The Best Places To Stay In Rome, Italy

Rome, a journey through art, culture, and cuisine
Written By: Andrea Spallanzani
Reviewed by: Rick Orford
How & Why We Created This Article

This article has been written, reviewed, and fact-checked by Rick and I. We live in Italy and travel throughout the country to help you make the best choices for your trip. We wrote this piece to ensure you have the best trip possible on your next trip to Italy. Portions of this article have been written using assistive AI tools to help with tasks like research, spell-checking, grammar, and translation.

Last Updated February 29, 2024

In this article, you'll learn how:

  1. Rome offers a variety of neighborhoods to choose from when looking for a place to stay, each with its own unique charm and proximity to attractions.
  2. Some popular neighborhoods for tourists in Rome include Centro Storico, Piazza di Spagna, Trastevere, Colosseum/Monti, Vatican/Prati, Roma Termini/Esquilino, and Testaccio.
  3. Accommodation options range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and boutique guesthouses, catering to different preferences and budgets.

Rome, also known as The “Eternal City,” is a magnificent trip destination in Italy that has something for everyone! In 2023, there were an estimated 35 million tourists that visited for culture and history. So it’s no secret that Rome is a paradise for visitors. Not only that, there are tons of places to stay for all visitors, so don’t worry if it’s your first time visiting Rome.

The city is proud of its historical and cultural heritage, and you’ll discover numerous Roman Empire relics and some Renaissance and baroque monuments that make this city unique. If you’re staying in another city, such as Milan, and you’ve never been to Rome and want to add it to your itinerary or are already planning a trip and wondering where to stay, we are here to assist!

Rome has 15 different districts, from which we’ve picked the top six areas for a fantastic holiday.

We’ll provide you with the best hotels for each area based on a price range and some ideas for activities and restaurants near them. This way, you can better prepare for your trip to Italy.

The Best Locations To Stay In Rome

NeighborhoodDescription
Centro Storico- Piazza Navona / Campo de’ FioriExcellent location for first-time visitors. The city’s most notable sights are just walking distance away.
Piazza di Spagna and the gardens of Villa BorgheseHome to high-end hotels and premium shopping. Ideal for families because it’s near the gardens at Villa Borghese.
TrastevereCharming neighborhood near the city’s historic center, famous for its tiniest cobblestone streets and bustling culinary scene.
Colosseum / MontiClose to most of the ancient monuments. Less convenient to get to other areas of the city from Monti.
Vatican / PratiKnown as the safest area to stay in Rome. Well-kept, artistic, residential area and a good starting point to visit St Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums.
Roma Termini / EsquilinoIdeal for low-budget visitors and those needing fast transportation out of Rome.
TestaccioFascinating area with several dining options, drinking places, and boutique stores.

Centro Storico – Pantheon / Piazza Navona / Campo de’ Fiori

If you’re visiting Rome for the first time, it’s essential to know that our favorite location in Rome is right in the city’s historic center. You instantly feel the city’s charm in this area, and most of Rome’s historical and famous monuments will surround you.

This zone consists of Piazza Navona’s Baroque majesty, the bustling Campo de’ Fiori market, and the magnificent Pantheon, which has watched over the city for 2,000 years.

Finally, you may easily reach the major sights of Rome from this location. The Colosseum, St. Peter’s Square, and the Trevi Fountain are all within 20 minutes walk of this spot. There’s no need to use public transportation because everything is within walking distance.

The Pantheon district is also a fantastic spot to eat. You’ll discover classic gelato shops like Giolitti and one of the city’s most fabulous pasta restaurants – Roscioli.

Within the Historical Center, you’ll discover relics from Ancient Rome, the Renaissance, and the baroque city of Bernini. Importantly, the estimated cost per person for an 8-day trip to Rome is around $1,500. This allows travelers to experience the city within a moderate budget.

Attractions

  • Piazza Navona used to be the Stadium of Domitian, and it still looks like an obligated oval stadium. Baroque architecture dominates the piazza, with one of Bernini’s masterpieces in the middle, “The Fountain of the Four Rivers.”
  • The Pantheon was a pagan temple erected in the first century AD and converted during the middle age into a Christian church. It is world-famous for its dome. Today it contains Raphael’s tomb among the tombs of the 2 Kings of Italy. The plaza outside is ideal for people-watching.
  • Campo de Fiori, which was a field of flowers, was paved in 1456 under Pope Callistus III. Today, it’s the large square in the center of Rome. In the middle of it, you’ll find the monument of the philosopher Giordano Bruno, executed in this piazza. The piazza at night becomes alive with many restaurants and bars.
  • Trevi Fountain, Another beautiful piece of Baroque architecture built in the 1700s on a previous, lesser fountain site. Expect crowds at all hours as people try to throw coins into the water for good fortune. (don’t do that – it has to all out!). 

