Where to Stay in Rome → BEST Areas and Hotels (with Prices!)

Rome, also known as the “Eternal City”, is an amazing travel destination in Italy that has so much to offer to all types of travelers out there! If you’ve never been to Rome and you have it on your bucket list, or if you are already planning a trip and you are wondering where to stay in Rome, I will help you out with my best recommendations!

I lived in Rome for 2 years and absolutely love the city, so I’m happy to share my best, hand-picked recommendations for Rome accommodations with you! Just be sure to book as far in advance as you can as the good hotels tend to get booked up fast!

The city is divided into 15 different districts, from which I’ve chosen the 6 best areas for a perfect vacation: the historic City Center for first timers, the fun Trastevere to party, the cool Monti, Prati if you want to stay close to the Vatican, the Spanish Steps for shopping and Esquilino to stay close to the train station.

For each neighborhood, I will tell you about the best hotels based on price range and also give you some recommendations for things to do and places to eat near each of them.

Are you ready? Let’s go!

Quick Picks for Your Stay…

The best area to stay in Rome for first-time visitors is near Piazza Navona. This is a great choice if you want to be right in the historic center and you’ll also be able to explore the city on foot!

• Best luxury hotel: Hotel Eden
• Best mid-range hotel: Navona Gallery & Garden Suites
• Best budget hotel: Trastevere’s Friends

 

Which area should you choose?

First of all, here is a map of all the areas I’m recommending, so you can visualize them:

Rome has plenty of different areas and districts that you can choose from, but below you’ll find my list of personalized recommendations depending on your interests and itinerary:

1. Centro Storico – for first-time visitors
2. Trastevere – for nightlife
3. Monti – near the Colosseum
4. Prati – near the Vatican
5. Spanish Steps – for shopping
6. Esquilino (Termini Station) – on a budget

Here’s also a great video that presents the best areas to stay in Rome:

Now let’s find out everything you need to know about the 6 best neighborhoods to stay in Rome, together with my hand-picked hotel recommendations for each of them:

1. Centro Storico (historical center) – for first-time visitors

One of the best places to stay in Rome is Centro Storico (Historical Center). Honestly, this is a personal favorite of mine for places to stay in Rome!

Because it’s located in the center of the city, all the most important city attractions are right there – Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain are all close by! Piazza di Spagna is only a 15-minute walk as well, which makes this area one of the best locations to stay in Rome for first-time visitors!

With iconic monuments in every corner, you’ll feel the history of the city and understand why Rome is the capital of Italy.

The best part of staying in one of the hotels in Rome’s city center is that you’re in the middle of all the action. There are a few downsides, however. It can be a bit pricey. There are also no metro stops close by (the closest stops are “Piazza di Spagna” on Line A and “Colosseum” on Line B). But if you like the area and don’t mind wandering around, then you’ll definitely enjoy it!

Here are some of my recommendations for hotels in Central Rome:

Luxury (€300 and up)

• Trevi Ab Aeterno – If you want to wake up with one of the most iconic views of Rome, look no further than this incredibly glamorous Airbnb located so close to the Trevi Fountain that you could probably through in your coin right from the window!
• Rocco Forte Hotel De La Ville – Everything about this hotel in gorgeous! Firstly, the location is literally on top of the Spanish steps. The service is outstanding, the decor of your spacious room and the design of the hotel overall is tasteful too. If you are looking for a luxury hotel in the city center, this one ticks all the boxes!
• Hotel Raphael is a 5-star hotel in Rome that is pure luxury. There’s also a rooftop terrace where you can have drinks at sunset and enjoy the view. Out of all the hotels in Rome, Hotel Raphael is one of the best! Definitely the best hotel in Rome!

Mid-range (from €130 to €300)

• Navona Gallery & Garden Suites is one of the best Rome city center hotels and it’s located in a beautiful garden. If you choose this place, you can stay in your own apartment-style suite and enjoy a continental breakfast every morning. There is a shared terrace that you can enjoy and this is also a perfect spot if you’re looking for romantic hotels in Rome!
• Biancorèroma B&B set in a historic building, this recently renovated B&B is located close to the famous Trevi Fountain. Offering beautiful private rooms, a delicious breakfast and an incredible view of the historic center, here you’ll have everything you need!

Budget (up to €90)

• Day by Day located in the historic center of Rome, this beautiful guest house offers 4 family rooms with a private bathroom and access to a big living room and kitchen, ideal for a stay with family, friends or even couples. Save money in one of the best Rome cheap hotels!
• Four Elements is a stylish hotel in ancient Rome city center, just 1 mile from the Trevi Fountain. Featuring a perfect location and beautifully decorated rooms with air conditioning and comfortable beds, you have everything you need for a cozy stay!

