Where to Stay in Rome for the First Time (+ Where NOT to Stay)

If you are trying to decide where to stay in Rome for the first time, you have a lot of options.

Do you want to stay in the heart of Rome and easily walk to the city’s top sights? How about a romantic apartment tucked away in a charming neighborhood? Or a hotel with a view of the Colosseum?

To make things easier for you, we have narrowed down the long list of hotels and apartments into a few great properties, organized by neighborhood and budget.

We have visited Rome multiple times. We’ve traveled here with kids on a strict budget, plus returned several years later, this time with more money in our pockets. From our experiences, we want to help you find the perfect place to stay, based on your budget and travel style.

Here’s what we will cover in this guide:

Our favorite hotels in Rome
A quick geographical overview of the city
Best locations to stay in Rome, with recommended hotels ranging from highly rated budget hotels to luxury hotels
How much does it cost to stay in Rome and when should you make your reservations

Where to Stay in Rome for the First Time

Our Top 5 Recommendations

If you want to skip the geography lesson and the overview of each neighborhood and get right to the recommendations, here are five hotels we recommend. We have either stayed here or these hotels get an excellent review score.

Lifestyle Suites Rome: Amazing Views of Piazza Navona

This is where we stayed on our second visit to Rome. Lifestyle Suites Rome is located on Piazza Navona, giving it an amazing location in the heart of Rome.

This is a small, boutique hotel that is an adult-only property. For us, the highlight was the view from the hotel’s rooftop terrace. The views overlooking the square are amazing and this view is for hotel guests only, so there is a good chance you could have the terrace all to yourself (we did).

Rooms have a view of Piazza Navona. They are elegantly decorated and very spacious.

There is soundproofing but even so, we could hear some noise from the square throughout the day. In our experience, Piazza Navona was quiet after 10 pm, so we didn’t have noise keeping us awake at night (I am a light sleeper so I try to avoid hotels that are loud at night).

The header photo for this guide was taken from our hotel room.

Romance al Colosseo: Views of the Colosseum

The best part about this hotel is its amazing views of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Romance al Colosseo is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment that comes equipped with a small kitchen. It’s also conveniently located near the Colosseo metro station.

This is a great pick for families and small groups who want to stay near the Colosseum.

Hotel Smeraldo: Mid-Range Hotel in the Heart of Rome

For mid-range and budget travelers who want to stay in the heart of Rome, this is a great property to consider. It gets fantastic reviews and rooms range from standard double rooms to family suites. Hotel Smeraldo is located near Campo de’ Fiori. Take a look at the rooftop terrace, which has a small bar, the perfect place to have an aperitivo at the end of the day.

The RomeHello: Perfect for Those on a Budget

The RomeHello is a budget property that is a great value for the money. This is a hostel, so rooms range from dormitory style rooms to private quadruple rooms, making a great pick for a wide range of travelers, including solo travelers, small groups of friends, and families. This is one of the highest rated budget hotels in all of Rome.

Six Senses Rome: For the Ultimate in Luxury

We had an unforgettable experience during our stay at the Six Senses property in the Douro Valley, Portugal, and now we can’t wait to experience another one.

Six Senses Rome is located in the historic heart of Rome, a short walk from the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain.

Take your pick from a variety of room types. They offer standard double rooms to a variety of suites and two-bedroom apartments. Rooms are modernly decorated, spacious, and some have an outdoor terrace with a view.

Onsite is a spa and fitness center, multiple bars, and a gorgeous rooftop terrace with stunning views of Rome.

Rome Geography 101

Rome is a sprawling city, but for tourists, the majority of the main attractions are located in and around the city center.

The city center is organized into neighborhoods and each neighborhood has its advantages and disadvantages for travelers.

The historic heart of Rome is where you find many of Rome’s top sights, not to mention a huge number of tourists. In Monti, stay in a charming neighborhood with an excellent location and the chance to stay in a hotel with a view of the Colosseum. Trastevere is well known for its maze of cobblestoned streets and great restaurants. In Prati, it is an easy walk to the Vatican.

Here is a map of where to stay in Rome. Each color corresponds to a different neighborhood in Rome. The black markers indicate the top attractions in Rome.

How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.

Best Rome Hotel by Location

In this guide, we list six neighborhoods in Rome. For each, we let you know what makes them special, why they make a great home base, and then list recommended hotels for all budgets.

At the end of this guide, we list hotels based on travel style (by budget, if you are a family, etc.).

