Where To Stay In Rome Italy: My Favorite Places
Rome is a city that every tourist should visit at least once. The ancient capital of Italy has been an essential cultural center since its founding in 753 BC. It boasts an abundance of world-renowned art, historical monuments, and archaeological sites.
Enjoy the ancient ruins of the Forum, Colosseum, and Pantheon; explore Renaissance churches such as St Peter’s Basilica and Santa Maria del Popolo.
Discover hidden treasures within the Vatican Museums, including Michelangelo’s Pietà statue, or stroll through Villa Borghese gardens.
There is no shortage of things to do in Rome, but you may find that your time is limited. That’s why it’s essential to choose the best place to stay in Rome before you arrive. Here are some tips on how to pick a hotel or apartment in this beautiful city.
Types of Accommodations in Rome
There are various types of accommodations available for tourists, depending on their budget and the purpose of their trip. The following information should help you know what kinds of accommodation are available in Rome and how much they cost:
Hotels:
The price range for a double room is between $120 to $400 per night, depending on season and location. Prices are higher during Christmas (December 24 – January 6).
If you’re looking for luxury hotels, try to stay close to Via Veneto or Via dei Condotti, where most five-star international chains have branches such as:
- Grand Hotel Palace (Via Veneto)
- Hotel Splendide Royal (Via Veneto)
- Grand Hotel Plaza (Via dei Condotti)
- Baglioni Hotel Regina (Via Veneto)
- Boutique Centrale Palace Hotel (Via dei Condotti)
Holiday apartments are a great hotel alternative, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends.
The price range is between $75 to $200 per night, depending on the size of the apartment and its location.
If you’re looking for an apartment near Rome’s main attractions, try staying in one of these areas:
- Trastevere neighborhood (near Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere)
- Monti neighborhood (near Colosseo)
- Testaccio district (near Piazza Testaccio)
In Rome, you can find a lot of holiday apartments on Airbnb. You can also try searching for them through websites like Booking.com.
Peak season and Low season in Rome
Rome is a popular tourist destination so that accommodations can be expensive during peak season (April to October) and cheap in the off-season (January to March).
If you want to save money on your trip, consider staying outside the city center. You’ll still be able to visit all the sites within easy reach and avoid some high prices.
Public Transportation
To save money, you can use the public transportation system. Rome has an extensive metro system and buses that will get you anywhere in the city for a low price.
If you don’t mind walking a bit further, opt for local taxis instead of Uber or other ride-sharing services. They’re usually cheaper than cabs from official companies, especially if more than two people are traveling together.
Remember: Rome’s public transportation is worse than anywhere else in Italy.
- The metro is often crowded, especially during rush hour and summer.
- The buses are also packed during peak hours.
- If traveling with kids or older people, it’s best to avoid public transportation and take a taxi instead.
- Don’t expect public transport to be on time; it will only cause frustration. (I don’t know why things are the way they are, and I’m Italian.)
Best Areas to Stay in Rome
San Giovanni
San Giovanni is a Municipio of Rome, the smallest one.
This district is trendy among tourists because it’s close to Vatican City and St Peter’s Basilica. Many hotels are located in this area, so you should have no problem finding accommodations for your stay here!
This is a great stay area if you want to be close to the Vatican and other historical sites without paying their premium prices. This area has plenty of restaurants and cafes and is also home to great shopping.
| Hotels | Apartments | B&B |
|---|---|---|
| La Chiave di Roma | Licia Guest House | Jukebox & Rooms B&B |
| Chroma Italy – Chroma Pente | Le vestali | B&B Just Rome |
| St Paul House Boutique & Apartment |
San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo is one of the oldest areas in Rome, and it’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for something that won’t break your budget.
The area has several historic churches, including San Lorenzo in Lucina and Santa Maria del Popolo.
One of the best things about staying in Lorenzo is its proximity to other areas of Rome. You’re only a short walk away from the historic center, and you can get there on foot or by bus, making it easy to explore everything this city offers.
If you want to see more of Italy than just Rome, head to Ostia Antica, where you’ll find ancient Rome remnants and incredible sea views.
This area is a bit further south than San Giovanni but offers similar benefits at lower prices. It’s also very close to Trastevere (see below)
Trastevere
Trastevere is a medieval neighborhood located on the west bank of the Tiber river. It is a popular area for tourists to stay in because it offers many restaurants, bars, and shopping venues.
Many of these hotels are near the Tiber River and the Vatican. Some hotels provide balconies overlooking this beautiful area and free Wi-Fi and other amenities such as parking or breakfast during your stay.