Things to do in Piazza Navona

• Visit the antique Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone
• Check out the neoclassical palace Palazzo Braschi
• Attend an interesting exhibition in the Museum of Rome
• Take a guided tour of the Ancient Roman monument, The Pantheon!
• Make a wish and throw a coin in the Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain)
• Take an aperitif in the famous square Campo de’ Fiori

2. Trastevere – where to stay in Rome for nightlife

My second recommendation for where to stay in Rome, Italy is Trastevere, located on the west bank of the Tiber River. This neighborhood is bohemian and very cute,  and will give you a vibrant and lively feel.

If you decide to stay in Trastevere, keep in mind it is only connected to the rest of the city by tram. There is no metro stop there, meaning transportation is more limited, but there are some bus stations. You can still walk to many of the main attractions in just 30 minutes and there are maaany buses that go through the area as well!

Plus, if you’re into nightlife, this is the perfect place for you. There are tons of bars and restaurants nearby that you can check out!

Luxury (€260 and up)

• Trastevere 2.0 Start your day with an amazing continental and à la carte breakfast and take the energy to explore the wonders of Rome: the Synagogue of Rome, Trevi Fountain and Basilica of Santa Maria In Trastevere are all at walking distance from this lovely B&B!
• Villa Matissa is a great bed and breakfast in Rome. It is right in the middle of Trastevere, but gives you all the peace and quiet as if you were staying on a lonely Italian street. It’s secluded away from the crowds, but still very close to the main attractions. This accommodation also has both a garden and a terrace for you to enjoy.

Mid-range (from €150 to €250)

• Orti 14 an oasis of peace and relaxation, Horti 14 is located in the center of ancient Rome’s most important monuments, only a short walk from Travestere and next to the botanical garden. In this luxurious hotel you will live the most authentic Italian atmosphere!
• Donna Camilla Savelli designed by Baroque architect Borromini, this beautiful antique hotel dates back to the 17th-century, and features an inner garden with a private patio, elegant rooms and a terrace with unforgettable views of the Eternal City.

Budget (up to €110)

• Landlord in Trastevere is a great choice if you want to stay in one of the cheap hotels in Rome, but not feel like you are! With great value for the price, this hotel has beautifully decorated rooms and a common area with all the amenities you’re looking for.
• Trastevere’s Friends is a great option in Trastevere for a budget traveler. This bed and breakfast has spacious rooms and a shared lounge. There’s also breakfast every morning with a wide variety of options.

Things to do in Trastevere

• Gaze at the medieval architecture of the Basilica of Santa Maria
• Taste Italian street food with this food tour!
• Have a picnic in the beautiful Janiculum Hill

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3. Monti – where to stay in Rome near the Colosseum

Monti is a cool neighborhood in town with bohemian flair, known for trendy bars and shops, and it’s a great place if you’re looking for hotels in Rome near the Colosseum! It’s also close to almost all major attractions (except the Vatican and Vatican Museums). It’s right by the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as Piazza Venezia.

The neighborhood is becoming a trendy, hipster spot as well if you’re looking for something a bit funky.

Monti is just a 15-minute walk from Termini Station or one stop away on the Line B metro. Here are some hand-picked selections of places to stay in Monti, check them out and make sure you book them in advance, you don’t want to miss your spot!

Luxury (€150 and up)

• The Inn At The Roman Forum is one of the best luxury hotels in Rome and is very close to the Colosseum. You can’t do better for comfort and luxury! This accommodation has all the amenities and a rooftop bar so you can enjoy views of the Colosseum at night.
• EnzHouse is a luxury apartment for up to 5 people. It has three bedrooms and is beautifully decorated. It’s also a great option for couples who are looking for a romantic getaway!

Mid-range (from €100 to €150)

• B&B Colosseo Panoramic Rooms is right across from the Colosseum. It has modern décor and comfortable rooms. Some rooms even have views of the Colosseum!
• Condominio Monti Boutique is a charming boutique hotel located in the lovely Monti neighborhood, close to all the best bars and restaurants, where you can have the best views of the city while you’re having breakfast is the rooftop terrace!

Budget (up to €90)

• Nazionale 51 Group is a great hotel with modern and elegant air-conditioned rooms featuring design furniture, only a 15-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain
• Relais de l’Opera is an incredible hotel set in a renovated 19th-century, just 15 minutes walk from Rome’s Trevi Fountain. A breakfast kit is provided daily in the comfort of your room, with traditional local products, for a full Italian experience!