Little Queen Pantheon

The three-star, all-around lovely small but charming guesthouse (or bed & breakfast) called Little Queen is a couple of minutes walk from the Pantheon.

It straddles the lower and mid-range price ranges and provides a fantastic deal for its location and services. The building is a historical building updated to make the inside more modern and contemporary.

There are various types of rooms provided by the hotel. Choose from basic hotel rooms, which measure approximately 160 square feet, and Junior Suites, which have a fair bit more space but are still compact. The premises are modern and colorful, with features such as Netflix access, A/C, and more.

Coronari Palace

The Coronari Palace is located at the north end of the Centro Storico area and is quieter than most other hotels. It’s still within a few minutes walk of the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, but it’s sufficiently distant from the main attractions and has a quiet street.

The rooms are lovely. It was completely refurbished in 2019, and everything appears and feels brand new. They do an excellent job of melding the old with the new.

The view of the city from some rooms and private terraces where you may enjoy your morning coffee in the warm sunshine is breathtaking.

They also have A/C, essential if you visit Rome in July or August.

Hotel Indigo

We’ve stayed at Hotel Indigo properties, and we believe they’re a fantastic value and experience. The Hotel Indigo Rome is just a block from the river Tiber.

This Hotel Indigo is more luxury-oriented than the others, and the cost reflects that.

It has modern rooms and is spacious, coming in at over 200 square feet, and they’re super contemporary with all of the conveniences you’d expect from a boutique hotel – A/C, tea and coffee, etc.

Choose from several room sizes and layouts, some of which include a sitting space and an additional living area. Furthermore, a fantastic rooftop terrace with 360-degree panoramic views of Rome!

Piazza Di Spagna

people walking on street near brown concrete building during daytime

The Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna in Italian, is also an area in the center of Rome. The origins of this area’s construction trace back to the 16th century. This area offers some luxury hotels or apartments with exquisite dining restaurants and one of the world’s finest designer shopping streets on your doorstep. 

You’ll also find the Villa Borghese in this neighborhood. This area is ideal for families because of the beautiful parks and gardens surrounding the famous Villa Borghese Art Museum.

The most popular tourist destination is the Piazza di Spagna, which is ideal for walking. It also boasts two Metro stops, Spagna and Barberini, if you need to go elsewhere.

Make dinner reservations at La Terrazza for Michelin-starred cuisine with unrivaled city views. Take your morning coffee at Antico Caffé Greco, as Keats and Byron did two centuries ago.

Hotel Charme Spagna

The hotel is only a short walk away from the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, with elegant architecture and a fantastic position.

It’s a little hotel with only 23 rooms. Rooms vary from small to large, and all come with breakfast, air conditioning, and excellent service from the pleasant staff.

There is an attractive outside patio where you can have breakfast and coffee or have it delivered to your room. The hotel also has six rooms in a separate structure down the road.

Hassler Roma 

This is the preferred residence of world-famous personalities when visiting Rome. This downtown luxury hotel is an 8-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain and 2 kilometers from the Colosseum, and it sits adjacent to the Spanish Steps.

From customized rooms with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and marble bathrooms with premium toiletries to a 3-bedroom penthouse suite with two marble terraces, a kitchen, a living room with a grand piano, and butler service, this hotel has something for everyone.

There are three fine dining restaurants, two posh bars, a fitness center, a day spa, and a hair salon, among other available facilities.

Trastevere

Trastevere is the perfect area for you if your vision of Rome includes shuttered homes with vines hanging from their doors and ancient ruins peeking above the cobblestones.

Even the most hardened individuals are charmed by this traditional neighborhood on the west bank of the Tiber River, which features tiny bars and restaurants, odd churches and museums, and small piazzas.

The lovely Trastevere neighborhood is the perfect base to explore central Rome. It’s not quite in the city’s heart, but it is close enough to all your destinations by foot in about 30 minutes. A tram service will also take you to the Colosseum and Monti areas. You’ll find fewer hotels here.

 This is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods for restaurants such as the famous Roman pizzeria Dar Poeta and classic trattoria Da Enzo al 29. In summer, the riverbanks are filled with delectable food vendors. 

