the Six Senses brand and Missoni clad fashionistas who have heard about the hideaway’s sizeable wellness offerings. The hideaway, while private, feels less formal than some of its competitors, but less nightclub in lobby too: curious Romans wander in to work remotely, meet a friend for an espresso, or to leaf through the property’s sizable book collection.

Price: Rooms from about £981

Palazzo Ripetta Arrow

One of the few remaining independent five stars in Rome, Palazzo Ripetta embodies the kind of edgy elegance Italian design is famous for. There are 78 rooms and suites carved out of a former convent, bolstered by a recent renovation by Italian architect and interior designer Fausta Gaetani, who cleverly contrasts the ancient 17th-century digs with wild wallpapers, bold colour schemes and gilded sculptures. Located on Via di Ripetta in the historic centre, the hotel is a stone’s throw from cultural sites like the Ara Pacis, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon. This is one of the most important buildings in Rome; a 17th-century complex that has gone from convent to design icon, thanks, in part, to leading Italian architect Luigi Moretti, who worked on the building in the 1960s. From the moment you enter the lobby, it’s a big visual treat, with meticulously restored artefacts, like the Arnaldo Pomodoro – just one of a few in the world – and a contemporary art collection (the owner’s own) featuring an original Warhol.

Price: Rooms from about £508

Hotel d'Inghilterra Arrow

Initially opened in 1845 as Hotel d’Angleterre, this place became a classic over the 170 or so years that followed. There are 80 rooms, though something about this Rome hotel makes it feel as if there are fewer. Some (the Balcony Suites) are recently renovated, and all have restored antiques throughout. The bar is one of the best hotel drinking spots in the city (the cheerful staff are very good at what they do and take pleasure in applying novel twists to classic cocktails), and Café Romano is an all-day restaurant serving excellent regional dishes and, inevitably, a certain amount of comfort food for homesick travellers. The hotel couldn’t be more central, and the service is exceptionally warm, enthusiastic and attentive. This is a place to book for its right-there-in-the-thick-of-it convenience and its particular quality – specific but difficult to pin down – of intimacy, courtesy and conviviality. Steve King

Price: Rooms from about £633

First in: Rome Edition, Rome, Italy review Arrow

The lighthearted hotel brand, designed by Ian Schrager and owned by Marriott, has finally arrived in Rome, literal steps from the Spanish Steps no less. Rooms are classic Edition (simple but uber comfortable) with Italian flair. Custom beds made with Canaletto walnut, Agape bathroom fixtures, and Carrara marble basins are only some of the Made in Italy touches. All rooms also have a Charlotte Perriand “Indochine” chair and scrumptious Le Labo toiletries. Beyond the rooms you'll find a Jasmin-clad outdoor café and restaurant, a rooftop pool and bar as well as several intimate speakeasy-style bars. Sometimes hotel restaurants can almost be an afterthought but not so at Anima, helmed by self-taught chef Paola Colucci, where I had one of my best meals in Rome in recent memory. Don’t miss her vitello tonnato and spaghetti with datterini tomatoes (not all pomodori are created equal!). Despite its chic style and beautiful local crowd, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the location on a quiet block not far from the Via Veneto creates an intimate, quiet hideaway that’s a safe distance from the tourist hordes. Ondine Cohane

Price: Rooms from about £512

citizenM Roma Isola Tiberina Hotel Arrow

It’s always refreshing to find smart, affordable hotels in Rome. The city's new citizenM strikes a balance with pleasingly styled rooms (clean lines, modern furniture), and while they’re not huge, the designers have made the most of the space, with King-sized beds fitted wall to wall, big HD TVs beside expansive windows, and rain showers in the bathrooms. The lobby’s got a colourful art collection, and the canteenM bar is open 24/7. The 162 rooms are smartly furnished with all the essentials and a bit more – we’d call it minimalist-attractive. Rooms are cosy and compact, and the designers have made best use of the space; beds, for example, are enormous with comfortable mattresses and super soft linens. Floor space is sacrificed, but the widescreen TV and super-fast Wi-Fi more than makeup for it. Bathrooms feature powerful rain showers. Everything in the rooms, from the blinds to the lights to the air-conditioning temperature, can be controlled via in-room iPads or the citizenM App.

Price: Rooms from about £216

First in: Palazzo Vilòn, Rome Arrow

It’s no secret that the splendours of Rome are very splendid indeed. Entire streets and squares, monuments, historic buildings, and places of worship – all splendid and available to anyone who cares to look. But naturally, the city also has a great many very splendid and very private places, which, in the ordinary run of things, unless you’re exceptionally well-connected, you’re unlikely ever to set eyes on. Palazzo Vilòn was – until recently – one of these. A great beauty, for those lucky enough to see it. Most of the Palazzo Borghese still belongs to the Borghese family. But there are a few sections of it that don’t. An annexe to the eastern wing was acquired by the Shedir Collection, a hotel group, and opened in 2019 as Hotel Vilòn. Palazzo Vilòn occupies about 1,000 square metres of floorspace (and heaven only knows how many thousands of cubic metres’ worth of airspace), spread over three storeys. There are just three bedrooms – but what bedrooms they are. There’s one on the first floor that’s practically an apartment-within-the-apartment; a second in the former chapel on the raised ground floor; and a third overlooking the inner courtyard of the Palazzo Borghese, full of citrus trees and statuary. A private butler is on hand around the clock to take care of whatever is required – with the assistance of the entire Hotel Vilòn team. Steve King

Price: Rooms from about £685

W Rome Arrow

Featured on our 2023 Hot List of the best new hotels in the world

Prepare for a W like you’ve never seen before, located in the heart of Ludovisi – a posh, quiet neighbourhood abutting the Villa Borghese and just an arancino’s throw to the Spanish Steps. The brand’s first outpost in Italy captures the exuberant, energetic vibe that W is known for but ditches the dark models-and-bottles aesthetic, opting instead for spaces that look as good by day as they did the night before, while striking the right mix of elevated and playful. Award-winning firm Meyer Davis Studio oversaw the transformation of the property’s two 19th-century palazzi, which now feel thoroughly modern thanks to natural light, pastel palettes, and an alfresco courtyard filled with greenery and fountains.

The rooms – some with views onto the neighbouring Swiss Institute’s lavish gardens – have gorgeous herringbone wood floors, powder-blue walls with pink and navy furniture, and opulent marble bathrooms. But don’t let the hotel’s refined aesthetic fool you – this is still a place to see and be seen. Up on the rooftop, you’ll find a plunge pool (that’s more suited for snapping selfies than swimming laps), as well as Otto, one of Rome’s only rooftop bars. At sunset, it becomes one of the most magical places in the entire Eternal City. Todd Plummer

Price: Rooms from about £346

Marti Buckley

Sarah James

Jessica Puckett

Eleanor Aldridge

Hotel de Russie, A Rocco Forte Hotel Arrow

From the moment the top-hatted doorman ushers you into the classic-modern space by former Valentino interiors whiz Tommaso Ziffer and Rocco Forte Hotels director of design Olga Polizzi, the sense of being in the foremost place to stay in town is as sharp as the Campari sodas served at the bar. The 120-room hotel just off Piazza del Popolo mixes Art Deco–tinged nods to Rome’s classical past with jazzy homages to Picasso and ballet legend Nijinsky, who stayed here in its previous incarnation. They’re commemorated in signature suites, as is Giuseppe Valadier, the architect behind the palazzo’s terraced garden. This is being restored for the hotel’s 20th anniversary – one of several refreshes that include a health-oriented lightening of the mod-Med menu. The kitchen is overseen by chef Fulvio Pierangelini, who also curates the food at the Stravinskij Bar, which fills with glamorous Romans come aperitivo time.

Price: Rooms from about £1,342

Hotel Maalot Arrow

Hotel Maalot is a five-star hotel that draws a young, upmarket crowd looking for colourful, individually-designed rooms outfitted with modern artwork and flea market finds. The restaurant and lobby area are slightly more soothing, with potted palms and low-slung rattan ceiling fans overlooking silky sofas and tiled tables. The Maalot is a refreshing change of pace from the faded hotels in Rome ’s historical Trevi district. The area is a must-see, with its mix of monuments and must-see sights, including the Trevi fountain, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.

Price: Rooms from about £463

J. K. Place Roma Arrow

J.K. Place is one seriously stylish… well, place. Stride into the lobby and there’s no mistaking you’re in Rome: expect white marble sculptures, bronze lamps, and chunky design bibles on the shelves. It’s elegant and fresh, the kind of place you want to stay forever. Everything’s meticulously designed and totally luxurious here, but what makes J.K. Place so special is that everyone treats you like a star, from the restaurant staff (late for your booking? No problem!) to the receptionist who’ll have your shirt pressed at 1am, because that's when you realised you needed it for the next morning.

Price: Rooms from about £786

Rocco Forte House Arrow

The Rocco Forte brand has a reputation for some of the best hospitality in Rome, and that extends to Rocco Forte House. Film stars, musicians and high rollers tend to book into these apartments, drawn to their privacy, location and luxurious rooms. Rocco Forte House is your private hideaway in an 18th century palazzo overlooking Piazza di Spagna. There are just five apartments, with two bedrooms, a kitchen, living room and dining area – plus a communal rooftop area with the best views in the city. Hungry? Your private chef's on speed dial. Tired? Sink into the bath with bespoke Irene Forte bath products. You’re also smack dab in the centre of it all here, between Piazza di Spagna and Via del Babuino. Via Condotti is home to some of Italy ’s best shopping, for those wanting to update their wardrobe.

Price: Rooms from about £2,845

Villa Agrippina, a Gran Melià Hotel Arrow

Rome in summer is glorious, and there’s nowhere better to bed down than at the Gran Meliá Rome, a five-star property on the banks of the Tiber, not far from Vatican City. An olive tree-lined drive takes you past manicured gardens to a vast, pink palazzo, with a soaring, palatial entrance. Inside, polished floorboards and elegant armchairs put you right at ease, while the staff magically whisk your bags to your room. The message is clear: your holiday begins now. Sun seekers will love the pool, while beauty junkies should head to the spa for a satisfyingly firm Swedish massage.

Price: Rooms from about £505

The St. Regis Rome Arrow

Marriott invested 40 million euros into renovating this formerly faded property, reimagining it for today with light-filled communal spaces and plenty of glitz. It’s no surprise that well-heeled professionals love the opulence of this grand hotel – not to mention its proximity to Rome’s major sites. First opened in 1894 as "The Grand," the St. Regis was Rome's first true luxury hotel – and it's a mantel the property still holds fast to. Luxury suites feature a myriad of original artwork from the private collections of important contemporary artists, including Luca Pignatelli, Ubaldo Bartolini, and Paolo Fiorentino. Even smaller touches, including Murano glass lamps and original frescos, give each set of rooms their own style and feel.

Price: Rooms from about £905

Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese Arrow

Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese is an elegant boutique abode situated in a 19th-century palazzo on the edge of Villa Borghese. It’s regal and grand, with ornate, elegant hallways and classically designed guest rooms. This may be a historic hotel, but it feels brand new, thanks to its recent multi-million-euro makeover. French designer Jean-Philippe Nuel (Molitor, Paris ; InterContinental, Marseille ) was brought in to re-energise the property, upgrading its 78 rooms and suites, and adding a rooftop restaurant and a fitness centre.

Price: Rooms from about £450

DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti Arrow

DoubleTree by Hilton has created a sophisticated Roman space that’s reflective of the city thanks to collaborations with local artists and designers. The brand has managed to keep its 133 rooms feeling local and elegant, with polished wood floors and emerald green sofas. On the roof terrace, soft rattan furnishings sit by potted palms, beneath linen canopies. Staying in Monti has all the perks you’d expect, like its vicinity to major sights such as Teatro dell'Opera (four minutes away on foot) and Trajan’s Market (15 minutes on foot), and Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (four minutes on foot).

Price: Rooms from about £311

The Tribune Hotel, a JdV by Hyatt Hotel Arrow

This new arrival from Hyatt is shaking up the city’s straightlaced Villa Borghese, with a destination rooftop bar and eye-catching contemporary design. In opening near Via Veneto, they’ve taken inspiration from Rome’s original coffee houses where Rome’s artists, intellectuals and writers gathered to attend literary salons and exchange ideas. From the outside, there’s nothing too exciting about its building. But inside is bursting with energy, bright walls and conversation starters like big, blow up prints of Fellini’s Rome everywhere you look.

Price: Rooms from about £281

Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel Arrow

Luxury Thai brand Anantara recently took over this property, formerly part of the NH hotel brand – and what a change they’ve made. Given Anantara’s status as a go-to retreat for upmarket travellers looking for local experiences and stories, it’s not surprising that their first Italian property attracts a similar clientele, decked out in comfortable clothes ideal for exploring – think designer brand polo shirts and Tods loafers. Don’t leave without experiencing Anantara’s signature spa treatments, inspired by the ancient Roman Baths. Pro-tip: stop by the rooftop plunge pool, with its Instagram-worthy views over Rome, before the crowds arrive.

Price: Rooms from about £546

Hotel de la Ville, A Rocco Forte Hotel Arrow

If Rocco Forte’s first foray in the Italian capital, the suave Hotel de Russie, is Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg all dressed up in La Dolce Vita, this peppy cousin is Roman Holiday ’s Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck buzzing around town on a Vespa. Located at the top of the Spanish Steps, it’s a head-to-toe overhaul of the InterContinental de la Ville, a once-glamorous address that had become increasingly staid. There’s nothing staid about Tommaso Ziffer’s new interiors: 20 years on from his debonair, Art Deco-tinged work on De Russie, he’s in a playful mood. Nests of convex mirrors, wallpaper studded with digital reproductions of antique prints, deft touches of chinoiserie, coffee tables topped with computer-generated mosaics, colours that range from powder blue to deep plum – it’s the Grand Tour on acid. The decorative verve and brio helps to make up for the fact that not all of the 104 rooms have full-on city views (for those, check into a Panoramic Suite or the swoony top-floor space). But the millennials who are already flocking to this good-looking Roman berth are unlikely to complain. Silk Road-inspired cocktails at the Julep bar and the smart updates of traditional dishes served in the hotel’s chic, streetside Da Sistina restaurant focus the mind on the inner view. De-stress from a long day of culture slogging with a Mediterranean Mudding Ritual in the soothingly penumbral spa. Lee Marshall

Price: Rooms from about £1,357

Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel Arrow

Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel set on 15 acres with views to St. Peter’s, is both a lavish escape and a perfect city-break address. The lack of neighbourhood action is more than made up for by a world-class art collection and La Pergola Rome, one of the best restaurants in the capital. Arriving at the Cavalieri feels a bit like stepping into Rome’s bygone era, a time of endless manicured gardens, cheery butlers, and azure swimming pools where cocktails can be taken at any time of the day, darling. The swimming pools are as close to outdoor swimming as it gets in Rome, ensconced among hundreds of acres of greenery. It’s perfect for a post-sightseeing paddle and, best of all, the smartly dressed waiters bring you trays of ice-cold cocktails while you sunbathe. Room service gets a makeover at the Rome Cavalieri – there’s the fifteen-course Imperial Breakfast, complete with quail eggs, black truffles, and pineapple carpaccio – or the silver service lobster, which comes with a side order of 500 white roses. Fashion mavericks can even learn how to make their own Italian sandals from a Roman shoemaker – just remember to unleash your inner Italian superstar and add some clunky diamanté bling to your new toe tappers.

Price: Rooms from about £403

Portrait Roma Arrow

Portrait Roma, from the Ferragamo family, is as pretty as a picture. On one of Rome’s most fashionable streets, Via Bocca di Leone, mahogany doors open to a shiny hallway, complete with big, blown-out black and white snaps of Salvatore Ferragamo himself. Up the stairs, the photographs keep on coming, leading to rooms as chic as the entrance – though it’s the personal touches that make it truly stand out. You can invite your friends up for a private party on the hotel terrace, or take advantage of the complimentary shopping card, which gives guests a 10 percent discount at Rome’s most stylish boutiques – with extra-sweet benefits if you shop at Ferragamo.

Price: Rooms from about £957

Fendi Private Suites Arrow

The owners of Fendi Private Suites must have emptied a marble quarry – or five – during its construction because the hotel’s public spaces are absolutely plastered with the stuff. Huge windows and mirrors sit in red marble frames, golden blocks form chunky tables, and the reception desk is five massive pieces sat higgledy-piggledy atop one another. It’s grand and solid, angular and elegant, which is no less than you’d expect after walking in from the imposing architecture of 18th-century Palazzo Fendi outside. Also, breakfast is complimentary, even if you order it to your room. Do this. Do this every day. The menu is amazing, the food is incredible, and everything tastes ten times better when you eat it in bed, while drinking an espresso from the equally complimentary espresso machine.