One of the best things about staying in this area is that it is close to many popular attractions. The Vatican, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps are all within walking distance of this district. You can also hop on a bus or train and be at the Colosseum or St. Peter’s Basilica in no time!
| Hotels | Apartments | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel dei Barbieri | Luxury on the River | Tankara Suite |
| Nikis Collection Trastevere | Trevi Apartment |
Piazza di Spagna
Piazza di Spagna is one of Rome’s most popular tourist destinations and one of the most expensive areas to stay in. It is a great place to stay if you want to be close to the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider staying in Trastevere. This neighborhood offers easy access to both sights and plenty of local restaurants, cafes, and shops that are perfect for those who want a taste of Rome outside the main tourist hotspots.
If you’re looking for an affordable option, consider staying in Trastevere. This neighborhood offers easy access to both sights and plenty of local restaurants, cafes, and shops that are perfect for those who want a taste of Rome outside the main tourist hotspots.
I love this square because it has many cafés where you can sit outside with a drink or snack while watching people walk by, including those posing for photos at its famous fountain statue called “Il Babuino.” The Spanish Steps are nearby too if you want more people watching fun!
| Hotels | Apartment | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Elysium Suites | Residenza Italia | Vivilo Roma Trevi |
| Ripetta 25 | The Babuino | Spagna Royal Suite |
Piazza Navona & Pantheon Area:
Piazza Navona is a square in Rome, Italy. The piazza is named after the church of Saint Agnese in Agone, which was once located on the site.
The piazza has been the scene of many historical events and works of art. It is also one of the most famous squares in Rome and has several fountains.
These two areas are connected by small streets lined with shops selling everything from jewelry to clothing made from traditional fabrics like linen or wool that date back centuries when these items were first produced.
There are several other markets nearby selling similar products, so make sure not to miss out on them too!
If visiting during lunchtime, head towards Piazzale Flaminio Metro Station, where there will be plenty of options, such as restaurants serving reasonably priced pasta dishes.
| Hotels | Apartments | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Residenza Pantaleo | Palazzo Delle Pietre | MyTALE Apartment Luxury Navona |
| Hotel Ponte Sisto | Farnese House in Rome | Sora Luxury Inn |
| Raffaello Charmsuite | NEW! Amazing Piazza Navona View |
The Vatican and Prati
The Vatican is your spot if you’re looking for an authentic Italian experience. This mini city-state is a great place to visit but not so much for staying.
The Vatican is home to the pope, steeped in history, culture, and religion; you can’t go wrong with this destination! The best part about staying at the Vatican? It won’t cost you much more than any other hotel in Rome.
| Hotels | Apartment | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| The First Musica | Oasi Del Vaticano | XXIV Domus Luxury Suites |
| Hotel Paolo II | Trianon Borgo Pio Aparthotel | |
| Trianon Borgo Pio Aparthotel | San Peter Lory’s Aparts |
Testaccio
One of the most popular neighborhoods in Rome, Testaccio is a place synonymous with nightlife. The area is known for its various restaurants and cafes where you can grab a bite after a long day touring around town.
Testaccio is also home to one of the city’s oldest markets; Testaccio Market has been open since 1932 and still maintains its original structure.
Testaccio is a popular place for tourists and locals alike, meaning there are plenty of things to do in the area. The neighborhood is home to one of Rome’s most famous markets, Testaccio Market.
This market is known for its variety of fresh produce and food stands where you can grab a quick snack before heading off on your next adventure.
Roma Termini
If you’re looking for a central place to stay in Rome, Termini is an excellent choice.
The central train station (Roma Termini) is one of the largest train stations in Europe, and it’s conveniently located near the city center. Many other popular attractions are within walking distance of the station, including:
- Piazza Venezia
- Colosseum
- Roman Forum
| Hotels | Apartments | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Rossi Hotel | St Paul House Boutique & Apartment | The Liberty Boutique Hotel |
| Hotel Balilla | Magna Domus | NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento |
Where to stay in Rome for families
If you’re traveling to Rome with kids, knowing where you can find the best accommodations is essential.
The city has plenty of great places for families to stay and play, but there are also some drawbacks you may want to consider before booking your room or apartment.
First things first: if you’re traveling with children under ten, you’ll want to ensure that your accommodations are in the city center.
Most of Rome’s family-friendly hotels and apartments are located within walking distance of key attractions, which is why they’re so popular with families.
If you’re traveling with teenagers, however, it’s often more practical to stay outside of town, especially if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing by foot or public transportation.
If you’re traveling with children, it’s essential to consider the age of your kids. If they’re old enough for their room, booking a hotel might be more practical than an apartment or B&B.