Things to do in Monti

• Visit the spectacular Colosseum and The Roman Forum
• Check out the stunning Victor Emmanuel II Monument
• Gaze at the Catholic church Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore!
• Walk around the first covered mall, the Trajan’s Market!

4. Prati – where to stay in Rome near the Vatican

Prati is a district of Rome that has the river on one side and the Vatican on the other. It’s pretty big, so make sure you choose accommodation within walking distance to the Vatican and ideally a metro stop as well. The last time I went to Rome I stayed in Prati and it was pretty convenient!

Known for big boulevards and sophisticated shopping streets, Prati is not as touristic as other areas, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for quietness and a more residential feel.

Prati is a bit far from all the rest of the attractions in Rome, but it is great for those who are going to visit the Vatican for sure. We solved the transportation problem by renting a motorbike. I think it was an awesome idea! You can read all about renting a motorbike in Rome here!

Here are some great hotels in Prati near the Vatican:

Luxury (€170 and up)

• Hotel Relais Dei Papi – this fabulous hotel will offer you luxury and great location in the center of Rome, close to all the attractions. Sleep in comfy and well-decorated rooms, relax in the amazing jacuzzi and start your day with a very good continental breakfast!
• Colonna Luxury Suites is a beautiful guesthouse located in a historic building. It’s a great option if you’re traveling with children since they offer a babysitting service if you’d like to have a night out without the kids!

Mid-range (from €90 to €110)

• CdR Guest House has several rooms, each with a private bathroom and flat-screen TV. It’s located 600m from Saint Angelo Castle and is perfectly situated for you to hit all the sights nearby. The breakfast is also great!
• Vatication B&B is a bed and breakfast just a 10-minute walk from the Vatican Museums. The comfortable rooms also include air conditioning, satellite TV, and Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included as is free room service and the accommodation has the latest amenities!

Budget (up to €70)

• A Peace Of Rome is inside a historic building. With elegant and modern furnishings, this accommodation offers comfortable rooms. The location is also great – just a 7-minute walk to the Vatican Museum!
• Pianeta Roma 127 is a lovely bed and breakfast centrally located in Rome, in a very peaceful and quiet area, offering delicious continental and buffet breakfast options every morning!

Things to do near the Vatican

• Visit the symbol of the Vatican State: the famous Basilica San Pietro
• Check out two must’s in Rome: Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
• Dive into the past at the Saint Angelo Castle

5. Near the Spanish Steps – for shopping lovers

The area around the Spanish Steps, close to the Trevi fountain and Villa Borghese, is perfect if you are looking for luxury accommodation, fine dining restaurants and the best shopping streets in the world. For shopping lovers, I suggest searching near Via dei Condotti or Via del Corso, this area is the main shopping drag in Rome and is dedicated to high fashion.

These steps start in Piazza di Spagna and go up to Piazza Trinità dei Monti. There are lots of great hotels in this area and plenty to do from Pincio Hill to Piazza di Spagna. You can also check out hotels near Piazza del Popolo, which is a 10-minute walk from the steps and is located at the entrance to Villa Borghese Park.

Here are some of the best hotels in Rome near the Spanish Steps:

Luxury (€300 and up)

• Hotel Eden is the epitome of indulgence. If you’re looking to stay somewhere luxurious and lavish, this is the place! The hotel’s restaurant also has panoramic views and there is a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy looking out over the city.
• Hassler Roma is right at the top of the Spanish Steps, so you can’t do much better in terms of location. This accommodation has absolutely beautiful décor and has a wellness center that includes a sauna and a Turkish bath.

Mid-range (from €200 to €240)

• Charme & Chic is a bed and breakfast with a beautiful terrace view. The rooms are comfortable and beautifully decorated. You’ll also be super close to the city center – what more can you wish for?
• Hotel Manfredi Suite In Rome is a great boutique accommodation located in a historic building. It’s 250m from the Spanish Steps and offers a buffet style breakfast every morning. There is also a bar if you need a place for a quiet evening drink.

Budget (up to €100)

• Condotti Boutique Hotel is one of the best boutique hotels, located right around the corner from the Spanish Steps. The rooms are cozy, but very comfortable and tastefully decorated.
• Rhona’s Rooms is a guesthouse located right on Via dei Condotti. You’re right in the center of the action here, just 200m from the Spanish steps and 100m from Via del Corso.