Price: Rooms from about £839

The Pavilions Rome, The First Musica Arrow

Located on the banks of Tiber, The First Musica stands out from Prati’s grand old palazzos with its modern, cubist design. While the mid-century palazzo was originally designed by esteemed Roman architect Mario Docci, it’s been given a facelift by Studio Marincola, who have brought plenty of light into the concrete building through big, oversized windows. The upscale location of Prati is perfect for people-watching – it's one of Rome's smartest neighbourhoods. The hotel’s clientele are young and deep-pocketed, who work hard and play hard–appreciative of both the big, modernist artworks in the rooms by day, and the DJ sets in the lobby by night.

Price: Rooms from about £400

G-Rough Arrow

At this narrow, wood-beamed 16th-century townhouse near Piazza Navona, architect and designer Giorgia Cerulli has had a great deal of fun arranging the owner's mid-century-modern collection of furniture and artworks. The 'rough' part of the 10-room hotel's name refers to the hip, stripped-back interiors: a palimpsest of colour and decorative fragments that serve as a backdrop for, say, a print of stark white Sicilian cliffs by contemporary photographer Massimo Vitali, a Gino Sarfatti Sputnik chandelier from the 1950s, or an iconic Superleggera chair by Giò Ponti.

It's all super-cool, but also surprisingly welcoming (this is Rome, after all, not Milan). The downstairs street-facing bar and breakfast room - which feels like a cross between an urban speakeasy and a rustic village bar - multi-tasks as a social hub, refuelling station and reception desk.

There are two suites on each of the five floors: the pricier Pasquino looks onto a cute cobbled square, the other a rather featureless courtyard. A deal with Roman art historian and opener-of-closed-doors Filippo Cosmelli means the Unconventional Luxury Experiences G-Rough offers its guests are more exclusive than most Roman hotel tours and packages. Lee Marshall

Price: Rooms from about £295

La Scelta di Goethe Arrow

Though Goethe never actually stayed here, the German writer did enjoy the good things in life and so would have felt at home in this polished two-suite apartment. It looks and feels like the city pad of a 19th-century Tuscan count, with neo-classical wall copings and antique display cabinets and bookcases exuding old-school class, if not yet the patina of age.

The entrance, on busy Via del Corso, is fairly anonymous, but when the lift opens on the fourth floor you'll find an altogether gentler world presided over by attentive staff who are happy to offer advice at any time of day or night, or simply open another bottle of Champagne (the first is included in the rate).

The really smart thing to do would be to book both rooms and create a two-level, sixth-berth Roman space that might have featured in La Grande Bellezza . But staying in just one of them is not exactly a sacrifice. The Villa Medici has a high-ceiling drawing room, a separate dining room and two elegant bedrooms. The Trintà dei Monti has a book-lined salon with the air of a gentleman's club and a love-nest of a bedroom that leads to a huge split-level private terrace with views of Saint Peter's Basilica (this draw card explains the higher price for this much smaller suite). A waiter serves breakfasts of fresh fruit, good coffee and homemade cakes and pastries, but no other meals are available. Lee Marshall

Price: Rooms from about £122

The Fifteen Keys Hotel Arrow

This immaculate little hotel's retro-classic but thoroughly modern look and keen prices are attracting a smart young crowd. A 10-minute walk north of the Colosseum, the handsome townhouse stands on the quiet upper reaches of Via Urbana in the cobbled Monti area, which is packed with an eclectic mix of cafés and restaurants, vintage boutiques, independent craft shops and elegantly restored houses. There are just 15 spruce bedrooms arranged over four floors, from cosy to capacious in the palest grey, deep blue or soft buttermilk. All are understated, with brass-and-charcoal-black lamps, surrealist artworks by French photographer Alastair Magnaldo and Fifties pieces arranged sparingly on blond parquet floors. Downstairs in the lobby, sun streams through lofty arched windows and in the bar and breakfast room couples feast on homemade pastries with organic marmalade from Puglia . Nicky Swallow

Price: Rooms from about £332

Vilòn Roma Arrow

The quiet, confident arrival of the Vilòn gave Rome a boutique hotel to showcase the city’s sharp sophistication, which too often gets lost among its antiquities – or trumped by that of Paris and Milan. In its Adelaide cocktail bar, where large-scale black and white prints pop against maroon walls and golden curtains surely recall the fabulous living rooms of the smart designers along Via di Monserrato, a Gimlet (or three) is a revelation. That is not to say set designer Paolo Bonfini, who exercises his craft with restraint and exquisitely clear vision here, brushed off Rome’s history when transforming this former nunnery into a vibrant 18-room hideaway down a central side street.

Rather brilliantly, he found ways to make it feel relevant and not forced, which rarely land so easily in Rome. Rococo-style columns are discreet against mid-century-modern furniture, while the city’s famous monuments are referenced in works by contemporary Florentine photographer Massimo Listri. The result is fresh but mature, and self-assured with no ego; the type of place that is not trying to attract hipsters – as so many now are – but rather the finely tuned 40-year-olds they’ll grow up to be. The Vilòn stylishly captures a vital facet of the direction the city is headed in.

Price: Rooms from about £683

Hotel Locarno Arrow

Miss the 60s, want to go back? Hotel Locarno is for you. The receptionist works behind a period cabinet converted into the sort of desk Philip Marlowe would happily put his feet on and Art-Deco ornamentations abound, from the beautiful clocks, to the slightly sinister candlesticks. Movies could be filmed here. Hotel Locarno has bags of charm – something it didn’t need to necessarily bother with given its sterling location near the glorious Piazza del Popolo – and it’s not unreasonably priced. Throw in staff who can’t do enough to help and you’ve got the makings of a lovely stay.

Condominio Monti Arrow

Condominio Monti is made up of two buildings in Monti, one of Rome’s most central neighbourhoods. The exterior is unassuming – there’s even a faded old hotel sign hanging from the building windows – but walk through air-conditioned entrance and things start to get interesting. Local Roman design firm, Studio Tamat, overhauled the two buildings a few years back, keeping the layout of a traditional Roman guesthouse, with all of the rooms arranged along a corridor. They’ve also livened up the lobby with soft green and gold wall paints, marble tables and soft armchairs. There are cute design touches, like the shelf of hand drawn postcards and maps of the local neighbourhood.

Price: Rooms from about £142

Palazzo Dama Arrow

Palazzo Dama is everything you’d imagine a modern Roman palace to be: chic, polished, and with just the right amount of bling. There’s parquet flooring throughout, chandeliers dripping from the ceiling, and a serious collection of artwork on nearly every wall. No surprise, then, that the property is the former family home of the noble Malaspina family, who threw legendary shindigs for centuries. The Pacifico bar and restaurant are pure 1920s decadence, with chandeliers, potted palms, and velvet bar stools you could spend an evening in. Chef Jaime Pesaque’s Peruvian-inspired menu is spot on, too. The downstairs nightclub, Raspoutine (could this place be any more perfect?!) is utterly decadent, welcoming the who’s who of Rome’s social scene.

Price: Rooms from about £481

Villa Spalletti Trivelli Arrow

The entrance to Villa Spalletti Trivelli is as grand as you’d expect, this being a villa after all. And what a villa it is, with a sandstone exterior overlooking a garden of trimmed hedges and manicured lawns. Inside, you feel like you’ve stumbled into someone else’s home, rather than a hotel; the bedsheets are soft, the pillows and mattress so comfortable, that you’re basically cradled to sleep. Best of all, the staff is so accommodating (and inconspicuous) that you feel like you can roam around the villa to your heart’s content, and pretend it’s your very own.

Price: Rooms from about £422

Hotel De' Ricci Arrow

Owner Lorenzo Lisi (also the manager of hit seafood restaurant Pierluigi) enlisted a crack team of creative directors for his hotel in Rome. Stylist Daria Reina, fashion illustrator Andrea Ferolla and the gang responsible for nearby concept store Chez Dede have decked the place out to a highly polished shine. There are deep dark-green velvet curtains and sage walls in the bedrooms, lots of mirrored surfaces, vintage Italian furniture, murals of Rome painted by Ferolla, princess-and-the-pea-worthy beds and Frette sheets. The logo, on the dressing gowns, towels, pillows, napkins and glasses, is sage on white too, in a font Wes Anderson would like.

The whole place hums with a kind of moody coolness, and smells floral and delicious thanks to the enormous bottle of Dr Vranjes Rosso Nobile Limone e Mandarino fragrance by the entrance. There’s no official restaurant, but breakfast (organic yogurt, wholemeal croissants, pink grapefruit juice so fresh it makes you wince and knock-your-socks-off Italian coffee) can be taken in the retro-style sitting room or, via room service, on an enormous silver tray placed by the floor-to-ceiling bedroom windows overlooking via della Barchetta. The focus instead is on the Charade bar, where they take aperitivo hour seriously; drinks are served with a flourish alongside an impressive cheese board.

Each room is kitted with its own mini-cellar with eight different wine varieties from Piedmont and Trentino. The location is great, in the artsy neighbourhood of Regola Rione with its crumbling buildings, fledgling galleries and buzzy shops, and central enough so you can walk everywhere. Essential, as getting in a car is futile in Rome. Sylvie Tredegar

Price: Rooms from about £363

The First Roma Dolce Arrow

This is the second hotel in Pavilions Hotels' Rome-centric The First Experience collection. Sister property First Roma Art is all about contemporary art; Dolce, meanwhile, focuses on exactly what its name implies: sweets and pastries. You'll encounter your fair share of confections during your stay, like eclairs, pralines, and mignons, as well as chocolate tastings. In the afternoon, the Salon del Tea hosts English Afternoon Tea with finger sandwiches and Marriage Frères tea.

Price: Rooms from about £748

Hotel Chapter Roma Arrow

Here’s a city that does traditional in spades, but until recently hadn’t embraced the sort of street-savvy, communal-spaced hotel that New York and London are familiar with. So Chapter feels like a place that fully understands visitors who have come to expect DJs spinning at cocktail hour and street-art tours at concierge. The brains behind it belong to Marco Cilia. After years working with London’s Blakes and cool-kid hotel slinger Grupo Habita – New York’s Americano and the Robey in Chicago – he returned to his home country to launch the first of what he hopes will be a string of social clubs and places to stay throughout Italy . The Chapter is in the Jewish quarter, an area right across from hip Trastevere that for years has felt under-appreciated given its proximity to some of the city’s star attractions, such as Piazza Farnese, the Forum, and MAAXI gallery. Its interiors are edgy in a way that Italians sometimes feel too conservative to embrace, which may be why Cilia turned to break-out South African designer Tristan Duplessis for the graffiti-scrawled lobby bar, quirky bespoke rugs, and pared-back, bare-brick rooms with mid-century inspired minibars, industrial metals, and punchy olive-green beds. Sandwiched between the centuries-old synagogues and café-society restaurants of the neighbourhood, Chapter feels remarkably at home, even though walking into it from the discreet cobbled sidestreet feels like stepping into one of Rome’s freshest scenes. A thoroughly enjoyable arrival for the co-working generation, with a sense of humor and a can-do attitude.

Price: Rooms from about £220

Palazzo Manfredi Arrow

It feels wrong to call Palazzo Manfredi a hotel; rather, it’s a palatial residence, owned by none other than Count Goffredo Manfredi. The reception area is suitably grand, with ancient maps on the wall and leather Chesterfield armchairs. Silver picture frames and diamond jewelry is on display, too, all available for purchase. Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant Aroma has a seven-course degustation menu – you might have octopus, scallops, or pumpkin and gorgonzola tagliolini with caviar – with matching wines and stupendous views. The location, too, right by the the Colosseum, is utterly glorious.

Price: Rooms from about £300

Hotel Eden, Dorchester Collection Arrow

This place could very well be our own Eden. Part of the Dorchester Collection, it's elegant and calm, with marble floors, a gold-lit ceiling and vases of freshly-picked flowers in every corner. Bathrooms are pure decadence, all white and gold, with a huge bath and Bottega Veneta products so luxurious you’ll feel like royalty all day long. The hotel is set between Rome's Borghese Gardens and upscale Via Veneto.

Price: Rooms from about £1,088

The Hoxton Rome Arrow

The Hoxton Rome is the most stylish new hangout in Rome’s Parioli – an upscale district brimming with good food and art and culture. Since its opening, its restaurant and cocktail bar Cugino has drawn Rome’s coolest local crowd. The mid-century-inspired design is a refreshing change of pace for Rome, at an affordable price. Contemporary galleries MACRO (Museum of Contemporary Art) and MAXXI (National Museum of 21st Century Art) are a short stroll from the hotel.

Price: Rooms from about £191

Soho House Rome Arrow

The Rome outpost of Soho House is energising and modern, set inside a 10-story restored building with an industrial feel. The property is next to La Sapienza university. There’s a strong visual-art theme across the hotel, with a dedicated gallery space and a 42-seat screening room; all guest rooms (49 bedrooms and 20 apartments) offer unparalleled views stretching across the mountains and the Eternal City. Eateries include a ground-floor deli bar and lounge area, plus an exclusive upstairs restaurant. The rooftop cocktail bar, with its lemon trees, striped linen blinds, and plush velvet stools, looks like it’s been lifted straight from Rome’s Dolce Vita era.

Corso 281 Arrow

With many of Rome’s hotels run by conglomerates, Corso 281 stands out for its personalised, one-to-one approach. Owner and former lawyer Natalino Gisonna is at the hotel daily and runs everything directly, from managing all hotel requests to offering a tailored concierge service that effectively involves him recommending the kind of off-the-radar places only locals know about. Gisonna has loved hotels from a young age – hence the career change – and is big on guest relations, so his staff are some of the friendliest imaginable. No request is too much for Gisonna’s team and they’ll happily use their pull around town to make sure you get the best Roman experience possible, whether that means getting exclusive early access into the Vatican, getting you that table at the exclusive Roman restaurant that’s been booked out for months, or even arranging a helicopter day trip to Capri.

Margutta 19 Arrow

Arches and patterned floor tiles, flowers stood so perfectly in their vases they must be on the payroll, and a golden light falling just right on the cobbles outside. Nothing is left to chance in Margutta 19. Even dust doesn’t fall where it’s not supposed to. Let’s make no bones about it, Margutta 19 is an expensive hotel, but it works hard to make itself worth the price, and the guests expect nothing less. Deluxe Suites continue the clean lines found elsewhere in the hotel, with a partition wall separating the bed from a sitting room, where there’s a flatscreen television and writing desk. Everything’s a shade of pastel yellow, and sketches lines the walls, but none of that matters because you’ll probably spend most of your time on the little balcony overlooking the hotel's garden.

Sentho Roma Arrow

This independent hotel sits in a restored palazzo in the heart of Rome’s Monti neighbourhood, next to the Basilica of Santa Prudenziana, Rome’s oldest Christian church. The two share a courtyard, bringing a tranquil, almost meditative feel to your stay. The crowd spans everyone from 30-something couples on a weekend away to local residents who have stopped by for an aperitivo in the garden. The rooftop courtyard is the real draw here, a peaceful spot encircled by olive trees and old Roman palazzi. Choose from pastas and pizzas or book onto one of the hotel’s cooking courses, where the chef gives you a one-on-one lesson on how to prepare Roman artichokes, fresh pasta and tiramisu.

Price: Rooms from about £250

Cosmopolita Hotel Rome, Tapestry Collection by Hilton Arrow

With its unassuming, faded façade, you could easily mistake the Cosmopolita for one of the many dated properties dotted around Rome. And you’d be right – the Cosmopolita has been around for years, run by an ever-rotating wheel of hotel chains. But now that Hilton has taken over, the Cosmopolita has never looked better. Step inside and you’ll be pleasantly surprised: for one, the sleek and shiny lobby has had a facelift, all cream stone and marble desks. Via di S. Eufemia is about as central as it gets, right near Piazza Venezia. The crowds a mixture of suited Italians on their way to work, grandmothers doing their market shopping and tourists out for some daily sightseeing.

Price: Rooms from about £315

Umiltà 36 Arrow

This bolthole from the upmarket Shedir Collection portfolio (Hotel Maalot, Vilon Luxury Hotel) has an unbeatable location on Via dell’Umiltà: a short stroll to Trevi fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, and around the corner from the shopping along Via del Corso. The vibe here is arty, cosmopolitan, and refined, from the contemporary art and marble bust in the high-ceilinged Grand Hall, through to the jungle-wallpapered lobby lounge. The bedrooms are stylish and contemporary, with herringbone flooring, eye-catching contemporary artworks on the walls and big, floor-to-ceiling windows that draw the light inside.