Tree Charme

Tree Charme is the best mid-range hotel in the center of Trastevere. The hotel is right by the Ponte Sisto bridge, far from Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza Navona. The hotel has a lovely garden terrace. As the name implies, you’ll be charmed by the light-filled rooms and gorgeous garden terrace.

The decor is a curious combination of modern and classic. The bedroom has everything you need for your stay, including A/C and a delicious breakfast on the outdoor terrace.

There are three types of rooms to suit your needs: classic, modest but complete with all you’ll need for a trip to Rome, and up to triple “suites,” which include a double bed and a single bed in the same room.

Horti Borgo 14

Horti 14, a little boutique gem. All of its rooms air-conditioning. The hotel also provides a small garden to rest. A restaurant and bar are on-site, with the most pleasant employees.

The bedrooms are elegantly furnished with contemporary features and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide plenty of natural light. In the afternoon, there is also a stunning terrace on the top floor where you may dine or have an aperitivo.

Located on the outskirts of Trastevere, it is only a 10-minute walk to the heart of things, making it ideal for someone searching for a stylish, peaceful place to stay in Rome. If you want to spend a night out exploring the bars of Trastevere, the best nightlife in town will be just outside your door.

Colosseum/Monti

Imagine waking up to see the Colosseum from your window. That may be you if you stay in Rome’s Monti area. The historic city center of Monti is an energetic neighborhood noted for its bohemian style with trendy boutiques and cafés and the city’s most prominent monuments.

The Colosseum and the Forum are close to the Monti area. Most of Rome’s major attractions can be reached on foot from Monti. The Vatican is perhaps a bit too far to walk. You may, however, use the Metro stations at Cavour or Colosseo to get around town.

Fifteen Keys Hotel

This lovely hotel in Monti features 15 tastefully decorated rooms, which are perfect for a staycation.

Unlike the vast hotels, you may find just a few blocks away, you’ll receive personalized attention here. It’ll make your trip more pleasurable by getting insider knowledge that only a local who cares about your experience in Rome can provide.

In the heart of Monti, it is a restored five-story structure. The rooms are carefully planned out, with everything you’ll require for your stay, including a desk (great to have somewhere to sit other than the bed), USB charging ports, and a kettle for making coffee or tea.

Breakfast is served in the “breakfast room,” which features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking their garden or outside when the weather allows (it will be in the summer!).

They also provide complimentary bikes; you may rent a Vespa if you don’t have one.

Salotto Monti

If you’re searching for a good, mid-range hotel in Monti, Salotto Monti is an excellent choice. Rooms are basic but elegant, and there are plenty of alternatives, ranging from single rooms to triples with kitchens to apartments with sofas that sleep four people because of living room couches – ideal for groups and families.

Breakfast is served as part of your stay, and if the weather permits, you may eat it on their rooftop terrace overlooking Via Nazionale (or have it delivered to your room).

It’s smack dab in the center of everything: The Forum, Trevi Fountain, and the Centro Storico are less than a kilometer away.

Vatican/Prati

vatican

If you want to spend most of your time in Rome exploring the Vatican Museums, seeing St Peter’s Basilica, and attending a papal audience, the Prati is a great area to stay.

A 30-minute stroll along the Tiber will bring you to many of Rome’s most popular attractions. Unfortunately, the Colosseum is far on foot, but the Lepanto and Ottaviano Metro stops are great options.

NH Collection Roma Giustiniano

The NH hotel is just a few minutes walk from the Vatican. This hotel has 161 rooms. The hotel features a big restaurant, meeting rooms, childcare, and accessible rooms. It’s more of a standard hotel if that’s what you’re searching for.

Hotel Della Conciliazione

If you’re looking for a boutique hotel in the Prati area, Hotel Della Conciliazione is a good option. It has been recently remodeled and incorporates modern designs with traditional elements. The bathrooms feature either a shower or a jacuzzi bathtub. But the best part is that all of the rooms have balconies.

Domus Terenzio

The Domus Terenzio is a contemporary hotel in an ancient structure. The rooms were completely renovated in 2016, and they are incredibly relaxing, with down comforters, tea and coffee makers, and a phone offering free local calls. On-site features a lounge, a terrace, and gardens for socializing. This hotel is only a 10-minute walk from St. Peter’s Square, making it ideal for sightseeing.

Roma Termini/Esquilino

The central train station in Rome, Roma Termini, is one of Europe’s busiest train stations. In this area, it is possible to find several hotels. However, proximity to transportation means little to no charm. This is an excellent option if you have one night in Rome and need to get to the train station early in the morning or late at night.