Things to do near the Spanish Steps

• Have a stroll at the Piazza di Spagna and walk up the Spanish Steps
• Visit Villa Borghese Park and Galleria Borghese!
• Check out the art collections of Keats-Shelley House
• Visit the creepy catacombs in the Museum and Crypt of Capuchins
• Walk around the antique square Piazza del Popolo!

6. Esquilino (Termini Station) – where to stay on a budget

Whether coming to Rome by plane or train, most people pass through Termini Station. It’s a very convenient area to stay in, as two metro lines connect there, but there are also tons of public transportation options. Taking them, you can easily reach the Trevi fountain in around 15 minutes and the Colosseum in just over 20 minutes.

If you’re traveling to another city by train or staying for a short time, I think staying near Termini is a great choice. One downside is that it’s not the cleanest area of the city, but you can find some great cheap hotels in the area. Ah, by the way, this area is also close to Pigneto, a former working-class district with beautiful streets!

Here are some choices I’ve picked out near Termini Station based on price and fabulous reviews:

Luxury (€170 and up)

• The St. Regis Rome was actually the first deluxe accommodation in Rome and it continues to be one of the top luxury hotels in the city. The rooms are beautiful and this place has every type of accommodation you could want. You’ll also be close to tons of beautiful street art if you stay here!
• Hotel Diocleziano is directly opposite Termini Station. It has a free gym with a sauna that you can use, so you don’t have to miss your workout just because you’re on vacation! It also has a varied breakfast buffet.

 Mid-range (from €110 to €170)

• Gemme Di Roma Accommodation is a short walk from the train station. The rooms are colorfully decorated and comfortable. This is also one of the best hotels for couples!
• The Guardian is located in central Rome, in a historical building offering modern rooms with access to a sweet and savory continental breakfast every morning!

Budget (up to €110)

• Freedom Love B&B is a perfect bed and breakfast for couples. It’s located in a 19th-century building and still holds a lot of the building’s historic charm. Bonus-there is also a massage chair, which is great if you’ve been traveling a lot!
• La Casa Di Amy is a beautiful hotel with all the comforts, located near Termini Station. Enjoy the nearby bars, restaurants and shops in a vibrant and culturally different area of Rome!

Things to do near Termini Station

Although most of the city’s big attractions are located nearby, there are a few that are right by Termini Station:

• Visit the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
• Check out the ancient Baths of Diocletian
• Try some typical food at the colorful Esquilinio Market!

👑 Luxury price:	€210
💵 Mid range:	€120
🛏️ Budget:	€70
📍 Best neighborhood:	Centro Storico
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Rocco Forte Hotel De La Ville
💵 Mid-range hotel:	Biancorèroma B&B
👛 Best budget hotel:	Nazionale 51 Group

BONUS 1: Rome hotels in great, lesser known areas

1. Testaccio – best place to stay in Rome for foodies

This authentic neighborhood is located southwest of the Colosseum near the Piramide metro stop. Being a less touristy area, it’s perfect if you’re looking for some quietness and you want to enjoy at the same time history and quirky sights!

But the most important thing Testaccio is famous for is food! In fact, is where Roman cuisine was born and is today home to an amazing market and excellent food scene. In Testaccio Market, you can try the most delicious Italian street food, like bruschetta, pasta, the popular supply (fried risotto ball, a must!), the real buffalo mozzarella, and much more. Otherwise, the neighborhood will offer you countless foodie shops, takeaways, restaurants, and gelaterias… for an ultimate journey through traditional flavors!

You will fall in love with Testaccio also because is the most authentic area of Rome, where you can experience the city like a local and live the atmosphere of normal everyday life. Old ladies on their home terraces, elderly gentlemen reading the newspaper on a piazza bench, young Italians drinking an espresso at the bar in the morning or an aperitivo in the evening… everything screams Italy here!

Luxury (€170 and up):

• Piramide Contemporary Apartment
• SmooRoomS Ostiense

Mid-range (€100 – €170):

• Seven Suites
• Sweet Home Piramide

Budget (up to €100):

• Cuore di Testaccio Apartment
• Roma suite Piramide

1.2 Near the Jewish Ghetto – for a different cultural experience

Located just south of the historic center, between the Tiber River, Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza Venezia, there is The Jewish Ghetto, the oldest in Europe, this area was home to a very important Jewish community.

Today, this vibrant neighborhood hosts several boutiques, restaurants, pastry shops, as well as important buildings like the city’s Synagogue and the Jewish Museum of Rome, offering things to do and see every day of the week! Explore the ancient fountains (like the Fountain of Turtles), theatres and markets, where you can try the delicious fresh bread or a traditional Jewish-style fried artichoke (carciofi alla giudìa).