Price: Rooms from about £640

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The 26 Best Things to Do in Rome

By Maresa Manara and Katie Parla

In such an ancient and dense place, prioritizing which corners to see can be an overwhelming task. How do you even start to figure out what to do in Rome? To shed some light on that impenetrable question, we've pulled together a list of world-famous sites and lesser-known destinations—museums, markets, archeological and architectural marvels—that will provide you with the full spectrum of outstanding experiences the Italian capital has to offer. Whether you have only a day in the city or a couple weeks (or return visits) to explore every detail, this list will help you pull together an itinerary you won't forget.

Read our complete Rome travel guide here .

Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that activity. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider’s view of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Palazzo Spada Arrow

Near Campo dei Fiori yet blissfully uncrowded, Palazzo Spada is a striking historic palace built in the 16 th century and redesigned by Roman architect Borromini in the 17th century. Inside there’s a rich art collection with Renaissance and Baroque masters, and outside there’s a peaceful courtyard where eight impressive colonnades create a mesmerising optical illusion. The palace itself is exquisitely Baroque, with elegant, perfect symmetry and ornate decorations. Inside, there are walls plastered in frescoes, immaculate stucco work, and grand halls of opulent, gilded marble. Palazzo Spada houses an incredible art collection, with paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts by artists including Titian and Caravaggio. Don’t miss the Borromini Perspective Gallery, a masterclass in optical illusion where a corridor appears to be much longer than it actually is.

Monte Mario Nature Reserve Arrow

A hike through this huge nature reserve—the highest of Rome’s ‘seven hills’—makes for a great alternative to Villa Borghese, with a fraction of the crowds, and fantastic views over the city. The Monte Mario Natural Reserve spans around 100 hectares, with nature trails wending through canopies of oak trees, pines and cypress trees. There’s a rich array of wildlife, including hawks, kestrels, foxes and hedgehogs. It couldn’t feel farther from one of the world’s biggest cities. There’s a number of different walking trails throughout the reserve, some more difficult (and steep) than others. Take a taxi there from the historical centre—it’s a seven minute drive away.

Case Romane del Celio in Rome Arrow

Underground beneath the Basilica Santi Giovanni e Paolo, this heritage museum shows how Roman daily life has changed over the years. There are 20 rooms showing ancient Roman homes, shops and shrines. It’s cheap to get into and relatively quiet, even on weekends. This is one of the best preserved examples of ancient Roman domestic architecture. The houses date back to the second and third centuries AD. They were part of a larger residential complex, possibly belonging to a single aristocratic Roman family. One of the most remarkable features is the underground area known as the hypogeum —a subterranean complex of chambers and passageways. Visitors can explore several interconnected rooms, including reception areas (atria), living quarters (cubicula), kitchens, and courtyards. The houses are decorated with colorful frescoes, intricate mosaics, and marble floors, showcasing the opulence and artistic sophistication of the Roman elite.

Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza Arrow

Most artists and architects working in the characteristically ornate and emotional Baroque style leaned heavily on color and materials to create strong visual impressions. Not Borromini, in this magnificent church originally designed for the Università di Roma. Using simply molded stucco forms and daylight, the maestro created an interior space that's at once intimate and infinite, simple and complex. If you've seen Bernini's interior design at St. Peter's Basilica, this is a great place to see how his rival achieves absolute architectural perfection without using scale and color as a crutch. There's no guide. Walk in, take a seat, and take it in.

Jessica Chapel

Emily Pennington

Charlie Hobbs

Kaitlin Menza

Galleria Doria Pamphilj Arrow

This museum houses Rome's largest private collection, a trove assembled by the Doria, Pamphilj, Landi, and Aldobrandini families and brought together through marriage. It’s set in a noble palace still owned by the Doria Pamphilj family and the ornate halls provide a grand setting for such an overwhelming amount of art. The collection is acclaimed among 16th and 17th-century art aficionados but is off the average visitor’s radar even though it's located just off Piazza Venezia and close to the Forum.

Villa Doria Pamphilj Arrow

Rome's largest public park is divided into manicured gardens, stretches of forest, pine groves, and bits of wild vegetation. There are wide open fields, as well as intimate nooks for romantic picnics. It's a perfect destination for runners or cyclists who want to get in a few miles without the nuisances of car traffic and smog. Whether you visit for a stroll, a meal, or a workout, be sure to have a map. The place is huge and some exits spit you out into residential neighborhoods.

Colosseum Arrow

If you know the background of the building, a visit to the Colosseum will be truly amazing and totally live up to the hype. The place was used for wild beast hunts, public executions, and gladiator fights for several hundred years, then became a condo of sorts as medieval Romans made their homes in the hulking ruins. Spend a little time on the second story exhibition area, check out the artists' renderings of the building's ancient and medieval incarnations, and you'll be anxious to learn more.

Ancient Pharmacy of Santa Maria della Scala Arrow

Entering this ancient apothecary, the oldest in Europe, feels a little like stepping back in time. You enter through the ground floor of the building, which is now a functioning, modern pharmacy, before heading upstairs to the ancient iteration. Visitors are welcomed by a friar, who talks you through the various herbs, potions, unguents, balms, and oils that they used to heal the ancient Romans. He knows his stuff. Ask him to show you some of the original wooden furniture from the 18th century, and the instruments they used for weighing ingredients and making the medicines. Look out for the teriaca, a potion created and used by Romans as an antidote—ingredients include viper meat.

MAXXI Rome Arrow

MAXXI is the kind of place you go to spend half a day, with no plans other than to take the entire place in. Designed by Zaha Hadid, this is Rome’s museum for all things contemporary, with exhibitions spanning modern fashion, cinema, art, and architecture. Heck, it’s worth visiting just to check out the building, a piece of art in itself. The labyrinthine space at MAXXI is astounding. It gets busy, but there's so much space that you wouldn't notice. Big, wide halls give way to rooms of different themes and sizes, resulting in five floors of non-stop, incredible artwork. Spaces range from performing arts to galleries with modern artworks to open cinemas. For some, this might feel a little incoherent, but it helps if you take it in as a whole rather than different spaces.

Capitoline Museums Arrow

Home to one of the finest collections of ancient sculpture in Rome (and therefore the world), the Capitoline Museums are—weirdly—rarely crowded. They attract school groups, local history and art buffs, and travelers, all of whom tend to meander through the museums' various buildings, two of which were designed by none other than Michelangelo. Thanks to its collection and its proximity to Rome's main archeological attractions, it's a logical place to stop after visiting the Roman Forum and Colosseum.

Palatine Hill Arrow

The Palatine Hill is a big, sprawling open-air museum. There are emperors' palaces, manicured gardens, medieval churches, and a terrace overlooking the Forum and beyond. The admission fee is about $18 and covers the Roman Forum and Colosseum, too, making it a pretty great deal. Although the Palatine has monuments from every major era in Rome's history, the real draw is a first-century palace built by Domitian, a mad emperor with a very serious architecture addiction.

Jubilee Church Arrow

Chiesa di Dio Padre Misericordioso, also known as the Jubilee Church, was designed by American architect Richard Meier as part of the Vatican's grand church-building and city revival program leading up to the Millennium Jubilee, a Catholic pilgrimage year held in 2000. The church is free, though getting there may cost you. It's about six miles from central Rome, so a taxi could easily cost more than €25 ($28). Alternatively, you can reach the church via public transport for €3 ($4) round trip.

San Zeno Chapel at Santa Prassede Arrow

The San Zeno Chapel is a small chapel and major pilgrimage destination inside the church of Santa Prassede (aka Saint Praxedes). The church, chapel, and mosaics all backdate to the 9th century when Pope Paschal I built the chapel and its Byzantine mosaics for his mother. Because the chapel houses the remains of a pillar believed by many Catholics to be from the Flagellation of Christ, it draws some pilgrims. Other visitors are travelers specifically there to see the Byzantine mosaics.

Domus Aurea Arrow

A sprawling palatial pavilion built by emperor Nero in the 1st century that will blow you away with the design taste and command of concrete and space on display. You can only visit on weekends—the site's under restoration during the week—but admission includes a guided tour. Ours was led by an archeologist who not only worked on the site but was totally obsessed with it; the passion made for a terrific tour. Try your luck.

Mercato di Campagna Amica del Circo Massimo Arrow

Despite being Rome's largest farmers market, the Mercato di Campagna Amica remains down to earth and not at all corporate—as demonstrated by the fact it's only open on weekends. The stalls adhere to the "0 km" philosophy, shorthand for products made or grown within 100 kilometers from the point of sale; and vendors come mostly from Lazio, Rome's home region. It's a crash course in the local leafy greens, amusing in their number and variety, especially to visitors from northern climates. Both the olives and the olive oil you'll find here are worth a splurge, but one of the market's best uses is as a source of super-fresh (and super-cheap) picnic material. Grab some bread, a little fresh pecorino, a few slices of prosciutto, some fruit, and make yourself a lunch.

Villa Farnesina Arrow

The Villa was the private residence of Agostino Chigi, one of the Renaissance's richest men; he liked to showcase his wealth by hiring artists to paint elaborate frescoes on the walls and ceilings in his palace. That makes this a great place for Renaissance fans who want to take their time and see the art in-situ without the crowds. Thanks to Raphael's emphasis on mythological themes, it's also a great place for kids who know about the Roman gods—or want to!

Janiculum Hill Arrow

This is a leisurely stroll beginning in Trastevere and winding up via Garibaldi to the top of Janiculum Hill. The mood changes from urban at the beginning to monumental at the end; it's a bit of work, but rewards those willing to do it with a unique perspective on Roman history and some of the best views of the city. Best to do the walk during the day, or early in the morning if it's summer. If you're on a tight schedule, don't want to brave the hill in the heat, or just want to get a view, skip the hike and take a taxi directly to Piazzale Garibaldi.

Vicus Caprarius Arrow

This museum takes you beneath the Trevi district, through an intricate maze of ancient vestiges to the archaeological ruins of Vicus Caprarius (which roughly translates to “City of Water”), an old Roman apartment complex dating back to the first-century A.D.. You get to see first-hand how the rich Romans lived, using their very own aqueduct–the same one that feeds the Trevi fountain–for their running water. The entrance is unassuming, and if you hadn’t been told it was there it would be easy to walk right past. There’s a fairly comprehensive website but all bookings are made (and confirmed) via a Whatsapp chat. Skip the guided tour—there were 8 of us in the tour group, but we shared the same (small) space with  self-guided individuals, many of whom had just showed up and booked on the day. If you're keen on a post-museum cocktail, head upstairs to Harry's Bar.

Santa Maria del Popolo Arrow

Santa Maria del Popolo is a Renaissance church at the edge of Piazza del Popolo and just within Rome's 3rd-century walls. It was decorated during Rome's most recent artistic peak, the 15th to 17th centuries, and is packed with masterpieces. The church is free, though some coins will come in handy for turning lights on in chapels. The place mostly draws visitors on the Caravaggio trail. Two canvases painted by that controversial and innovative artist hang in the chapel next to the main altar.

Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini Arrow

The Domus Romane are ancient Roman villas and other structures that were abandoned in antiquity, filled in with debris, and inadvertently used as foundations for Palazzo Valentini, a Renaissance palace turned government office building. They are now underground, obscured by buildings and pavement just beside Piazza Venezia. Booking is required and must be done online.

Santa Maria in Trastevere Arrow

There are hundreds of churches in Rome, but Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the most breathtaking. Not only are the mosaics and gilded ceiling spectacular, the very skeletal structure of the church is mind-boggling. The columns that support the nave and separate the aisles are single, solid pieces of granite that were lugged across the river in the 12th century after being plundered from the 3rd-century Baths of Caracalla. The church will help you develop a taste for medieval Rome, a period often outshined by the Renaissance and Baroque eras.

Palazzo Massimo Arrow

The Palazzo Massimo's building itself was built by Jesuits in the late 19th century and was only turned into a state-owned museum in 1980. It's next to Stazione Termini, Rome's busiest station, yet few travelers make the trip to see the museum's masterpiece-packed halls. The collection is a mix of Classical sculpture, Imperial frescoes, and Hellenistic baroque-style statuary. After the Vatican Museums and Capitoline Museums, the Palazzo Massimo is a must for ancient art lovers.

Testaccio Market Arrow

This market in one of Rome's most bustling central neighborhoods has all the usual suspects: bread bakeries, produce stalls, fishmongers, butchers, and delis. You'll also find seasonal vegetables like artichokes or zucchini, cuts typical of the local cuisine like tripe and liver, and little chewy pizzas common to Roman bakeries. If you're looking for lunch (or to stock a picnic), hunt down takeaway stalls like the stellar Mordi e Vai, which serves Roman sandwiches near the Via B. Franklin exit. The stalls on the eastern side of the market mainly sell clothes, shoes, and housewares. There's even a hair salon, in case you're needing a touchup.

Pigneto Arrow

Pigneto is popular with Italian college students and twenty- and thirty-somethings who frequent the bars on the "Isola," a pedestrianized stretch of Via del Pigneto, the neighborhood's central artery. It's also a destination for Pasolini fans who visit the streets that were the backdrop for his Neorealist films. It's an acquired taste and may feel too rough-around-the-edges for some, but anyone interested in urbanism and street art, or just thirsty to explore neighborhood's outside of Rome's historic center, will enjoy it.

Baths of Caracalla Arrow

The Baths of Caracalla were a massive public bathing complex built in the third century. Throughout the year, the site is open during the day for visitors to stroll through ruins that were so magnificent they inspired the Main Concourse at Grand Central Terminal. Each summer, the city of Rome's Opera company performs at the Baths, using the towering brick ruins as a backdrop. The contrast of the ancient buildings, celebrated operas, and modern acoustics and lighting is stunning.

Quartiere San Lorenzo Arrow

This working-class neighborhood near Termini station first gained international prominence when Soho House opened their Rome outpost a few years back. Since then, it’s evolved from a rough-around-the-edges student hangout into a decidedly bohemian district, with street art, street food, lively bars, and cool fashion boutiques. To get the most out of the neighborhood, visit in the late afternoon, when fashion boutiques like L’Anatra all’Arancia and La Maison de la Mode will still be open. Refuel with a coffee at the diminutive Giufà Libreria Caffè bookstore-bar, then check out the street art around Via dei Sabelli and Scalo San Lorenzo. Stop by Blackmarket San Lorenzo for a pre-dinner cocktail and vegetarian small plates, or pop into Sanlollo for pizzas, bruschetta, and salted cod. Gelato San Lorenzo does some of the best ice cream in town, all of it organic. Still, don't bring your parents or your fussiest friends here; rather, come with someone who’s up for a cheap-ish night out in a gritty but very cool neighborhood.

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Enter your dates to see the latest prices and deals for rome hotels, star rating, review score, rome – 5,951 hotels and places to stay.

Madison Hotel

Madison Hotel is directly opposite Rome Termini Station for metro and bus services across the city.

Hotel Sant'Angelo

Set on the right bank of Rome's Tiber River, Hotel Sant'Angelo is set in a historic building, just 0.6 mi from the Spanish Steps. It offers free Wi-Fi and rooms with attached bathroom.

Best Western Plus Hotel Spring House

This property offers a Special Protection Program, a strict program of precise safeguards dedicated to our guests and our staff.

Hotel Pacific

Hotel Pacific features 50 years of welcoming tradition and experience in a completely renovated building, close to Saint Peter's Square and the Vatican Museums, elegant neighborhood in the Eternal...

Hotel Della Torre Argentina

Hotel della Torre Argentina is an elegant historic building in the center of Rome, a 2 minute walk from the market in Campo de Fiori square.

c-hotels Club House Roma

Hotel Club House Roma is in a quiet area, 328 feet from Rome's Cornelia Metro Station and 3 stops from the Vatican City. Rooms offer air conditioning, free WiFi and satellite TV.

Hotel Navona

Hotel Navona is in a restored 15th-century building complete with frescos. The property is right behind the beautiful Church of Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property....

Hilton Rome Eur La Lama

Located in Rome, a 4-minute walk from EUR Fermi Metro Station, Hilton Rome Eur La Lama provides accommodations with a terrace, private parking, a restaurant and a bar.

Hotel Sonya

Hotel Sonya is in a quiet area of central Rome, in front of the Opera House and 164 feet from the Viminale Palace. This hotel features free WiFi throughout and rooms with cable TV.