If they’re young and need to share a bed with one or more family members, staying in an apartment or B&B might be more cost-efficient.
If you’re traveling with pets, it’s important to note that most hotels have rules against allowing pets on their grounds. It’s a good idea to call ahead and see if there are any pet-friendly accommodations in the area.
Where to stay in Rome for solo travelers
If you’re traveling alone and looking for a place to meet new people or just like staying at hostels, consider checking out some of the local hostels.
Hostels offer beds starting at around $50 per night, making them a considerably less expensive alternative to hotels. They also provide clean rooms and amenities like wifi access, making it easy for you to stay connected while traveling!
You can find a hostel in Rome by visiting HostelWorld.com or Hostels.com. If you’re looking for more hotel experience and don’t mind paying a little more, consider booking a room at one of the hotels recommended below.
Best places to stay in Rome for a honeymoon
Here are our picks for the best places to stay in Rome for a honeymoon:
1) Hotel Diana Roof Garden Rome: This hotel is located at Via Principe Amedeo, near Rome’s Termini Station. The rooftop garden offers a relaxing environment with great views of the city. The spacious rooms are also friendly and helpful to travelers’ needs!
2) Elysium Suites: The Elysium Suites hotel is located in the heart of Rome (Piazza di Spagna) and has access to all major attractions within minutes. The spacious rooms have many amenities, including private balconies.
3) Luxury on the River: Located in Lungo Tevere, Vaticano, this hotel offers stunning views of Rome’s historic landmarks. Spacious and comfortable rooms make it an excellent destination for honeymooners!
Best places to stay in Rome for couples
1) Hotel Della Torre Argentina: Located in the heart of Rome, close to Campo de Fiori, this hotel is a perfect choice for couples. It offers luxurious accommodations and exceptional service that make relaxing and enjoying your stay easy.
2) Sophie Terrace Hotel: The 3-star hotel Sophie Terrace is located near many famous monuments in the heart of Rome. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and excellent amenities, making it a great choice for romantic getaways.
3) Residenza Pantaleo: This 4-star hotel is located in Piazza San Pantaleo, close to Piazza Navona. It offers luxurious accommodations with breathtaking views of Rome’s historical landmarks!
Where to stay in Rome for Shopping:
Piazza di Spagna is a great place to start your shopping, with the best shops in Rome. Via del Corso is another excellent place to shop.
You’ll also find plenty of stores along Via dei Condotti and Via Nazionale, two of Rome’s most famous shopping streets.
Via del Babuino is another popular area for shopping, as are nearby streets such as Via del Tritone and Piazza Barberini.
If you’re looking for more eclectic shops than those found on other main boulevards, consider checking out these less-touristy areas:
- Piazza della Repubblica
- Via Frattina
- Ponte Vecchio
Where to stay in Rome for restaurants:
There are many fabulous restaurants in Rome, but if you’re looking for something more traditional, these are the best places to eat in Rome.
The best restaurants in Rome for tourists: If you want an authentic Italian experience and don’t mind paying a little extra, try Trattoria Da Teo in Trastevere. The service is friendly and attentive, and the food is fantastic!
The best places to eat on your honeymoon: For those looking to get away from it all, there’s no better place than Da Enzo al 29 in Trastevere. This place is a little off the beaten path, but it’s worth finding for those looking for an authentic Italian experience. The food is delicious and reasonably priced, and the service is impeccable.
Where to stay in Rome for nightlife:
San Lorenzo is always an option for those seeking more traditional Italian experiences while in town. But for those looking for something a little more modern, there are plenty of options.
The area around Via del Babuino is full of great restaurants and bars with distinctly Roman vibes. It’s also home to some of the city’s most famous clubs, including Gregory’s Live Jazz & Dinner Club and La Botticella.
Trastevere is another fantastic area located on Tiber Island and across from Vatican City; it has a distinctly Italian charm that is hard to find elsewhere in Rome.
The site is full of small shops, restaurants, and nightclubs; it also offers some beautiful views of St. Peter’s Basilica from Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere on the opposite side of the river.
If you want something more modern or contemporary, Piazza Navona would be your best bet. Here, you’ll find fancy boutiques in historic buildings and numerous cafes serving gelato sundaes or other sweet treats such as tiramisu cake!
Conclusion
Rome is an ancient city with many treasures to explore. The best way to experience all Rome offers is through accommodation in one of its many hotels, hostels, or apartments.
- If you want to stay somewhere more affordable, consider staying in a hostel.
- An apartment is the best choice if traveling with your family or friends.
- And if you seek luxury and comfort, then a hotel is the way to go!
