Rome
Where to stay in Rome: the best areas and hotels we recommend
Among the piazzas of the historic centre, by the Spanish Steps, in the cobbled lanes of Trastevere or with the Colosseum outside your window? This is Rome neighbourhood by neighbourhood, and the hotels that suit each one.
Rome is a city to get lost in, and that is part of the joy. Around every corner waits a piazza, a fountain or a church full of art you have never heard of. But the city is large, and where you stay shapes your days: whether you stroll to the Pantheon before breakfast, or need the metro to reach the centre.
This is our guide to the best areas to stay in Rome, and the hotels we would choose in each, whether you are coming for a romantic weekend, a family holiday or a cultural trip.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
How to choose an area
For a first visit with everything walkable: the Centro Storico, around the Pantheon and Piazza Navona
For luxury and shopping: the area around the Spanish Steps and Via Condotti
For atmosphere, trattorias and nightlife: Trastevere
For ancient Rome and a neighbourhood feel: Monti, by the Colosseum
For the Vatican and calmer streets: Prati
For practical and affordable, near Termini: Esquilino and Via Nazionale
The historic centre is compact, and most sights lie within half an hour’s walk of each other. So choose by mood and budget, not just distance.
Centro Storico: the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori
The historic centre is the heart of Rome, with the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the market at Campo de’ Fiori. You stay among the sights and can walk everywhere. In the evening the piazzas fill with people, and the trattorias put their tables out on the street.
Hotel Raphaël: ivy-clad by Piazza Navona
A classic luxury hotel with a restaurant, covered in ivy and a stone’s throw from Piazza Navona.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Raphaël
Hotel Chapter Roma: urban and modern
A modern luxury hotel with three restaurants, near Campo de’ Fiori and the Tiber.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Chapter Roma
Boutique Hotel Campo de’ Fiori: with a rooftop terrace
A small boutique hotel with a bar, in the lively area around Campo de’ Fiori.
Book your stay: See rooms at Boutique Hotel Campo de’ Fiori
The Pantheon in the Centro Storico. Photo: Picolo
The Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo: luxury and shopping
Around the Spanish Steps and the elegant streets of Via Condotti and Via del Babuino are Rome’s best-known luxury hotels, fashion houses and art galleries. From here it is a short walk to both Villa Borghese and the Trevi Fountain.
Hassler Roma: at the top of the Steps
The legendary hotel at the top of the Spanish Steps, with two restaurants and views over the city’s rooftops.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hassler Roma
Rocco Forte Hotel de Russie: the secret garden
A luxury hotel with a spa and lush terraced garden, between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel de Russie
J.K. Place Roma: boutique luxury
An intimate luxury hotel with a restaurant, in the streets by the Spanish Steps.
Book your stay: See rooms at J.K. Place Roma
Hotel Vilòn: a hidden gem
A small luxury hotel with an exclusive feel, next to Palazzo Borghese and the shopping streets.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Vilòn
Six Senses Rome: a spa in the centre
A luxury hotel with a spa in a historic palazzo, within walking distance of the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon.
Book your stay: See rooms at Six Senses Rome
Hotel Locarno: Art Deco by Piazza del Popolo
An elegant Art Deco hotel with a restaurant and roof terrace, by Piazza del Popolo.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Locarno
Hotel Eden: views over Villa Borghese
A luxury hotel with a spa and a rooftop terrace with city views, near the Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Eden
Trastevere: lanes, trattorias and nightlife
Across the Tiber lies Trastevere, with cobbled lanes, ivy-covered walls and some of the city’s most atmospheric trattorias. In the evening the area is buzzing. Stay here for local Rome, but expect it to be lively late into the night.
Hotel Santa Maria: an oasis in Trastevere
A charming hotel with a bar and a quiet courtyard, in the heart of lively Trastevere.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Santa Maria
Monti and the Colosseum: ancient Rome around the corner
Monti is one of Rome’s most charming neighbourhoods, with vintage shops, wine bars and small restaurants, a short walk from the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
Palazzo Manfredi: the Colosseum outside your window
A luxury hotel with a restaurant and views straight onto the Colosseum, one of the most spectacular locations in the city.
Book your stay: See rooms at Palazzo Manfredi
The Colosseum. Photo: Picolo
Prati and the Vatican: calmer and elegant
Prati lies next to the Vatican, with wide streets, good restaurants and a calmer feel than the historic centre. A good choice if you want to visit St Peter’s and the Vatican Museums early in the morning.
Rome Cavalieri: a resort above the city
A luxury resort on Monte Mario with views over all of Rome, a swimming pool and a large art collection, not far from the Vatican Museums.
Book your stay: See rooms at Rome Cavalieri
Esquilino and Via Nazionale: practical near Termini
Around Termini, Rome’s main station, you will find several affordable hotels and hostels. The area is not the most charming, but it is practical if you arrive by train from the airport or plan day trips.
Hotel Artemide: elegant on Via Nazionale
A hotel with a spa in the centre, within walking distance of Termini and Monti.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Artemide
Generator Rome: affordable and social
A modern hostel with private rooms and dorms, near Termini.
Book your stay: See rooms at Generator Rome
The Beehive: small and affordable
A small, affordable hostel in the centre, popular with budget travellers.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Beehive
Parioli and Villa Borghese: green and stylish
North of the centre lies leafy, elegant Parioli, by the Villa Borghese park and the Galleria Borghese. Quieter than the centre, but a short tram or taxi ride away.
The Hoxton, Rome: stylish and relaxed
A design hotel a short distance from Villa Borghese, with a relaxed atmosphere and great shared spaces.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Hoxton, Rome
Tips before you book
Stay central on your first visit: You save time and can walk to most sights.
Check the city tax: Rome has a tourist tax per person per night, often paid on arrival.
Book early for holidays: Easter and major church holidays fill hotels quickly.
Consider a roof terrace: Many hotels have rooftop terraces over the domes and rooftops, perfect for an aperitivo.
See also our tips on shopping in Rome, the Colosseum and the Vatican and a Rome city break.
Frequently asked questions about where to stay in Rome
What is the best area to stay in Rome for first-timers?
The Centro Storico, around the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, is the best choice for a first visit. You can walk to most of the sights.
Where is the cheapest place to stay in Rome?
The area around Termini has the most affordable hotels and hostels, such as Generator Rome and The Beehive.
Is Trastevere a good place to stay?
Yes, Trastevere is atmospheric with many good restaurants, but it can be lively in the evening.
Where should you stay to visit the Vatican?
Prati is right next to the Vatican, giving you a calmer base close to St Peter’s and the Vatican Museums.