La Griffe Hotel Roma

Featuring a rooftop bar and restaurant with panoramic views of Rome, La Griffe Hotel Roma is just 492 feet from Repubblica Metro. The rooms have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a mini-bar.

Most-booked hotels in Rome in the past month

Rome Marriott Park Hotel

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Hotel Milton Roma

Precise House Mantegna Roma

citizenM Rome Isola Tiberina

Hotel Select Garden

Villa Eur Parco Dei Pini

Massimi City Garden

Rome's best hotels with breakfast.

Otivm Hotel

Located in Rome, a short walk from Palazzo Venezia, Otivm Hotel features concierge service, a 24-hour desk and free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can also relax on the terrace.

Location,staff and rooms were clean and comfortable.

The Liberty Boutique Hotel

Offering free WiFi, the Liberty Boutique Hotel features accommodations in Rome. Around 2297 feet from Sapienza University of Rome, the property is also 2953 feet away from Santa Maria Maggiore.

The rooms were lovely and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful

Hotel Damaso

Centrally set in Rome, Hotel Damaso is 492 feet from Piazza Navona and a 2-minute walk from Campo de' Fiori.

Great location, modern, clean and comfortable room.

Harry's Bar Trevi Hotel & Restaurant

Just yards from Rome's Trevi Fountain, Harry's Bar Trevi Hotel & Restaurant offers modern rooms and a restaurant. WiFi is free throughout.

Excellent service and attention in an upscale hotel

Parlamento Boutique Hotel

Parlamento Boutique Hotel is located in Rome's Spagna district, housed in a 17th-century building. It is 984 feet from Via Condotti and 984 feet from Trevi Fountain. Free WiFi is available throughout.

Location was perfect. Service at the hotel was super excellent.

Princeps Boutique Hotel

Set on 1 of the upper floors of a historic building in Rome's Monti district, Princeps Boutique Hotel offers stylish soundproofed rooms with marble bathrooms and free WiFi.

Friendly staff - great breakfast - exceptionally clean

Terrace Pantheon Relais

Just 656 feet from the Pantheon, Terrace Pantheon Relais offers a panoramic terrace and stylish rooms. Piazza Navona is 5 minutes’ walk from the property.

very modern and clean - all the staff were and polite

HT6 Hotel Roma

Set in a historical building in the Roman Ghetto area, HT6 Hotel Roma offers stylish rooms with parquet floors and free WiFi throughout. The Great Synagogue of Rome is 164 feet from the property.

We didn't have breakfast. Location was excellent for us.

Budget hotels in Rome

Hotel Sisto V

Hotel Sisto V is opposite Gemelli Train Station, a 5-minute walk from the Policlinico Gemelli hospital, and within easy reach of the Olimpico Stadium and the Vatican City.

Close to train station. Staff friendly & helpful

Palazzo Sant'Antonio

Located in Rome, a 11-minute walk from Battistini Metro Station, Palazzo Sant'Antonio has accommodations with a garden, private parking and a bar.

pleasant service, excellent location, good quiet place

Saint B Boutique Hotel STB

Saint B boutique hotel is located in Rome, 328 feet from Piazza Barberini and 1969 feet from Piazza di Spagna. Every room has a flat-screen TV. You will find a kettle in the room.

superb location, staff were so helpful, thank you Adrianna

HOTEL CENTER 2

Located within a 10-minute walk of Vittorio Emanuele Metro Station and 300 yards of Porta Maggiore, HOTEL CENTER 2 has rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Rome.

Really good location, especially for young people.

Hotel Center 3

Set in Rome, Hotel Center 3 has rooms with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and free WiFi. A bar is available on site. Each room here will provide you with a refrigerator.

Ottima posizione, stanza pulita e staff molto gentile.

Hotel Lella

Hotel Lella is 1640 feet from Castro Pretorio Metro Station and less than 15 minutes' walk from Termini Train Station. It offers and rooms with attached bathroom with free WiFi.

Great hotell for the price ! Great for a short stay!

Sotel Nomentana Roma

Idea Hotel offers functional rooms with large beds, and a generous breakfast of homemade pastries. Located in a residential area, it is a 30-minute journey from the center of Rome.

Amabilidad de los chicos de resepccion y restaurante

Occidental Aran Park

Occidental Aran Park Hotel offers spacious accommodations surrounded by gardens in Rome’s business EUR District. The hotel also features a panoramic restaurant.

It’s really awesome location with great working staff

Hotels located in the center of Rome

Maalot Roma - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Well located in the center of Rome, Maalot Roma - Small Luxury Hotels of the World provides air-conditioned rooms, a fitness center, free WiFi and a restaurant.

Excellent location. Very friendly and helpful staff

Luxury Apartments Pantheon Roma

Offering free WiFi throughout the property, Luxury Apartments Pantheon Roma is located in Rome, a 6-minute walk from Torre Argentina and half a mile from Palazzo Venezia.

beautiful apartment, clean and fragrant. The location was fanastica, because it is in front of the Pantheon

Dharma Boutique Hotel & SPA

Dharma Boutique Hotel & SPA is located in Monti, one of Rome's most popular districts. Cavour Metro Station is nearby, and Termini Train Station and the Coliseum are about 10 minutes' walk away.

Quirky hotel. Fantastic staff. Very romantic place

Singer Palace Hotel

Boasting a rooftop restaurant, Singer Palace Hotel is located right on the famous Via del Corso shopping Street. Set 1148 feet from Trevi Fountain, the property offers air-conditioned rooms.

We loved this hotel. we loved everything about it!

PALAZZO ROMA

Well located in the center of Rome, PALAZZO ROMA provides air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, private parking and room service. This 5-star hotel offers a bar.

The full experience is beautiful Staff Room Location

Nerva Boutique Hotel

Nerva is a Boutique Hotel with 20 rooms and suites located in the heart of the Rome’s historical city center.

Room is very cosy and nice interior and very well designed

AT FORTY-ONE

Well set in the center of Rome, AT FORTY-ONE provides free WiFi throughout the property and a shared lounge.

Friendly staff, great location, the accommodation was very nice.

Albergo del Senato

Boasting a rooftop terrace overlooking the Pantheon dome, the elegant Albergo del Senato is set in the lively Piazza della Rotonda square in the historical center of Rome. Wi-Fi is free throughout.

The location was great with plenty of restaurants around.

FAQs about hotels in Rome

How much does it cost to stay in a hotel in rome, how much is a hotel in rome for this weekend, how much is a hotel in rome for tonight, which hotels in rome are good for families, what are the best hotels in rome near the vatican, what are the best hotels in rome near fiumicino airport, which hotels are the best ones to stay at in rome, which hotels in rome offer an especially good breakfast, which hotels in rome are good for couples, which hotels in rome have nice views, discover the secrets of the eternal city.

With over two and a half thousand years of history and astonishing classical beauty, Rome truly deserves to be called the Eternal City. From the breath-taking Colosseum to the famous Trevi Fountain, Rome has something for every taste.

Enjoy a freshly brewed espresso on one of the Rome’s popular piazzas and admire the everlasting beauty of frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Caravaggio’s paintings in Santa Maria del Popolo are a definite must-see.

Rome is also home to the Pantheon, built in 125 AD, the stunning St. Peter’s Basilica as well as another classic, the Roman Forum. Many of the world’s most famous churches, museums and galleries are just around the corner allowing you to have it all.

Make sure you explore the popular Trastevere and its cafes and trattorias, sit down on the Spanish Steps or just relax and enjoy Rome’s picturesque and sunny atmosphere. Rome will surely convince you that it is one of Italy’s gems.

No matter if you’re looking for a room with a view, a cheap hostel or an over-the-top design hotel, Booking.com offers all of them and more. Close proximity to the Termini Train Station, Fiumicino and Ciampino Airports is included.

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Italy Travel Experts Tours and Vacations

Where To Stay in Rome in 2024: Best Neighborhoods and Hotels

Sean Finelli Last Updated: March 21, 2024

Deciding where to stay in Rome is no easy feat, especially with its 22 rioni or districts to choose from. Each neighborhood has a distinct personality, price tag, and atmosphere to consider when picking your temporary home. In this guide, we will help you decide on an area that best suits your style and offer you hotel options for a memorable vacation!

Pro Tip:  Planning what to do on your trip to Rome? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you need it. Check out our  guide to Rome  for more planning resources, and  how to see Rome in a day  (multiple itineraries).

The Best Hotels In Rome At A Glance

• Best 5-Star : Hotel De Russie
• Best Location: Eitch Borromin
• Best views: Bio Hotel Raphael
• Best for Luxury: Fendi Private Suites
• Most Historical: Roma Hassler
• Most Unique: G-Rough

Where to stay in Rome, Italy

There are literally thousands of hotels in the city of Rome offering all kinds of experiences. How can you pick? We like to start by narrowing it down to a neighborhood that’s the right fit for you.

While there are 22 rioni (or districts) in the Eternal City, most visitors stay in fewer than half of these. The easiest way to decide where to stay in Rome is to narrow down your choices based on what you want to see and close you want to be near it.

Piazza Navona and Pantheon

Spanish steps, prati and vatican city.

• Termini station (train stations are for backpackers)
• Trevi fountain (cool to see, not to stay)

Rome’s most enchanting neighborhood is centered around the Baroque-style Piazza Navona. From well-kept Renaissance architecture to impressive fountains, this area is a sensory overload of beauty. The rates are among the highest in Rome for posh hotels, chic B&Bs, and upscale private apartments, but it’s worth the extra cost if you can.

Best restaurants near Piazza Navona & Patheon:

• Taverna Agape – Outdoor seating | no cars | authentic
• Retrobottega – fine dining | rsvp | experiential
• Ristorante La Compana – arguably the oldest restaurant in Rome

See our top restaurants near Piazza Navona and the Pantheon

Top attractions near Piazza Navona & Pantheon:

• Stadium of Domitian
• Santa Maria della Pace
• Temple of Deified Hadrian
• Michelangelo’s Christ the Redeemer

See top things to do near Piazza Navona and Pantheon

Best Hotels Near Piazza Navona/Pantheon:

Eitch borromini palazzo pamphilj.

€€€€+ | 5 Star | Central Location | Piazza Navona | Rooftop Bar

Looking for a truly magical Roman experience? Look no further than the Eitch Borromoni—a hotel built into the side of a 17th-century baroque church that overlooks the Piazza Navona. You can enjoy breakfast on the terrace with views of the Fountain of the Four Rivers. So picturesque!

Location, photos, and booking

Bio Hotel Raphael

€€€€+ | 5 Star | Vegan Restaurant | Stunning Terrace Views

Where to start? This luxe hotel has some of the most romantic rooftop vibes we’ve experienced, so don’t skip an evening here. Plus, one of their restaurants is organic, vegetarian, and vegan if that appeals to you. I also love their spacious and calming suites, some of which have balconies.

Palazzo Navona Hotel

€€€ € | 4 Star | Chic Luxe Decor | Fantastic Location | Rooftop Bar with Great Views

At this upscale hotel, you’ll be treated to stylish interiors, a rooftop bar with killer views, and a central location you just can’t beat. Just steps from the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, it’s a luxurious base to explore the best Rome has to offer.

Pro Tip: Once you decide where to stay in Rome, consider our guided tours. The Eternal City is best discovered with a local tour guide who can help you uncover the city’s many layers. Check out our top-rated tours in Rome and our Rome Guide for more planning resources.

€€€€ | 4 Star | Swanky | Breakfast in Bed | On-Site Cafe/Bar

Rustic Italian meets industrial modern while keeping the original 17th-century building’s flair. You won’t find many hotels as unique as G-Rough. Enjoy an artistic experience with minimalist rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a cool gallery bar with occasional live music.

Terrace Pantheon Relais

€€€ | 4 Star | Exclusive Rooftop Terrace | Pantheon Views | Breakfast

Located between the Pantheon and the Jewish Ghetto, you’ll be close to many of the city’s top attractions. The rooms are elegantly decorated and there’s a guests-only rooftop terrace and garden with lovely views of the Pantheon’s dome. With a delicious breakfast, it’s a great place to stay as you explore Rome.

Boutique Hotel Campo de’ Fiori

€€€ | 3 Star | Boutique | Rooms & Apartments | Multi Level Terrace

For families who need extra space, you can book an apartment here that comes with a full kitchen. Or just opt for a regular room that’s richly decorated. You’re only steps from the busy Campo de’ Fiori piazza and not far from the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

Coronari Palace Rome

€ € | 3 Star | Near the Pantheon | Traveler Favorite | Minimalist

If I am going to Rome on a non-romantic trip or on a budget, this is going to be the place for me. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and inexpensive. And after a long working day, you can enjoy the evening breeze on the rooftop terrace.

Pro apartment rental tips:

While Airbnb has a better-designed booking platform, the same apartments are all listed on Booking.com and the final price is almost always lower by 5%+. Often, ill do my research on Airbnb and ultimately book on Booking.com to save money.

You can even search for apartment rentals only in the search filters.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Rome tours to take and why .

The Spanish Steps and the surrounding neighborhood are widely regarded as the most beautiful part of Rome. Neoclassical buildings in beautiful condition line the streets here. It’s home to most of the major attractions that first-time visitors to Rome want to see, so staying here is advantageous.

Simply walk out the door and find yourself instantly immersed in the gorgeous and historic heart of the Eternal City. This is the main shopping district in Rome. Via Condotti hosts some of the best haute-couture shopping in Europe, which is ideal for all fashionistas. Some of the most expensive hotels are found here, but we’ve also included lots of affordable places to stay in Rome.

Best restaurants near Spanish Steps:

• Pastificio Guerra – Cheap | good | takeaway
• Ginger – Contemporary | design | food & shakes!
• Ciampini Bistrot – Classic | local | roman
• Zuma – sushi | rooftop | different

See our full list of the best restaurants near the Spanish Steps .

Top attractions near Spanish Steps:

• Keats Shelley house
• Piazza del Popolo
• La Fontana della Barcaccia

See our full list of the top things to see/do near the Spanish Steps

Best Hotels Near Spanish Steps:

Hotel de russie.

€€€€+ | 5 Star | Timeless Luxury | Piazza del Popolo

Hotel de Russie has been one of the most popular hotels in Rome for VIPs for decades. Bruce Springsteen, Sting, and other international celebrities have been here. The hotel is designed in classic Italian style featuring clean lines, pops of bright color, and open sightlines of the city.

Fendi Private Suites

€€€€+ | 5 Star | Designer Luxury | Via Condotti/Spanish Steps

Fendi opened some private suites for guests right above their flagship store in Rome, which is located at the end of Via Condotti. The hotel only has luxe suites, and their least expensive suite will run you over a grand per night during the peak season in June. There are only a handful of suites here, so it’s uber-exclusive.

Roma Hassler

€€€€+ | 5 Star | Iconic Landmark | Top of Spanish Steps

The Hassler opened in 1947, just after WWII, and quickly became the “it” spot in Rome. When you stay here, you can sleep soundly, knowing that someone of historical importance most definitely stayed in that very same room. You’ll also like that it’s located very close to the Spanish Steps. How convenient!

Margutta 19 Luxury Hotel

€€€€+ | 5 Star | Luxury Suites | Sophisticated | Breakfast Included

Even the “basic” deluxe suites are posh here, and every room has a king bed. If you can, ask for a room with a balcony to enjoy mornings on the cobblestone Via Margutta. This is the posh area near the Spanish Steps, and Margutta 19 goes above and beyond to make your stay wonderful.

Babuino 181 Luxury Suites

€€ €€ + | 4 Star | Key Location | Authentic Roman Restaurant

At Babuino 181 (also the address), you’re smack in between the Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps. Oh, and you’re right on Via del Babuino, which is the best street for finding antiques, jewelry, and art galleries in this neighborhood. Really, it’s an ideal location. Also worth mentioning is the new EMME restaurant that serves truly authentic, gourmet Roman food.

Hotel Piazza di Spagna

€€€ | 3 Star | Helpful Staff | Breakfast Available | Great Location

This tiny hotel is easy to miss, but it’s perfectly located just behind Piazza di Spagna. The rooms are nice though some are quite small, with even smaller bathrooms. If you’re traveling alone, you can score a great deal on a twin bedroom in a luxurious neighborhood. Breakfast is available on the terrace for an extra fee each day.

Hotel Scalinata Di Spagna

€€ € | 3 Star | Classically Modern | Rooms, Suites, Apartment

If you can, I highly recommend splurging on the suites with the 360-degree panoramic view. It’s just amazing. Otherwise, even the regular rooms here are great, and they come with a minibar that provides free water. Super handy for exploring in the summer!