In the Jewish Ghetto, old and new mix to create a unique area, with curious markings and talismans on the walls, and men in black caps with ringlets mixed with the other locals. If you want to have a different cultural experience in Rome, this is the place for you! Let’s take a look at the best hotels of the quarter:

Luxury (€150 and up):

• Lea Luxury Rooms
• Chapter Roma

Mid-range (€100 – €150):

• BB Il Re Alla Reginella
• Xenia Guest House

Budget (up to €100):

• Guest House Al Conservatorio
• Tula Inn

BONUS 2: Where NOT to stay in Rome

So I’ve told you about all the best places to stay, but here are some places I suggest you avoid:

• Colosseo Quadrato. Villa Ada, Villa Doria Pamphili, Cinecitta: These are all just a bit too far outside the city. There’s not very convenient transportation unless you are renting a car or motorbike;
• Near Vittorio Emmanuele: This area is close to Termini Station. It’s just not my favorite area. I used to go there for my Italian lessons and I always had to hold my breath because of the smell of urine.

BONUS 3: Traveling with kids – the best family hotels in Rome

If you’re heading to Rome on a family vacation, it’s important to consider hotels that are kid-friendly. We all know that when you’re bringing your kids on holiday, you need a place that gives you maximum comfort, full amenities, and a good position at walking distance from the main attractions or close to public transport (for when they get lazy!). The options below have all of them and are perfect for a lovely family stay!

Luxury (€170 and up):

• The Guardian – Enjoy the elegant family rooms of this luxurious hotel, located 500 m from Castro Pretorio Metro and a 10-minute walk from Termini Train Station. In your room you’ll have access to free WiFi, air conditioning, and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels (to make everyone happy!). And in the morning a delicious sweet and savory breakfast will be waiting for you!
• Relais Rasella 47 – Luxurious apartments with great location, 500 m from Piazza Barberini and 600 m from the Spanish Steps. Cook family dinners in the fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, and watch a movie on the flat-screen TV… here you have everything you need to feel at home away from home!

Mid-range (€80 – €170):

• Hotel Manfredi Suite In Rome – Located just around the corner from the Spanish Steps, this hotel has a great location for getting around the city and to the train station. The amazing breakfast will give the whole family enough energy for visiting Rome’s best attractions! Try a great cappuccino and some Italian traditional fresh-baked items.
• Cuore di Testaccio Apartment – This beautiful apartment provides access to a private patio with garden views and to a shared lounge. With 2 bedrooms, an equipped kitchen, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms, here there’s space for all the family! And if you want to explore the area, cycling is possible in the surroundings!

Budget (up to €80):

• AMICI Guesthouse – Do you want to experience luxury at a cheap price? In Amici Guest House you can! Offering big family rooms with Tv, a private bathroom with an amazing shower (and hot tub) with lights and music and comfy beds, here you’ll feel like a king. The accommodation is also conveniently located right next to Termini Station.
• Easyrome Guest House – Have all the comfort you need in this cozy boutique apartment well located in the neighborhood of Termini, close to the station. The guest room offers a kettle, free drinks, fruits, and many other useful things like a map and umbrella (you never know!). To have a delicious and cheap Italian-style breakfast with croissant and cappuccino you just have to cross the street!

Frequently Asked Questions about Rome

Conclusion

Rome is my favorite city in the world, and considering I spent my student years over there, it has a very special place in my heart!

So, in the end, what is the best neighborhood to stay in Rome? The truth is that every neighborhood has its pluses and minuses, but chances are – you are going to love your stay in Rome. In this post I have told you everything you need to know about the 6 best neighborhoods in Rome, as well as some bonus areas together with my hand-picked hotel recommendations as well!

If you still don’t know where to stay in Rome, I would like to suggest to you my favorite hotels, in the beautiful ancient City Centre, close to Piazza Navona. I am sure you will love them:

• Hotel Raphael – a 5-star hotel in the heart of Rome where you can enjoy pure luxury as well as incredible city views from the rooftop terrace!
• Navona Gallery & Garden Suites – one of the best Rome city center hotels, located in a beautiful garden!

I hope this guide will help you book the perfect accommodation, but I highly recommend you do so in advance, as they sell out super quickly!

NOTE: In case you need more inspiration for your travel plans, here you can find all my posts about Rome.

Which area did you decide on in the end and why? Let me know in the comments!

Yulia

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