Here is a very quick summary of each neighborhood (click the link if you want to skip ahead to the one that interests you the most):

Historic Heart of Rome: This is our top pick if it is your first time in Rome. We stayed here on our second visit and loved it. It’s centrally located, with many popular attractions right on your doorstep.

Piazza di Spagna: Stay near the Spanish Steps, the Borghese Gallery, and the high-end shops in Rome. This neighborhood is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in the city, but there are some great mid-range properties as well.

Monti & the Colosseum: Stay within walking distance of the Colosseum and the historic heart of Rome. Some rooms have a view of the Colosseum.

Prati & the Vatican: Staying here makes it easy to visit the Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica, but you will have a long walk or extra travel time to get to the other attractions in Rome.

Trastevere: If you want to stay in the city’s most charming neighborhood, near some of the top restaurants in Rome, stay here. Just be aware that you will have more travel time to get to the city’s top sights.

Termini (Esquilino): Budget and mid-range travelers will find a lot of options here, many of which get excellent reviews. The downside is the extra travel time to Rome’s top sights and the fact that you are staying near the train station, so this neighborhood lacks any real charm, unlike the others on this list.

How we chose these hotels: The hotels we list in this article are very highly rated. All but a few get 8.5 stars or higher on Booking.com, and many of them get at least 9 stars. We prefer to stay in hotel that gets a 9.0 or higher. Very rarely will we stay in a hotel that gets a rating less than 8.0.

I list hotels as luxury, upscale, mid-range, and budget. A luxury hotel is a 5-star hotel, an upscale hotel is a 4-star property, a mid-range hotel is a 3-star property, and a budget hotel is a 1 or 2-star property or a hostel.

The Historic Heart of Rome

Prime Location in Central Rome

Located right in the city center of Rome, this area contains a handful of the most popular sights: the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and Campo de Fiori.

If you are planning your first visit to Rome, this is the best location in the city. Many of the top attractions will be within easy walking distance of your hotel. And to start and end your day in this charming, historic neighborhood will truly make your visit to Rome memorable.

We stayed here on our second visit to Rome and loved it.

The historic heart of Rome (also called Centro Storico) is a maze of ancient, narrow streets. The best way to get around is by foot. There are no metro stations in this part of the city and large buses can’t travel down the narrow lanes. To get from the train station to your hotel, you can either take the public bus and get off at the Argentina stop or hire a taxi.

Spending an afternoon exploring the historic heart of Rome is one of the city’s best free experiences. If you stay in this neighborhood, you won’t have far to go to get to your hotel.

Top Attractions: Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Campo di Fiori

Nearby Metro Stations: Barberini, Spagna

Pros: Central location in Rome, easy to walk to many of the most popular sights

Cons: Feels touristy and can be busy during peak travel times, does not have a convenient metro station, can be expensive

Piazza Navona

LUXURY: Lifestyle Suites Rome. This hotel is located on Piazza Navona. It is an adult-only property and some rooms have a balcony with views over the square. We stayed here on our most recent visit and the highlight is the rooftop terrace that gives you a bird’s eye view of Piazza Navona. The windows have sound proofing, but you can still hear a little bit of noise during the day. By 10 pm, Piazza Navona gets quiet, at least from our experience. We really liked staying here, with the view and the rooftop terrace.

View from the rooftop terrace of Lifestyle Suites Rome

LUXURY: Six Senses Rome. We have not stayed here but we stayed at a Six Senses property in the Douro Valley, Portugal and had an incredible experience. This hotel gets fantastic reviews and it is located a few blocks from the Trevi Fountain. Check out the amazing rooftop views of the city and the beautifully decorated hotel rooms.

UPSCALE: Trevi Beau Boutique Hotel. Just steps away from the Trevi Fountain, rooms have wooden ceilings and modern décor. The hotel offers a daily continental breakfast.

MID-RANGE: Hotel Smeraldo. This hotel is located near Campo de’ Fiori. Rooms range from standard double rooms to family suites, making this a good pick for families who want to be centrally located but not spend a small fortune. The hotel has a rooftop terrace with a great view of Rome.

MID-RANGE: Prinsi Apartments. Located near the Trevi Fountain, this hotel offers small apartments that can accommodate two people. Prior guests love being able to walk to the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and even the Colosseum.

MID-RANGE: Albergo Abruzzi. This highly rated hotel sits right in front of the Pantheon, giving it an excellent location in the city center. Take your pick from double and trip rooms to family rooms that can accommodate up to five people. Rooms are basic but what you are getting is a great location without spending a lot of money.