Charme Spagna Boutique Hotel

€€ | 3 Star | Great Location | Terrace | Airport Transfers | Babysitting Service

This charming hotel features everything you need for a great base to explore the city. While the rooms are on the small side, you’ll enjoy a fantastic location close to Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, a delicious breakfast, and a terrace and garden where you can relax.

Hotel Valadier

€€ | 4 Star | Close to Piazza del Popolo | Lounge with Piano | Gym

Hotel Valadier has a lot to offer, which makes up for the rooms being a little on the smaller side. There’s a lounge with a piano that brings the lobby to life in the evening with live music and drinks. Plus there is a gym where you can ask for a personal trainer if you don’t want to skip a workout. But really, walking to all the shops, galleries, and nearby attractions is all the exercise you’ll need.

Hotel Art by the Spanish Steps

€€ € | 4 Star | Closest to Spanish Steps | Vibrant Colors | Artistic Vibes

This hotel is a fun option with solid walls of bright colors and lots of art throughout. But best of all, it’s located literally steps away from the Spanish Steps. And it’s a great price even in the peak of summer. So, it’s a perfect option if you want to stay near one of the top Rome attractions.

Hotel Manfredi

€€ | 3 Star | Genteel Italian Vibes | Family Run | Via Margutta

Hotel Manfredi is not one to skip! It’s a historic building with recently renovated rooms, just a block away from the Spanish Steps. And with great rates for the location, you can’t go wrong here. The Via Margutta is known for its historic elegance, and this hotel fits right in with its gorgeous suites and its location in a cobblestone alley. It’s the perfect affordable hotel to round out our list of where to stay in Rome.

Tips for apartment rentals near the Spanish Steps:

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Vatican tours to take and why.

Popular Vatican Tours

Best Seller

Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

This our most popular and longest-running Vatican tour to date. You’ll enter the Vatican Museums an hour before the public opening and see the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. Admissions are included and our English-speaking guides do a wonderful job bringing the museums to life!

Customer Favorite

Rome in a Day Tour with Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, and More!

Looking to get much of your sightseeing done in one day? This tour enters the Vatican an hour before opening and visits the Colosseum along with other sites like the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain. All admissions and transportation are included as well as a licensed, English-speaking guide!

A hipster hotspot, Monti is filled with artists and Romans lucky enough to inherit apartments along the pastel-colored streets. Despite the fact that Monti borders Rome’s major tourist attractions like the Colosseum , the neighborhood is a quiet treasure.

The word Monti translates as “mountains”. The area was home to four of the seven famous hills that once made up the city of Rome. I f your idea of a good time is exploring vintage stores and hitting up funky bars, consider staying in Monti. Here are our picks for where to stay in Rome near the Colosseum in Monti. Discover more about this cool area in our Monti neighborhood guide.

Best restaurants in Monti:

• Nerone – Roman | traditional
• Ai Tre Scalini – Wine bar | small plates
• Taverna dei Fori Imperiali

See our full list of the best restaurants in Monti

Top attractions in Monti:

• Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (discuss thrower)
• Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
• Piazza della Madonna del Monti

See our full list of the top things to see/do in Monti

Best Hotels Near Monti:

Monti palace hotel.

€€ | 4 Star | Monti and Colosseum | Rooftop Bar

Personally, I don’t love hotels on main roads, but this one is good value with updated and clean spaces. Other than being located on a main road, the location is good. Monti is a very cool neighborhood with lots of restaurants, bars, and action. Fifty-five rooms have panoramic views of Rome, and there are larger suites available.

The Glam Hotel

€€+ | 4 Star | Rooftop Terrace | Modern

Hotel Glam is centrally located in the middle of Via Nazionale between Piazza Repubblica and the Foro Imperiali. The rooms are sleek and highly curated with a contemporary design. The modern feel of the rooms is in stark contrast to the bright and sunny Terrazza Monti.

Palazzo Manfredi

€€€€+ | 5 Star | Next to the Colosseum | Roman Luxury

That view isn’t photoshopped. This luxury hotel is literally next to the Colosseum, where most rooms have a one-of-a-kind view of this ancient building. The rooms are elegant, and the terrace offers stunning views as you dine almost in the shadow of the Colosseum. It’s easily a top favorite hotel in Monti.

Hotel Artemide

€€€ | 4 Star | Spa and Turkish Bath | Central Location

I like this hotel for the spacious rooms and the super spa that also has a Finnish sauna and Turkish bath available. It’s a cool find here! This hotel is also ideally located close to shops and galleries. It is about 15 minutes from all the key areas in Monti.

The Fifteen Keys Hotel

€€€ | 4 Star | Modern Yet Homey | Excellent Service

This little boutique hotel only has 15 rooms, thus the name The Fifteen Keys Hotel. It’s just off a main road in Monti, but it’s still next to all the vibrant nightlife, shops, metro stops, and sights you want to see here. The rooms are clean and tastefully modern without being too minimal.

Hotel Forum

€€€ | 4 Star | Roman Forum Views | Ornate Décor

For the best views of the Roman Forum, I highly recommend the Hotel Forum. It’s perfectly located for an afternoon exploring the Roman temple ruins. The hotel is an old 18th-century relic with Persian rugs in the hallways and ornate décor throughout. And of course, the terrace has the best views of the Forum.

Nerva Boutique Hotel

€€ | 3 Star | Fantastic Location | Eclectic Decor | Family Friendly

If you want to be in the thick of things but on a quieter street, Nerva Boutique Hotel is the place. You’ll be within walking distance of the top attractions. They offer a range of room configurations from family-friendly master suites to deluxe single rooms. You’ll love the comfort and pops of color.

Hotel Raffaello

€€ | 3 Star | Quieter Street | Classic Italian Vibes

For another affordable option, check out Hotel Raffaello, where you can enjoy classic Italian decor in a quieter location in Monti. The rooms aren’t overly spacious, but they’re clean, and some have balconies. This hotel is closer to the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore but not too far from the Colosseum.

Tips for Airbnb’s Near Monti:

Monti is a bustling neighborhood. Try to find an apartment on a back street in this area. These are referred to as Vicolo  in Italian, which means “little street.” Piazza della Madonna dei Monti is a great square to get a drink and sit at the fountain. If you’re on a budget, you can buy from the store and sit outside, which is legal.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out why a Colosseum tour is worth it .

Trastevere, which means “beyond the Tiber,” is a charming, bohemian neighborhood. With a buzzing nightlife for tourists and locals alike, the atmosphere is hip and social for sure.

It’s filled with a plethora of independent shops and great spots for food and drink. In fact, our best Rome food tour takes place right here, exploring the best local cuisine in the area.

Stay here if your idea of a perfect neighborhood is more off-beat than glamorous and you enjoy a lively and friendly atmosphere with picturesque cobblestone streets. Find out more about this great part of Rome in our Trastevere neighborhood guide .

Best restaurants in Trastevere:

• Le Mani in Pasta – seafood | rsvp
• Casa Manco – pizza | standup
• Dar Poeta – pizza | casual

See our full list of the top restaurants in Trastevere .

Top attractions in Trastevere:

• Ponte Sisto
• San Pietro in Montorio
• Gianicolo viewpoint

See our full article on the top things to do in Trastevere .

Best Hotels in Trastevere:

Horti 14 borgo trastevere hotel.

€€€ | Modern Concept Hotel | Rooftop Lounge

The rooms are beautifully designed and very clean. The outdoor spaces are some of the best in this price range. For anyone looking to enjoy a typical night out, the hotel is tucked into a very local part of Trastevere that is well-connected to the best nightlife in the area.

Relais Le Clarisse a Trastevere

€€ | 3 Star | Charming Boutique | Ideal Breakfast Patio

Space is at a premium in Rome, yet this hotel has a perfect little courtyard with olive and lemon trees that make breakfast even sweeter. The rooms are charming and range from rustic to bright and breezy. You’re just three minutes from Santa Maria here, nestled in the tiny alleyways.

Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá

€€ €€ € | 5 Star | Luxury | Outdoor Pool | Spa | Close to the Vatican

Set in a historic villa built by Agrippina Major, this hotel is a luxurious escape from the hustle and bustle of the city without actually leaving it. You’ll be within walking distance of the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica. After a day of exploring, enjoy the outdoor pool, spa, or drinks and a meal in the restaurant and bars.

Donna Camilla Savelli Hotel

€€+ | 4 Star | Inside a Baroque Monastery | Gardens | Rooftop Views

This magnificent hotel sits within the carefully-preserved convent of Donna Camilla Savelli. With an eye toward baroque architecture and refined furnishings, you’ll feel luxuriously taken care of here. And the views from the rooftop patio are some of the best in the Trastevere area.

Location, photos, and b ooking

€€ | 4 Star | Quieter Location | Futuristic Decor | Affordable

If you love ultra-modern concepts, then stay outside the busy center of Trastevere in this quiet hotel. Every room is different, but they have a futuristic vibe to them. The studio flats are great for families who need a little extra space and a kitchenette. And there are several tram and bus stops right out front to get you where you need to go.

Hotel Santa Maria

€€ | 3 Star | Affordable | Garden | Family Friendly | Great Location

Staying at Hotel Santa Maria is like staying in a lovely home in Trastevere. Well-located with great amenities like a beautiful garden with orange trees and outdoor seating, plus a bar with happy hour and snacks. It’s a great place to stay to explore this trendy area and beyond.

Grand Hotel Gianicolo

€€ | 4 Star | Restaurant | Outdoor Pool | Historic Villa | Elegant

If you’re looking for an oasis in Rome, this hotel is for you. The historic villa features a big outdoor pool and a high-end restaurant set in a beautiful winter garden. This is a place to relax. Rooms offer classic and casual comfort. You can even book a superior room with a large terrace overlooking the pool.

Tips for Airbnbs in Trastevere:

There are a few hotels in Trastevere, but the area is really dominated by apartment rentals. Avoid staying on roads like Vicolo del Cinque, Piazza Trilusa, or Piazza S. M. in this neighborhood unless you are ok with noise until late. These areas are overflowing with people year-round, and closing your windows won’t always work to silence the busy streets.

If you want to be near the action but not quite in the thick of it, the best area to stay in is between Viale di Trastevere, Tiber Island, Porto di Ripa Grande and Via di Porta Portese—basically, anywhere within three or four blocks of Via della Lungarina.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Rome food tour is worth it .

Across from Vatican City lies Prati, a calm, elegant, and modern Roman neighborhood. It’s perfect for anyone planning a religious trip or for groups of senior travelers who might encounter trouble with old buildings without elevators. Prati is one of Rome’s best-kept secrets, and we have the best suggestions for where to stay in Rome near Vatican City.

This is also one of the few districts in Rome that isn’t overrun by tourism. This is surprising because some of the most iconic places to visit, like the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, are located right here.

The neighborhood doesn’t look like your typical postcard of Rome, but thanks to its modern European vibes and high-end shopping street, Via Cola di Rienzo, it isn’t lacking in charm.

Best restaurants near the Vatican:

• Panificio Bonci – pizza | standup
• La Zanzara – casual | aperitivo
• Hostaria Dino e Toni – authentic | Roman

See our full article on the best restaurants near the Vatican .

Top attractions near the Vatican:

• Castel Sant’Angelo
• Ponte Sant’Angelo
• Vatican Gardens

See our full article on the top things to do near the Vatica

Best Hotels Near Prati:

Rome cavalieri waldorf astoria.

€€€€ | Resort Style | Multiple Pools | Rooftop Dining | Family Friendly

This hotel has a look and feel like no other hotel in Rome. It’s as massive as a resort and just a short drive from the city center and Vatican City. The hotel is home to Rome’s only 3 Michelin-star restaurant, La Pergola , which has been led by Heinz Beck for quite some time.

Palazzo Cardinal Cesi

€€+ | 4 Star | Ideal Location | Classic Italian Rooms

This palace, built in 1400, has 29 rooms, a beautiful courtyard, luxe library, and an old refectory where monks used to eat centuries ago. The location is epic for seeing St. Peter’s Basilica, which is just a moment away. The rooms are simple but decorated with cherry wood furniture. It’s perfect for an affordable stay in the best location.

Atlante Star Hotel

€ €+ | 4 Star | Elegant European | Honeymoon Upgrades | Rooftop Views

Located between the Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo, this luxury hotel is ideal for couples. Book a spacious suite with a jacuzzi and a perfect view of St. Peter’s for the ultimate Roman experience. Best of all, enjoy the view from the rooftop terrace where sunset views of the Vatican are extra romantic.

Hotel Diplomatic

€€ | 3 Star | Umbertino Style | Quieter Area | Affordable

With its blue and gold décor, this hotel is classically Italian. It’s steps away from the Tiber river and a 15-minute walk from the Vatican. Breakfast probably won’t wow you, but it’s still a good start to the day. All-in-all, it’s a solid, affordable choice for a quieter area that’s still close to the action.

Hotel Dei Mellini

€€+ | 4 Star | Celebrity Fave | Private Art Collection | Pets Stay Free

There are so many reasons to love this 19th-century hotel: the private art collection from local artists, local celebrity sightings, outdoor patio, the location, and the fact that pets can stay free—great if you’re traveling with your furry friend. Or if you have kids, you can ask about babysitting services. It’s truly an all-service hotel that aims to please.

Hotel Amalia

€€+ | 3 Star | Perfect Location | Room Service | Spacious Rooms

The Vatican walls are just 650 feet away from this hotel and there are plenty of shops nearby, yet it’s located away from the bustle of the city. After a long day, you’ll appreciate the room service, and you can even ask for a room with a bathtub. This hotel is in a late 19th-century building, but it actually has an elevator!

Tips for Airbnbs in Prati Near the Vatican:

With over 700 hotels, the Prati district has a ton of choices. You can get lower prices here and good value, but you’re not going to be in the classic Roman part of the city. This area was heavily modernized by Benito Mussolini—for better or worse.

You will find some great Airbnbs, but watch out for apartments on high floors with no elevators (or lifts). It is more common than you would think, and people often assume all buildings will have an elevator. They don’t! Welcome to Italy!

Here’s Where To Stay in Italy’s Most Popular Destinations

Rome , Florence , Venice , Amalfi Coast , and Capri

Best Hotels & Where to Stay

Reader Interactions

Comments (5).

November 11, 2018

It was great reading your blog, very nicely executed. I haven’t visited Rome yet, but after reading your blog, would surely love to visit ASAP. Thanks for sharing such a fantastic blog and awesome pictures. I am a blogaholic, today I have read a blog and would like to share https://www.benvenutolimos.com/blog/best-neighborhoods-rome-stay/

November 12, 2018

Ciao Kathleen! Thanks for your comment, and we’re very happy to hear that you enjoyed this blog. You should definitely visit Rome ASAP, you’re gonna love it! We’d love to welcome you on one of our many Rome tours during your stay. Hope to see you soon in the Eternal City!

April 3, 2019

Awesome guide!! I was wondering where to book my hotel and this helped a lot 🙂

April 4, 2019

Ciao Sofia! Glad we could help you!

January 12, 2020

This is one of the most helpful blog posts I’ve seen when looking for information on where to stay in Rome. The info graphics are super helpful because it’s a visual – all the other blogs just have written information and don’t seem objective towards all areas. Thanks!

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• World's Best

The 5 Best Hotels in Rome in 2022

Elegant properties with incredible dining just steps from famed attractions? When it comes to the best hotels in Rome, Travel + Leisure readers say that’s amore.

Nina Ruggiero is Travel + Leisure's senior editorial director and the co-founder of Be A Travel Writer , an online course for aspiring travel journalists. A New Yorker based in Los Angeles, she has a special interest in beach destinations, outdoor adventures, unique hotels, pet-friendly travel with her golden retriever, @travelswithcali, and all things Italy.

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite hotels in Rome.

Lively piazzas, ancient monuments, piping-hot bowls of bucatini all'amatriciana: there is no place like Rome . Founded in 753 B.C., the Eternal City has sights, restaurants , and a dolce-vita lifestyle that beckon travelers first and foremost, but the Italian capital's grand hotels are also star attractions.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, Travel + Leisure asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city hotel, resort, or safari lodge based on their locations and amenities.

Rome is one of those cities that envelops the senses and manages to hit even first-time visitors with nostalgia, just by being itself. But when it comes to truly feeling settled abroad, T+L readers believe having a five-star home base never hurts. All five of Rome's top hotels are perfect examples of how a luxury stay with top-tier service can take a dream vacation from great to unforgettable. "No words are enough," one reader said about the No. 2 Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel. "This hotel is magic."