The most budget-friendly choices are available in this area.

The historic center is accessible by foot from Rome Termini. In approximately 15 minutes. You can reach the Trevi fountain or visit the Colosseum in about 20 minutes. By metro or bus, however, traveling to the Vatican is the quickest. There are stations at both Vittorio Emanuele and Termini stations.

The Blue Hostel

We adore boutique hostels! They combine the most pleasing aspects of both hostels and boutique hotels to create an outstanding balance of the social aspects of hostels with the amenities of hotels. The rooms are lovely, with views of a secluded courtyard, and they only have private rooms, so if you’re searching for dorms, this isn’t the place to go.

Choose from a double room, a triple room with three twin beds, a one-bedroom apartment with more area (sleeps 4 with sofa bed), and a full kitchen that the other rooms do not have.

It’s a fantastic bargain – the equivalent of a hotel but with hostel pricing. It’s only a short walk from the Papal Basilica Saint Maria Maggiore.

B&B Arco Di Gallieno

There’s a reason why this B&B has received so many positive reviews since its opening. It’s in the perfect location for exploring all of Rome (either by metro, bus or on foot).

It’s a small establishment with only a few rooms available, but that adds to the charm. You’ll receive personalized care from the staff and have a more personal experience than staying at a big hotel chain.

You may select from various room options and sizes, including small hotel-style rooms to a more extensive suite with a greater area (and a spa bath!).

Some guestrooms include an external private bathroom (which means you won’t have to share, but it isn’t inside the room). For those stifling summer days, rooms are equipped with A/C.

La Casa Di Amy

This family-owned B&B is a five-minute walk from Termini Station, which makes it ideal for traveling to the train station and metro. It’s also only a 20-minute walk to Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum, which is quickly done if you’re up for a longer trek.

It’s in the center of Esquilino, about two blocks northeast of Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, which marks the start of trendy and active Monti (roughly).

The rooms are clean, reasonably priced, and provide all the amenities you’ll need for a good night’s sleep (including temperature control, which is crucial during hot summer days!).

Testaccio

The Testaccio / Ostiense area is tucked away behind the Aventine Hill outside Rome’s historic center. This local district has intriguing sights, exceptional dining options, and unique boutique shopping to explore.

In this area, you can visit Rome’s Non-Catholic Cemetery, where poets Keats and Shelley are buried. And just beside it, you’ll discover a 2,000-year-old pyramid, the final resting place of a Roman senator.

There are only a few hotels in the Testaccio area, but if you pick an apartment or Airbnb, you will get excellent value. And, if you’re driving, this is an area where parking might be more accessible.

The top places to visit in Rome include the Colosseum (which you may reach on foot), ancient sites, and museums, but from Testaccio, you’ll need to take a bus or metro to get to the city center. The Piramide Metro station is on Line B, and changing lines at Termini allows for a quick trip to Vatican City and the Spanish steps.

Historically, this area is known as Rome’s food bowl, and the custom continues today. You may sample some of Rome’s most traditional cuisine at Felice al Testaccio.

There’s also the Testaccio market, where you can purchase fresh fruit, vegetables, and delectable street food.

Hotel San Anselmo


The Hotel San Anselmo adorns itself richly with gold gilding and intense reds throughout the entire place. It is tiny, lacks a restaurant or spa, and has limited common space, but it utilizes this space to create spacious rooms.

The hotel is geared toward romantic couples (i.e., honeymooners) on a getaway with its opulent and premium rooms, including four-poster beds. Some rooms include private terraces or baths with whirlpools for an additional touch of romance, while others come complete with complimentary smartphones to make things easier for guests.

Testaccio Village Guesthouse

The Testaccio Village Guesthouse is a fantastic alternative if you’re on a budget but still want to be in the thick of things. This hotel has family rooms and a hot tub, and the internet is incredibly fast.

This guesthouse’s decor is cozy and essential. It feels like a stay in a simple farmhouse.

Final words

As you can see, there is no definitive answer to the question of which neighborhood is the best to stay in if you’re visiting Rome. Everywhere in Rome has a lot of things to see and do, and each area has its unique charms and drawbacks, which ultimately come down to what you are looking for in a vacation rental.

Whichever neighborhood you choose, make sure to book your accommodation early to avoid disappointment – Rome is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, after all! After your visit, consider a stay in Naples, as it’s only a short trip offering you a gateway to the Amalfi coast and