But it was another Rocco Forte location, Hotel de la Ville, that took home the No. 1 spot on this year's ranking of the best hotels in Rome, according to T+L readers. Read on to find out why, and to see which other properties made the list.

1. Hotel de la Ville, a Rocco Forte Hotel

The prestigious Rocco Forte hotel group took the top two spots on Rome's list this year — a fitting way to celebrate its 25th anniversary — but readers couldn't stop raving about Hotel de la Ville and its welcoming staff most of all. Atop the iconic Spanish Steps and just a few minutes' walk from the designer boutiques of Via dei Condotti, Hotel de la Ville brings the magic of Rome into each of its rooms and suites through its artwork, antique details, and luxurious fabrics. Splurge on a terrace suite and soak in all the warmth the city has to offer, sip a Spritz at what one reader called "the best rooftop bar in the city," and enjoy an evening meal by renowned Roman chef Fulvio Pierangelini beneath a striped umbrella and romantic fairy lights.

Score: 97.17

Book on Tripadvisor

2. Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel

Score: 93.08

3. St. Regis Rome

Score: 92.92

4. Hotel Eden

Score: 92.70

5. J.K. Place Roma

Score: 92.57

Related Articles

Where to Stay in Rome (2024): #1 BEST Area for Sightseeing

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: December 30, 2023

When starting to plan your trip to Rome, Italy, the first question is likely to be ‘where should I stay in Rome?’ … In this guide, we share our experience-based recommendations for the VERY BEST area to stay in Rome.

Instead of listing all the neighborhoods where you could stay when visiting Rome and the pros and cons of each of them, we simply focus on that one area that is simply the best place to stay for tourists visiting Rome.

Whether you are looking for the best place to stay in Rome for first time visitors, are interested in sightseeing, dining, or shopping, this is the best place to stay in the Eternal City and you don’t have to look any further! (Because why settle for second-best…)

In this article, we tell you WHY this is the best area to stay in Rome, what you can expect, and list some of the best-rated hotels in this neighborhood in all price categories .

That way, you can find the best place to stay in Rome that fits your travel style and budget, book your accommodation, and start focusing on the fun part of planning what to actually see and do in Rome. And yes, we have some recommendations for this too, including some sample itineraries.

But first – our no-nonsense guide on where to stay in Rome. Take a look!

TIP: If you have no time to read the entire guide and are simply looking for the best hotels in the best area in Rome , here are our top recommendations:

• €€€€€  Eitch Borromini Palazzo Pamphilj .
• €€€€   9HotelCesari .
• €€€ Trevi Beau Boutique Hotel .
• €€  Arch Rome Suites .

Good to know: If you are just starting to plan your trip and haven’t decided how many days to stay in Rome, we highly recommend staying in the city for at least 4-5 nights (3-4 days).

• The VERY BEST area to stay in Rome
• Hotel recommendations in this neighborhood (all budgets)
• Advantages of staying here
• Disadvantages & top tips

So, what is the best place to stay in Rome?

Rome has a big variety of hotels and accommodations scattered all over the city, but if you want to experience the best that Rome has to offer, we recommend staying in the historic city center, close to the Pantheon. You don’t have to stay right at the Pantheon, of course, but try to stay within 5-10 minutes walking distance from here.

Hands down, the area around Pantheon (pretty much anywhere between Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain) is the best place to stay in Rome .

Our experience: We have been to Rome many times and we ALWAYS stay in the neighborhood around the Pantheon. We have considered other locations in the past, but in the end, we always end up staying here. And when we plan another visit to Rome again, I’m not even looking anywhere else.

There are so many advantages of staying in the heart of the historic city center of Rome that they outweigh any potential disadvantages. It’s also a safe area to stay in Rome. We never think twice about walking around here at night, and even if we get lost in some smaller streets, it never feels unsafe. Of course, you have to be vigilant everywhere in big cities, but the center of Rome never felt unsafe to us.

You can find more information about the positive sides and the drawbacks of staying in this area further below. But first – some accommodation recommendations depending on your budget.

Some of the best-rated hotels in Rome city center for all budgets

Based on the research we did for one of our recent trips, here are some of the best-rated hotels we recommend in the neighborhood around Piazza Navona – the Pantheon for all budgets.

There are, of course, MANY other choices in all price categories. In addition to hotels, there are also lots of privately-rented accommodations including some nice apartments (ideal for bigger families). But for those, it’s even more important to double-check that they have AC, especially if you’re visiting Rome in the warmer season.

Good to know: Price ranges are just an indication and so much depends on when you travel. Sometimes, you can find a fantastic deal for a 5* hotel, and a month later, you can pay more for a 3* hotel…

Here are some recommended hotels close to the Pantheon:

• €€€€€+ The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel, Autograph Collection – one of the most beautiful 5* luxury hotels in Rome. Stunning rooftop terrace too.
• €€€€€  Eitch Borromini Palazzo Pamphilj – a more affordable, 4* classic luxury hotel in a great location.
• €€€€   9HotelCesari – a modern, recently renovated 4* hotel with amazing rooftop restaurant. We stayed here recently and wouldn’t hesitate to go back, even if just for another breakfast on that rooftop terrace. Take a look at the featured image on top of this article (or the picture below), and you’ll see why. And no, we’re not getting paid to promote them. 😉
• €€€   Albergo Abruzzi – a nice 3* hotel right at the Pantheon. Or – closer to the Trevi – Trevi Beau Boutique Hotel , a very popular choice offering excellent price/quality.
• €€  Navona Theatre Hotel  or Arch Rome Suites – some of the bestsellers in the lower midrange budget.
• €+   Hotel Primavera – one of the best low-budget choices in this area.

TIP: Using the map below, you can compare hotels, apartments, and private accommodations in the area around the Pantheon.

Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay in Rome. Check it out!

Advantages of staying in the heart of Rome

There are many reasons to stay in the historic heart of Rome. Here are just some of the main advantages of staying in the area around the Pantheon :

• You can walk everywhere on foot. Staying close to the Pantheon means that the majority of must-see places in Rome are located within a short walking distance from your hotel. The most famous sights like the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, or the Spanish Steps are just 5-15 minutes walk away. You can also easily walk to the Vatican or to the Colosseum in about 20-30 minutes (with lots of other amazing places to see along your way).
• You can beat the crowds at some of the most popular landmarks. Staying in the heart of Rome means that you can walk to some of its iconic landmarks in just a couple of minutes. While the city is always busy during the day, it’s usually very quiet early in the morning. So if you make an effort to wake up a bit earlier, you can see the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and other amazing places without too many other people. And after a short morning walk, you can easily walk back to your hotel for a relaxing breakfast before you set off for the day.
• You don’t have to worry about how public transport works. This neighborhood is so central that you can easily get to all the main sights and attractions on foot. So if you plan well and are prepared to walk, you don’t have to try to figure out how public transport in Rome works, where to get the tickets, or how much it costs. Of course, you can still take public transport in order to cover bigger distances in the city in a short time. But if you plan your sightseeing well, it’s actually possible to explore everything on foot (not all on the same day, of course :)). In all those times we’ve been to Rome and stayed close to the Pantheon, we never used public transport. Not once.
• There are lots of good restaurants nearby. Staying close to the Pantheon/ Piazza Navona, you really don’t have to worry about finding a good place to eat at any time of the day (or late in the evening). There are many restaurants all over this area. And yes, some of them are more tourist-oriented than others, so read the reviews on Google Maps before you go in. But there are plenty of restaurants that offer great food quality and excellent service, even though they’re located in the most touristy area. See also our tips on where to eat in Rome and our review of the best street food tour in Rome .
• There are lots of amazing gelaterias nearby. If you stay close to the Pantheon, you’ll never have to eat a bad gelato in Rome. Some of the best gelaterias in Rome – Giolitti, Della Palma, Venchi, and quite a few others – are located in the heart of the city center.
• You can easily come back to your hotel during the day. If for whatever reason you want to get back to your hotel during the day (to rest, change clothes, drop off something you bought, etc.), it’s simple to do that if your hotel is really centrally located.
• You don’t have to waste time (and money) on commute. I guess this is quite self-explanatory. Being able to just walk everywhere is such a big advantage.

Disadvantages of staying in Rome city center

As already mentioned, I find that the advantages of staying in the heart of Rome outweigh any of the drawbacks. But in case you wonder, there are some disadvantages too, of course:

• Potentially higher price . While this is not always the case – and a lot depends on when exactly you travel and the hotel you choose – in general, accommodation prices in this prime location are higher than in the areas further away from the center.

TIP: Book in advance! The earlier you book, the more accommodation options you’ll have to choose from, so it will be easier to find something that suits your budget. Or travel in the lower season. We recently visited Rome in November and hotel prices were so good that we had difficulties choosing between some really nice 4-5* hotels in the city center, which all offered very reasonable rates. However, just a few weeks before our trip, I checked if there were any last-minute deals, but the hotel prices had skyrocketed by then. We would have paid over 2 times more for the same hotel if we hadn’t booked in advance.

• Public transport. If you are planning to take a train or a metro in Rome, you should know that there are no stations in the immediate vicinity of the Pantheon. The main railway station – Roma Termini – is located about 2.5 km (1.55 miles) from the Pantheon, which is a 30-40 minutes walk. The closest metro station is Barberini; about 1.2 km (0.75 miles), 15-20 minutes walk from the Pantheon. In general, it’s not a big deal, but it’s not something you want to do on foot with all your luggage upon arrival or departure.

TIP: We recommend simply taking a taxi or a private transfer to your hotel from/to the airport. Or – if you want to travel faster and cheaper – book train tickets from the airport to the city . If you don’t have too much luggage, you can also walk from the station to your hotel. In that case, you may want to stay closer to the Trevi Fountain , which will make the walk somewhat shorter.

LEARN MORE: Rome Airport Transfers

• Noise . It’s possible that it will be noisy in the city center, but this is really the case pretty much anywhere you stay in Rome (e.g. I heard the worst complaints about noise in the Trastevere neighborhood from several friends). In the evening, there are people on the streets, and in the morning, you’ll have trash collectors and delivery guys. On the other hand, if your hotel has decent isolation, you won’t hear any outside noise when the windows are closed.

Our experience: We always stay in the city center in Rome, and indeed in some of the really centrally located hotels – and with the windows open – you can usually hear some street noise. But with the windows closed, it’s not a problem at all. For that, it’s also really important to double-check that your hotel has air conditioning!

TIP: Read the hotel reviews to see what people are saying about the noise, and to be sure that the hotel you choose has good AC.

So, these are our recommendations for the very best area to stay in Rome for tourists. Of course, there are many other nice places to stay in Rome, and – depending on the trip you are planning – maybe it makes sense for you to look into other areas…

For example, for a really short stay, maybe you prefer to stay close to the train station . Or maybe you want to stay in a more local neighborhood with lots of good restaurants and don’t mind having to walk further for everything else. In that case, look into accommodations in Trastevere .

But if you want to experience the best that Rome has to offer , stay close to the Pantheon, and you’ll have a much more memorable trip!

TIP: If you are wondering what to see and do in Rome or how to plan your time , be sure to check our other guides as well:

• Best Things to Do in Rome
• Colosseum (levels and ticket options explained)
• Lesser-known Places to See in Rome (hidden gems)
• Rome Underground (crypts, catacombs, etc.)
• Rome Street Food Tour (our favorite)
• Best Views in Rome
• One Day in Rome
• Two Days in Rome
• Four Days in Rome

READ ALSO: Planning a Trip to Rome: Top Tips for First-time Visitors

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

More travel inspiration for your trip to Italy:

• What to see:   Best places to visit in Italy
• Best cities: Most beautiful cities in Italy
• Best things to do in Venice
• 1-day Venice itinerary
• Venice gondola ride
• 3 days in Venice
• Doge’s Palace
• How to visit Venice by car
• Best things to do in Milan
• How to see the best of Milan in 1 day
• Best things to do in Florence
• 1 day in Florence
• Florence rooftops (hotels, restaurants & bars with rooftop terraces)
• Tips for visiting Cinque Terre
• Best of Cinque Terre in one day
• Where to stay in Cinque Terre
• Italian Riviera Best Towns
• Tips for visiting Lake Como
• Where to stay at Lake Como
• Best places in the Dolomites
• Hiking in the Dolomites
• Dolomites itinerary
• Where to stay in Italian Dolomites
• Best lakes in Italian Dolomites
• Amalfi Coast itinerary
• Tips for visiting Amalfi Coast
• Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast
• What to see on Capri Island  
• What to do in Anacapri
• Where to stay on Capri Island
• Best things to do in Naples
• Naples 1-day itinerary
• Where to stay in Naples
• Best day trips from Naples
• Off the beaten path: Trentino – Emilia Romagna – Rimini – Ravenna
• … for more information and inspiration for a big variety of destinations all over Italy, please check our  Italy travel guide . You may also want to read our tips for planning a trip to Europe .

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Monday 15th of May 2023

Thanks for this guide, Jurga. We were thinking of staying next to the station, but after reading this booked close to the Pantheon. We are traveling in two weeks can't wait!

Tuesday 16th of May 2023

Have a great trip, Rita!

Best Hotels in Rome, Italy

Rome Hotels

Property types, distance from, neighbourhoods, traveller rating, hotel class, popular hotels in rome right now.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveller ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveller Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
• Distance to city centre See properties located closest to the centre first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners

1. Hotel Artemide

2. Hotel Colosseum

3. Domidea Hotel

4. Dharma Boutique Hotel & Spa

5. Crowne Plaza Rome - St. Peter's, an IHG Hotel

6. iQ Hotel Roma

7. Hotel Barocco

8. Dharma Luxury Hotel

9. Boutique Hotel Campo de Fiori

10. Rome Times Hotel

11. B&B Hotel Roma Trastevere

12. Hotel Savoy Roma

13. The Hoxton Rome

14. Hotel Portoghesi

15. Hotel Amalfi

16. B&B Hotel Roma San Lorenzo Termini

17. River Palace Hotel

18. The RomeHello

19. Hotel Barrett

20. Holiday Inn Rome - Eur Parco Dei Medici, an IHG hotel

21. Fabulous village

22. Hotel Camelia

23. Hotel Raffaello - Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western

24. Villa Patrizia

25. Hotel Villa Pamphili Roma

26. Hotel Villa Eur Parco Dei Pini

27. Tritone Hotel

28. Best Western Hotel Astrid

29. Villa San Lorenzo Maria Hotel

30. Hotel Nord Nuova Roma

Rome Hotels Information

Results similar to rome.

• Hotel Artemide
• Hotel Colosseum
• Domidea Hotel
• Dharma Boutique Hotel & Spa
• Crowne Plaza Rome - St. Peter's, an IHG Hotel
• iQ Hotel Roma
• Hotel Barocco
• Dharma Luxury Hotel
• Boutique Hotel Campo de Fiori
• Rome Times Hotel

20 INCREDIBLE Hotels Near the Colosseum in Rome [2024 Edition]

Wake up to over 2,000 years of history with these wonderful hotels near the colosseum.

Staying in a hotel near the Colosseum puts you right into the heart of Rome’s archaeological park, ensuring a complete immersion into the glorious history of an empire that shaped Western civilisation.

Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, this massive construction is the largest arena ever built, with a capacity of over 50,000 spectators. It was built in a decade under the emperors of the Flavian dynasty, who conceived it as a gift to the Romans. It’s opening in 80 AD was celebrated with a hundred days of events, including gladiator games and wild animal shows.

Today, the Colosseum is one of the most photographed landmarks in the world and a global cultural icon of Rome, where it proudly stands as a symbol of the city’s incredible historical heritage.

Where exactly is the Colosseum?

The area is well-served by public transport. The closest metro station is “Colosseo” located on Line B. Bus 75  to Termini Station, 118  to the Appian Way, and tram line 3  to Trastevere also stop close to the Colosseum.

Things to see near the Colosseum

Domus Aurea

More Roman history can be found at the Domus Aurea , the magnificent residence that emperor Nero built after the devastating fire of 64 AD. A bit further away, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the city’s four Papal Basilica, boasting beautiful mosaics and a stunning golden coffered ceiling.

Church of Santa Maria Maggiore

There are also some hidden artistic jewels to explore near the Colosseum, such as Michelangelo’s statue of Moses inside the Church of St. Peter in Chains . Another must-see is the Basilica of San Clemente , nicknamed the Lasagna Church because of the layers of history locked within its walls.

Where to stay in Rome near the Colosseum

For many, seeing the Colosseum represents a bucket list item. Especially if you’re a first-time visitor, this is one of the best Roman neighbourhoods for sightseeing, with easy access to the city’s main attractions and many restaurants.

While it’s crowded during the day, the area around the Colosseum gets quieter at night. Staying here means you have all the time to admire Rome’s archaeological sites during off-peak hours – think of a late-night stroll when they are all lit up! Whether it’s hotels with panoramic rooftops or apartments with front-row views over the Colosseum, you’re sure to find something that will make your Rome stay unforgettable.

Best luxury hotels near the Colosseum 

Palazzo Manfredi

With its attention to detail, breathtaking views, and beautiful interiors, Palazzo Manfredi is one of the best luxury hotels near the Colosseum. It occupies a 17th-century building located right next to the gymnasium where gladiators trained before facing their opponents in the Colosseum. On site are three food and drink outlets, including the Michelin-starred Aroma and a rooftop lounge bar overlooking the treasures of Imperial Rome.

Click here to check availability and book your stay

Mytale creative academy hotel.

Full of colour and character, this arty boutique hotel sits just behind the Forum of Augustus. Its creative design has been conceived as a journey through Rome’s history and its 12 smart, minimalist rooms boast strong colours and unique “art carpets” that depict some of the city’s most famous monuments and paintings. The attractive rooftop terrace provides lovely views stretching across the Monti neighbourhood. There’s a cool cocktail bar serving drinks with strong Mediterranean influence, just like the dishes served at the ground-floor restaurant.

Click here to check availability and book your stay  

Duca d’alba hotel.

Duca d’Alba stands in a period building beautifully transformed into a modern 4-star hotel with the Colosseum and the Roman Forum just around the corner. This is a lively area with many shops, restaurants, and bars. The hotel has 27 elegant rooms in different shapes and sizes, all with wood floors, travertine marble bathrooms, double soundproofed windows, and classic elements. Amenities include minibars, satellite TVs, and air conditioning. Some bicycles are also available for rent to explore the city on two wheels.

Hotel Forum

This hotel boasts a top location within walking distance of the Imperial Fora. It occupies a former 18th-century Dominican convent. One of its most attractive assets is the roof garden with a lounge bar and a restaurant overlooking the stunning archaeological remains of Imperial Rome. First opened in 1962, the hotel has drawn illustrious guests like Jackie Kennedy, Liz Taylor, and the Dalai Lama. Rooms are cosy spaces with a classy design. All have parquet flooring, air conditioning, a minibar, and satellite TV.

Best mid-range hotels near the Colosseum

Boutique Hotel Nerva

Only 20 rooms are housed in this charming boutique hotel between Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum that prides itself on offering an authentic Italian experience. Its elegant, contemporary-styled interiors pay homage to Made in Italy design and are filled with beautiful paintings and art pieces. All rooms have wooden floors, marble bathrooms, and supremely comfortable beds. The icing on the cake is the breakfast spread, which features delicious freshly-baked goods supplied by Rome’s famous Roscioli bakery.

Hotel Lancelot

An emphasis on classic elegance and homely comfort defines this 3-star hotel located a stone’s throw from the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Accommodation varies from cozy rooms for solo travellers to large triples and quadruples. Some open onto a lovely terrace with a table and chairs. All rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, courtesy kits, and a work desk. For a splurge, the elegant Terrace Suite has a terrace with fabulous views of the Colosseum. An onsite restaurant serves 3-course dinners in an elegant dining room or by candlelight in the garden patio.

Hotel Grifo

This comfortable hotel is well-located in the attractive Monti neighbourhood and makes an excellent base from which to explore all the charms of Rome. It offers a series of elegantly designed rooms with a contemporary feel and colours that favour chic petrol blues, greys, and whites. They are all equipped with memory foam mattresses, USB ports, minibars, and smart TVs with international channels. Many also boast a terrace overlooking the neighbourhood’s rooftops. There’s no restaurant, but the hotel provides a rich buffet breakfast and delightful picnic bags for a small fee.

Casa Santa Sofia

Located in Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, the lively piazza of Rione Monti, this 3-star hotel offers newly renovated rooms only 600 metres from the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. With wonderful panoramic views of Rome, the hotel’s seasonal rooftop terrace offers a privileged spot to linger over a glass of wine, while the modern-styled rooms are a haven of relaxation. All are equipped with complimentary smartphones and luxury toiletries by Rituals. The room rate includes a rich breakfast with homemade cakes, savoury treats, and coffee from Rome’s historic roasting company Danesi.

Best budget hotels near the Colosseum

B&B Santi Quattro al Colosseo

Located only a 5-minute walk from the Colosseum, this quietly charming bed & breakfast has been recently opened and offers two modern rooms with modern decor and tiled floors. They both have a private bathroom equipped with Simmons mattresses and latex pillows. They also have some apartments near the Colosseum that can sleep up to six people. The B&B serves a daily buffet breakfast with sweet and savoury delicacies and offers guests special prices at its restaurant located 50 metres from the property.

 White Ostilia B&B

Tucked away on a quiet residential street a stone’s throw away from the treasures of Imperial Rome, this charming bed & breakfast has two neat and spacious rooms with hardwood floors and bright, neutral colour palettes. Both have a private bathroom with a shower, a mini fridge, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and an electric kettle. An Italian breakfast of coffee and pastry is served in a cute café near the property.

Hotel Rosetta

Centrally situated on Via Cavour, only 5 minutes from the Colosseum, this little hotel offers a selection of single, double, and triple rooms with private bathrooms. Though relatively plain in their decor, they are big enough to ensure a comfortable stay. They have all the necessary amenities, including air conditioning, TV, WiFi, and a safe. The hotel has limited facilities, but the service is very helpful and goes the extra mile to accommodate any request if possible.

New Generation Hostel Rome Center

Housed in a wing of a Franciscan Nuns’ convent only a 10-minute walk away from the Colosseum, this stylish hostel offers a fabulous central location at a budget price. There are mixed dormitories sleeping up to 6 people, all with bunk beds, bathrooms, fridges, and private lockers. The hostel also offers some private rooms. All beds come with orthopaedic mattresses, mattress pads, pillows, blankets, and bed linens. There is a shared lounge area with a kitchen, a 24-hour shop, a lovely garden, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

Best family hotels near the Colosseum 

Hotel Celio

With spacious triple and quadruple rooms and a lovely roof garden with a small swimming pool for children, this is easily one of the best family-friendly hotels near the Colosseum. Moreover, its location in the heart of the Monti neighbourhood offers plenty of opportunity for urban exploration. The hotel is set inside a splendid mansion dating from 1870. Its interiors brim with character, boasting lavish drapes, mosaic flooring, and frescoes. There’s no on-site restaurant, but the area offers plenty of dining opportunities. The room rate includes an Italian-style breakfast served in the room and on the terrace.

Hotel Paba  

This charming, independent hotel is situated in an early 19th-century building swathed in the glamour of the Roaring Twenties. It’s accessible via a beautiful period lift and has 7 spacious rooms full of character, with retro colours, parquet floors, wooden furniture, and references to the world of art and culture. The family room can accommodate up to 5 guests and come with free WiFi, a TV, a mini fridge, and a private bathroom with a shower. The property is only a couple minute’s walk from the Colosseum.

Cosmopolita Hotel Rome, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

With most of Rome’s attractions and the best shopping areas on its doorstep, this stylish is ideally placed for easily exploring the city. It’s got large rooms that can accommodate families of three or four, all decked out in contemporary decor with custom-made furniture and splashes of bright colours. In-room amenities include desks, satellite TVs, minibars, air conditioning, and bathrooms with large showers. The hotel doesn’t have a restaurant but is surrounded by plenty of great eateries specialised in Roman cuisine.

The Inn at the Roman Forum

This seductive hotel in the heart of ancient Rome boasts theatrical interiors and opulent rooms that ensure a truly unique stay near the Colosseum. The real magic happens below ground, where you can sip wine underneath an authentic cryptic Roman portico discovered in 1887. There’s also a beautiful rooftop lounge where guests are treated to a delicious breakfast and a complimentary aperitif buffet. Large families can opt for the Exclusive Floor, consisting of 3 communicating rooms, each with its own bathroom. There are also some luxurious two and three-bedroom apartments.

Best apartments near the Colosseum

A holiday apartment is an excellent choice for those who value their privacy. The following options provide cozy, homey spaces that are also the perfect spot from which to take in some of the best Colosseum views.

Vista Antica

Hungry Lions

Gladiators Ready!

Still in doubt? Check out my guide on where to stay in Rome  for more ideas for your next trip!

Wonderful tours in rome.

• Private Helicopter Tour over Rome
• Skip the Line: Crypts and Roman Catacombs Small-Group Walking Tour
• The Roman Food tour in Trastevere
• Skip the Line: Borghese Gallery and Gardens Walking Tour
• Papal Audience Tickets and Presentation
• Rome Street Food Tour with Local Guide
• Early Access: Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums Ticket
• Roman Gladiator School: Learn How to Become a Gladiator
• Pompei Day trip from Rome
• Small-Group Pompeii with Amalfi Coast Drive and Positano Stop from Rome
• Naples and Pompeii Day Trip from Rome
• Small-Group Rome Food Walking Tour: Trastevere, Campo de’ Fiori and Jewish Ghetto
• 4-Day Tuscany and Cinque Terre Tour from Rome
• Exclusive Catacombs After Closing and Bone Chapel Tour
• Tivoli Day Trip from Rome: Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa
• Florence Day Trip from Rome
• Venice Independent Day Trip from Rome by High-Speed Train

For more inspiration, check out my guide to 29 amazing day trips from Rome.

Don’t miss my other travel guides to Rome and beyond

• Top 7 Authentic Tours and Experiences in Rome [Run by Locals]
• Domus Aurea: Why You Should Visit Rome’s Secret Hidden Palace
• Rome Tips and Tricks: 27 Things You Should Know Before You Go to Rome
• Top 10 Absolute Best Views of Rome That Will Blow Your Mind
• Self-Guided Trastevere Walking Tour: Where to See Rome’s Most Beautiful Streets
• 29 Amazing Day Trips from Rome By Train, Car & Guided Tour
• TOP 20 BEST Hotels in Trastevere Rome For Every Budget
• 20 Best Hotels in Rome Near the Spanish Steps for Every Budget
• 20 Top Hotels Near the Pantheon in Rome for Every Budget
• 20 Best Hotels Near Termini Station in Rome for Every Budget
• 20 Top Hotels the Trevi Fountain in Rome for Every Budget
• 20 BEST Hotels Near The Vatican in Rome
• 26 Absolute Best Things to do in Verona, Italy
• Where to Stay in Verona: Best Hotels in Verona Neighbourhoods
• Lakes, Mountains & Castles: 21 Best Things to do in Trento, Italy
• 21 Unique Things to Do in Venice You Should Try at Least Once
• 12 BEST Things to do in Burano, Italy (Tips from a Local Guide)
• Best Time to Visit Italy // PLUS Tips to Avoid Crowds and SAVE $$$
• 36 Wonderful Things to do in Umbria, Italy (PLUS Map of Umbria)

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THE 10 CLOSEST Hotels to City Sightseeing Rome

Hotels near city sightseeing rome, property types, distance from, neighborhoods, traveler rating, hotel class.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveler ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveler Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
• Distance from City Sightseeing Rome See properties located closest to the place of interest first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners.

1. Dharma Style Hotel & Spa

2. Dharma Luxury Hotel

3. Hotel Columbia

4. hotel nord nuova roma, 5. unahotels deco roma, 6. best western plus hotel universo, 7. nh collection roma palazzo cinquecento, 8. anantara palazzo naiadi rome hotel, 9. the republic hotel, 10. starhotels metropole, 11. augusta lucilla palace, 12. bettoja hotel massimo d'azeglio, 13. the independent hotel, 14. demetra hotel, 15. best western premier hotel royal santina, 16. palazzo montemartini rome, a radisson collection hotel, 17. the hive hotel, 18. sophie terrace hotel, 19. hotel diocleziano, 20. quirinale hotel, 21. iq hotel roma, 22. floris hotel, 23. hotel flower garden, 24. bettoja hotel mediterraneo, 25. al viminale hill inn & hotel, 26. hotel everest roma, 27. hotel marcantonio, 28. windrose hotel, 29. hotel leone roma, 30. exe domus aurea, hotels near city sightseeing rome information.

Things to Do in Rome

Explore Rome's most impressive squares, fountains, monuments and attractions. Rome is a breath-taking open-air museum and these are its top sights. 

Colosseum The Colosseum is the largest amphitheatre built during the Roman Empire. Inaugurated in 80 AD, it offered gladiator fights, executions and animal hunts.

Roman Forum Located between Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum, the Roman Forum was the hub of political and social activity of the Roman citizens.

Piazza Navona With its three majestic fountains and surrounding mansions, Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful Baroque squares in Rome.

Trevi Fountain Trevi Fountain is the most beautiful and most spectacular fountain in Rome. Millions of people visit it every year to make a wish.

St. Peter's Square St. Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro in Italian) is located in the Vatican at the feet of the Basilica. One of the most famous squares in the world.

St. Peter's Basilica One of the largest churches in the world, St Peter’s Basilica, built in the Renaissance style is, part of the Vatican. Many Popes have been buried here.

Sistine Chapel The Sistine Chapel is one of the greatest treasures of the Vatican City. Designed by the brilliant Michelangelo, it is a must-see tourist attraction.

Piazza di Spagna & the Spanish Steps As the site of many events and fashion shows, the Spanish Steps is one of the most renowned places in Rome. Piazza di Spagna in one of Rome’s best areas.

Pantheon Completed by Hadrian in the year 126AD, the Pantheon claims to be the best preserved building from ancient Rome. A masterpiece of Roman architecture.

Catacombs San Sebastiano, San Callisto, Domitilla, Priscilla, and Sant’Agnese... Discover Rome's various catacombs, what they are and how to visit them.

The Vatican City

Vatican City Located in the heart of Rome, the Vatican is one of Rome's main tourist attractions. Find out what to see and how to visit the Vatican!

Vatican Museums The Vatican Museums are the Vatican city's museums and includes admissions to Sistine Chapel, Chapel of Beato Angelico and Raphael Rooms

Piazzas and fountains

Campo de' Fiori Campo de' Fiori is a bustling market during the mornings and then transforms into a lively square at night full of bars and restaurants.

Piazza del Campidoglio The Piazza del Campidoglio is located at the top of Capitoline Hill and is the first modern square to be designed in Rome.

Piazza Barberini Built in 1625 by Cardinal Francesco Barberini, Piazza Barberini is particularly noteworthy due to its two fountains created by Bernini.

Piazza della Repubblica The Piazza della Repubblica is made up of a large roundabout in which the Fontana delle Naiadi is located. It is flanked by imposing buildings.

Piazza del Popolo Located at the beginning of Via Flaminia, the Piazza del Popolo is where foreigners arrived in the city during the era of the Empire. Discover it.

Piazza Colonna Piazza Colonna gets its name from the impressive Column of Marcus Aurelius, a marble column that has been in the square since the year AD 193. Discover it.

Piazza del Quirinale The Piazza del Quirinale provides splendid views of Rome. The Palazzo del Quirinale is one of the official residencies of the President of the Republic.

Monuments and tourist attractions

Palatine Hill Palatine Hill is the most famous of Rome’s seven hills and where, according to the legend, Romulus founded Rome and where Lupa raised Romulus and Remus.

Trastevere Trastevere is one of the most charming districts of Rome. Its peaceful and bohemian atmosphere will captivate every visitors' heart.

Villa Borghese Villa Borghese is the largest park in Rome. It features a number of buildings, museums, a lake, fountains and beautiful green meadows. A definite-must!

Trajan's Column Commissioned by Emperor Trajan in 114 to pay homage to himself, Trajan's Column is one of the most important monuments in Rome.

Arch of Constantine The Arch of Constantine was erected in the year 315 in commemoration of the victory of Constantine the Great in the Battle of Milvian Bridge.

Trajan's Market Built between the years 100 and 110 A.D, Trajan's Market is believed to be the first covered shopping mall in history. It holds the Imperial Forums Museum.

Baths of Caracalla Built between the years 212 and 216, the Baths of Caracalla were one of the greatest and most spectacular thermal springs in antiquity.

Ara Pacis The Ara Pacis is a commemorative monument created between the years 13 and 9 B.C. for the celebration of peace in the Mediterranean.

Mouth of Truth The Mouth of Truth is an enormous marble image of a man's face. According to legend, the man is said to bite the hand of anyone who lied.

Circus Maximus Located between the Aventino and Palatine Hill, Circus Maximus was the largest stadium in ancient Rome built for chariot races.

Castel Sant'Angelo Also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, the Castel Sant'Angelo is a fortress located on the right bank of the river Tiber, not far from the Vatican.

Altare della Patria Inaugurated in 1911 to pay respect to Victor Emmanuel II, the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II is an imposing building located in Piazza Venezia.

Janiculum Hill Janiculum Hill, called Gianicolo in Italian, is one of Rome's most romantic places to visit. It also provides stunning views of the city.

Area Sacra di Largo Argentina Area Sacra di Largo Argentina is a square in Rome that houses four Roman temples and the remains of a Temple, discovered in 1920.

Forum Boarium The Forum Boarium was an area located on the banks of the river Tiber home to the city’s biggest meat and fish market in ancient Rome.

Museums and art galleries

Galleria Borghese The Galleria Borghese is one of the most famous and prestigious museums in the world. It houses sculptures by Bernini, Canova and other great artists.

Capitoline Museums The Capitoline Museums are located in Piazza del Campidoglio. They constitute Rome’s main municipal museum. Find out opening hours, tickets and much more.

Palazzo Massimo alle Terme Known as Palazzo Massimo alle Terme due to its close proximity to the Baths of Diocletian, this palace has the best preserved Roman frescoes in the world.

Palazzo Altemps The Palazzo Altemps hosts an important collection of Greek and Roman sculptures in a fifteenth century palace built by the Riario family.

Baths of Diocletian The Baths of Diocletian were the largest bath complex in Ancient Rome. It currently houses part of the National Museum of Rome.

Crypta Balbi The Balbi Crypt (Crypt of Balbus) offers a historical trip through the past of Rome thanks to the excavations carried out on its sites.

National Gallery of Modern Art Paul Cezanne, Antonio Canova, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh… Rome’s Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna is one of the best art museums in Italy.

Palazzo Barberini Palazzo Barberini is a splendid Baroque construction that houses the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica. The building itself is worth visiting.

Galleria Doria Pamphilj Palazzo Doria Pamphilj houses the Galleria Doria Pamphilj, the best-known private gallery in Rome, featuring works by artists like Raphael and Velazquez.

National Etruscan Museum The National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia (Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia) features works from pre-Roman Italian antiquity.

Villa Farnesina Villa Farnesina is a mansion built between 1505 and 1511. It is one of the most magnificent Renaissance buildings still standing in Rome.

Museo di Roma The Museo di Roma narrates the social context and artistic endeavours that were carried out in the city from the Middle Ages until the 20th century.

Palazzo Venezia The Palazzo Venezia features the National Museum of Palazzo Venezia with works of art from the beginning of the Common Era through to the Renaissance.

Galleria Spada The Galleria Spada displays a collection of art from the 16th and 17th century. Don't miss visiting the forced perspective gallery by Francesco Borromini.

Keats-Shelley House The Keats-Shelley House is a house-museum dedicated to the romantic poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley. Discover the poet's last dwelling.

Churches and basilicas

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of the four major basilicas of Rome, the second largest after St. Peter’s Basilica.

Basilica of St. John Lateran The Lateran Palace was handed over by Constantine I to the Bishop of Rome, who converted the building into a temple during the fourth century.

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica of Saint Mary Major) is one of the four major basilicas of Rome and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Basilica di San Clemente Basilica of Saint Clement is an early Christian church, which has been reconstructed in various periods, dedicated to Pope Clement I.

Our Lady of the Conception of the Capuchins Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini was built between 1626 and 1631 by Pope Urban VIII. It is for the Crypt of the Capuchins

Santa María in Cosmedin The Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin is a medieval church that houses the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth), which is located at its gate.

Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere still retains its medieval character despite the changes made over the years. It was founded in the third century

Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri was designed by Michelangelo and is the only Renaissance-style church built in Rome.

Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli (Saint Peter in Chains) was built in the fifth century to house Saint Peter’s chains when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem.

Church of the Gesù Erected between 1568 and 1584, Il Gesù was the first Jesuit church built in Rome. It is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture.

Santa Maria in Aracoeli Basilica of St. Mary of the Altar of Heaven is situated very near the Altare della Patria and is one of the most popular churches among the locals.

Santa Maria della Vittoria Santa Maria della Vittoria is a church built during the seventeenth century after the victory of the Emperor Ferdinand II at the battle of White Mountain

Santa Maria del Popolo According to a legend, the site where the Santa Maria del Popolo stands was haunted by Nero’s ghost. It contains works by Pinturicchio, Raphael, and more.

Nearby visits

Villa Adriana (Tivoli) Villa Adriana was built by the Emperor Hadrian in Tibur (nowadays Tivoli) to get away from Rome. It is currently a archaeological complex.

Villa d'Este Listed as a UNESCO heritage site, Villa d’Este is a splendid Renaissance palace with beautiful, romantic gardens in the outskirts of Rome.

Ostia Antica Ostia Antica is a large archaeological site, and was once one of the most thriving Roman cities thanks to its status as a major port and commercial centre.

Pompeii Pompeii was an ancient Roman city near modern Naples that was buried by the great eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Herculaneum Located in the region of Campania, the town of Herculaneum succumbed to the same fate as Pompeii. In the year 79 AD it was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius.

Located in the Gulf of Naples, Capri is a dream-like island surrounded by a deep blue sea that reflects a very special light. Come and discover it.

Rome in 3 day

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝟭𝟬 𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧 Hotels in Rome, Italy

Rome Hotels

Property types, distance from, neighbourhoods, traveller rating, hotel class, popular hotels in rome right now.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveller ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
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• Distance to city centre See properties located closest to the centre first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners

1. Hotel Artemide

2. Hotel Colosseum

3. Domidea Hotel

4. Dharma Boutique Hotel & Spa

5. Crowne Plaza Rome - St. Peter's, an IHG Hotel

6. iQ Hotel Roma

7. Hotel Barocco

8. Dharma Luxury Hotel

9. Boutique Hotel Campo de Fiori

10. Rome Times Hotel

11. B&B Hotel Roma Trastevere

12. Hotel Savoy Roma

13. The Hoxton Rome

14. Hotel Portoghesi

15. Hotel Amalfi

16. B&B Hotel Roma San Lorenzo Termini

17. River Palace Hotel

18. The RomeHello

19. Hotel Barrett

20. Holiday Inn Rome - Eur Parco Dei Medici, an IHG hotel

21. Fabulous village

22. Hotel Camelia

23. Hotel Raffaello - Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western

24. Villa Patrizia

25. Hotel Villa Pamphili Roma

26. Hotel Villa Eur Parco Dei Pini

27. Tritone Hotel

28. Best Western Hotel Astrid

29. Villa San Lorenzo Maria Hotel

30. Hotel Nord Nuova Roma

Rome Hotels Information

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24 free things to do in Rome

Oct 18, 2023 • 9 min read

Save money in Rome with these free experiences © Westend61 / Getty Images

Rome  is a city where the doors of the art-laden churches are flung open to all, where ancient architectural wonders await around many corners, and it costs nothing to roam (pun intended) the historic streets, piazzas and parks. 

A surprising number of the famous sights in Italy 's magnificent capital city are completely free to visit, and we can show you how.

1. Admire the riches of St Peter's Basilica

And to be reminded where the power lies today, the city’s largest, richest and most spectacular basilica leaves all other churches in its shadow – and is completely free to enter.

There will probably be a line to enter Rome’s showstopping St Peter's Basilica , but after taking 126 years to build, maybe a little wait to see this opus isn’t so bad. St Peter’s Basilica is home to three of Italy’s most celebrated masterpieces: Michelangelo’s Pieta , his soaring dome and Bernini’s 29m-high (95ft) baldachin over the papal altar.

2. Watch the street artists on Piazza Navona

Come in the early morning before the crowds or after dark when the fountains, like Bernini’s iconic Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi , are illuminated to enjoy Piazza Navona  at its most alluring. Or better yet, be there when it’s crowded to watch the street performers and tourists come and go and hang out until dusk.

Long a hub of local life in Rome, Piazza Navona hosted Rome’s main market for nearly 300 years. Now there is a Christmas market during the holiday season and plenty of activity year-round.

Planning tip: Need to quench your thirst? Fill your water bottle at the nasone (big nose) drinking fountain in the north of the piazza.

3. Climb the Spanish Steps to the Convent of Trinità dei Monti

People are no longer allowed to sit on the Spanish Steps , but you can still climb them. At the very top of the city’s most famous staircase perches Chiesa della Trinità dei Monti . Duck inside and take in spectacular works of art, including frescoes, an astrolabe and a duo of anamorphoses – wall paintings that appear to change entirely, depending on where you stand.

4. Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain

The gorgeous, over-the-top, rococo Trevi Fountain depicts wild horses, mythical figures and cascading rock falls. It’s an unforgettable sight any time of day but particularly spellbinding after dark when it’s all lit up. According to legend, tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain will ensure your return to Rome, making it a tourist rite of passage.

Planning tip: On an average day, about €3000 is chucked over shoulders into the water – but with all that money comes crowds of people, so don't be surprised to be jostling for space. It might be slightly quieter if you visit late in the evening.

5. Soak up the artistic vibes of Via Margutta

Take a stroll down the charming, ivy draped and prettily cobbled  Via Margutta . Picasso worked at gallery No 54, and the Italian Futurists had their first meeting here in 1917. Frederico Fellini even lived here for a while. It was also where Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck rendezvoused in the silver-screen classic Roman Holiday (1953). It's truly picture-perfect.

6. Wander the paths of Villa Borghese

Locals, lovers, tourists, joggers – no one can resist the lure of Rome's most famous park . Villa Borghese  is an oasis of shaded walkways, verdant corners and excellent museums to be explored. The lovingly landscaped Giardino del Lago features a copy of a Roman temple on the lake’s artificial islet.

Planning tip: For panoramic views of St Peter's, walk up Pincio Hill and head for the terrace.

7. Pay tribute in the Jewish Ghetto

The atmospheric Jewish Ghetto is studded with artisans' studios, kosher bakeries and popular trattorias. Dating back to the 2nd century BCE, this is one of the oldest Jewish quarters in Europe. While some Jewish people came as business envoys, most came as enslaved people. 

As you stroll around, look for a series of brass cobblestones. These are memorial plaques commemorating the city’s Holocaust victims: each one names a person and gives the date and destination of their deportation and death. They are placed outside the victims’ homes.

8. Tip generously on a "free" walking tour

New Rome Free Tour runs daily themed walking tours of the historic center. The guides will lead you through the tightly packed tangle of cobbled alleyways, Renaissance palaces, ancient ruins and baroque piazzas, all the while narrating the deep and storied history of Rome. It's a theatrical experience.

Planning tip:  Book your place in advance, and remember that while there's no charge for the tour, tips are expected at the end.

9. Explore the Via Appia Antica

Antiquity's most famous road, Via Appia Antica , has been an exclusive Rome address since 312 BCE. The most pleasant way to explore is on foot , making it perfect for a free experience. It's a beautiful cobbled thoroughfare flanked by grassy fields, Roman structures and towering pine trees. It was here that Spartacus and 6000 of his enslaved rebels were crucified, and it was here that early Christians buried their dead.

Planning tip:  For more information and a map of the area, stop by the Service Center Appia Antica  at the northern end of the road.

10. Find peace in Cimitero Acattolico 

A verdant oasis of peace, Rome’s "non-Catholic" cemetery is imbued with a kind of Grand Tour romance. Up to 4000 people are buried here, including poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley. 

As you wander among the gravestones, look for the Angelo del Dolore (Angel of Grief), a much replicated 1894 sculpture that US artist William Wetmore Story created for his wife’s grave.

11. Visit Bernini's masterpiece at Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria

The roadside Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria is the unlikely location of one of Italian baroque's great masterpieces: Bernini's Ecstasy of St Teresa . It's in the fourth chapel on the north side.

Planning tip:  This stunning major artwork is best viewed in the afternoon, when it's bathed in soft natural light filtering through a concealed window.

12. Browse the market at Campo de' Fiori

Colorful and always busy, Campo de' Fiori is a major focus of Roman life: by day, it hosts one of the city's best-known markets, and by night its bars and restaurants do a brisk trade. The piazza's poetic name (Field of Flowers) refers to the open meadow that stood here before the square was laid out in the mid-15th century.

13. Marvel at Renaissance architecture at Tempietto del Bramante

Bramante's tempietto (little temple) is considered the first great building of the High Renaissance. It is a perfect little surprise squeezed into the courtyard of the Chiesa di San Pietro in Montorio, on the spot where St Peter is said to have been crucified. Its classically inspired design and ideal proportions epitomize the Renaissance zeitgeist.

Planning tip:  It's quite a climb up to the church, but it makes an ideal stop on a walking tour of Gianicolo . The tempietto is reached through the Spanish Royal Academy entrance to the north of the church. If you can get access to the academy’s upper level, there are magnificent views of Rome.

14. Find the hidden square through Arco degli Acetari

For one of Rome’s most picturesque scenes, head to this dark archway just off Campo de’ Fiori. The arch itself isn’t especially memorable, but go through it, and you’ll emerge onto a tiny medieval square enclosed by rust-orange houses and cascading plants. Cats and bicycles litter the cobbles while washing hangs off pretty flower-lined balconies overhead.

15. Head up to hilltop Piazza del Campidoglio

This hilltop piazza , designed by Michelangelo in 1538, is one of Rome's most beautiful squares.

Planning tip:  There are several approaches to Piazza del Campidoglio, but the most dramatic is the graceful Cordonata staircase, which leads up from Piazza d'Aracoeli.

16. Learn about legends in Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli

This 5th-century church was built to house the shackles of St Peter, which are displayed under the altar. But the real star of the show at  Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli is Michelangelo's muscular Moses , which has its own interesting legend involving a mistranslation and a purposeful "‘mistake."

Planning tip:  The church is accessed via a steep flight of steps leading up from Via Cavour and passing under a low arch. 

17. Peer into Villa del Priorato di Malta

You probably can’t go inside the Villa del Priorato di Malta , but head over to the Sovereign Order of Malta anyway and peek through the keyhole. You'll see one of Rome’s most celebrated views: St Peter's dome, perfectly framed at the end of a hedge-lined avenue.

18. Partake in the passeggiata

The passeggiata (traditional evening stroll) is a quintessential Roman experience. It's particularly colorful on the weekends, when families, friends and lovers take to the streets to strut up and down, slurp on gelato and window-shop.

Planning tip:  To join in, head to Via del Corso around 6pm. Alternatively, watch the theatrics on Piazza di Spagna .

19. Marvel at religious artworks in Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi

Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi is home to three of Caravaggio’s earliest religious works, collectively known as the St Matthew Cycle. Embodying down-to-earth realism, they feature the stunning  chiaroscuro –  the bold contrast of light and dark – that the painter is known for. 

Planning tip:  Before you leave the church, take a moment to enjoy Domenichino’s faded 17th-century frescoes of St Cecilia in the second chapel on the right.

20. See atmospheric architecture in Quartiere Coppedè

One of Rome’s most extraordinary neighborhoods , Quartiere Coppedè  was conceived and built by the little-known Florentine architect Gino Coppedè between 1913 and 1926. It's a fairy-tale series of palazzos with Tuscan turrets, Liberty sculptures, Moorish arches, Gothic gargoyles, frescoed facades and palm-fringed gardens, centering around the magnificent Piazza Mincio.

21. Visit the landmark Trajan's Column 

The ancient landmark of Trajan's Column towers over the Imperial Forums . If you can make them out, the reliefs depict Trajan's military campaigns.

22. Attend the Pope's weekly address

The Pope holds a weekly audience in the Vatican on Wednesdays when he's in Rome.

Planning tip:  Tickets are free but you need to request them and collect them in advance.

23. Some of Rome's best attractions are free at specific times

Time your visit just right, and you could be taking in some of Rome's very best paid-for sites for absolutely nothing at all. On the first Sunday of the month, the  Colosseum , Palatino  and Roman Forum  are free to visit. The  Vatican Museums  can be visited for free on the last Sunday of the month.

24. Rome's May Day Concert is a free event

The May Day Concert on May 1 is a huge (and free) celebration in the city.

This article was first published Aug 20, 2019 and updated Oct 18, 2023.

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Rome   Travel Guide

Courtesy of joe daniel price | Getty Images

Best Times To Visit Rome

The best time to visit Rome is from October to April when most of the tourist crowds have dissipated and room rates are lower. Although you'll need a warm coat, weather this time of year hardly ever dips below freezing. For warmer weather – without throngs of tourists and the sweltering humidity – come in May or September. High average temperatures flit between the mid-70s and the lower 80s.

Weather in Rome

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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Popular Times to Visit Rome

Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.

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