MID-RANGE: Dante’s Hell B&B. This unique property has an excellent location, near Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. Prior guests rave about the facilities, location, and breakfast.

BUDGET: Hotel Primavera. Rooms are clean but basic and some rooms can accommodate four people. This hotel very close to Piazza Navona.

Piazza di Spagna

Great Central Location in Rome

This neighborhood sits between the historic heart of Rome and the Borghese Gardens. You’ll find the Spanish Steps here, as well as a lot of upscale shops and hotels. This neighborhood still has a great central location…stay here and you’ll be within walking distance of the historic heart of Rome and the Borghese Gallery, and nearby metro stations will make it easy to move about the city.

Top Attractions: Spanish Steps, Keats Shelley House, Borghese Gallery and Gardens, Piazza del Popolo, Via Condotti (luxury shopping street)

Metro Stations: Spagna, Barberini

Pros: For luxury travelers, this is the best place to stay, with the long list of luxury hotels and high-end shops on Via Condotti; some hotels have a short walk to the Spagna or Barberini metro stations

Cons: Can be expensive; not as central as staying in the historic heart of Rome

Spanish Steps

Piazza del Popolo

LUXURY: Hassler Roma. This 5-star hotel sits at the top of the Spanish Steps. Onsite is Imàgo, a Michelin-starred restaurant with panoramic views of Rome (a restaurant we plan to try on our next visit to Rome), Palm Court Restaurant, a Turkish bath, and fitness center.

The view from Hotel Hassler

LUXURY: J.K. Place Roma – The Leading Hotels of the World. This lovely hotel gets near perfect reviews. It is tucked away on a side street off of Via Condotti. Some rooms have a balcony with gorgeous views of Rome. This is one of the highest rated hotels in all of Rome.

UPSCALE: Piazza di Spagna 9. If you want a room that overlooks Piazza di Spagna and is just steps away from a convenient metro station (Spagna), look no further. This boutique property also scores exceptional reviews on Booking.com.

APARTMENT: Casavignoni Luxury Apartment. This three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment is located near Piazza del Popolo and comes equipped with a kitchen and a washing machine. It’s a great pick for families and small groups of travelers.

MID-RANGE: B&B Casa Angelini. This adult-only property gets excellent reviews for its location, breakfast, and attentive host.

MID-RANGE: Leoncino 36 Apartments. This small property offers one-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to 4 and 5 people. The apartments are basic but they do have a kitchen and washing machine and get wonderful reviews.

Monti & the Colosseum

Stay Near Rome’s Most Popular Attraction

For most first-time visitors to Rome, the Colosseum tops the list of things to do. So why not stay within walking distance, or even wake up each morning with an amazing view of the Colosseum?

Monti is a charming neighborhood that sits to the north of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. From here, it’s just a short walk to these world-class sights. This is also where you will find the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli (the Church of St. Peter in Chains) which is famous for Michelangelo’s statue of Moses.

This pretty neighborhood is also home to many great restaurants. There are several convenient metro stations, such as Colosseo and Cavour, so getting around by metro is a breeze.

Monti is also tucked away between historic Rome and the Termini station, so if you don’t mind a little walking, you can get to both of these on foot.

Top Attractions: Domus Aurea, Forum of Augustus, Basilica di San Clemente, Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli

Metro Stations: Colosseo, Cavour

Pros: Easy walk to the Colosseum and Roman Forum; some hotels offer views of the Colosseum

Cons: Longer walk or more travel time to get to Vatican City and Trastevere; you won’t find any of Rome’s major attractions here, but you will be within walking distance of several of them, such as the Colosseum

LUXURY: Villa Spalletti Trivelli – Small Luxury Hotels of the World. This hotel has an excellent location, within walking distance of both the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum. Set in a historic villa, rooms are decorated with rich, antique furnishings and each room has a small sitting area. There is also a spa and small garden area.

UPSCALE: Romance al Colosseo. This beautifully decorated 3-bedroom 2-bathroom apartment is located within walking distance of the Colosseum and the Colosseo metro station. From the apartment, enjoy views over the Colosseum. This place is perfect for families, accommodating up to six people.

UPSCALE: Colosseum Corner. This hotel also has rooms with a view of the Colosseum. Rooms are beautifully decorated and can accommodate up to four people.

MID-RANGE: B&B Santi Quattro Al Colosseo. Less than a 5-minute walk from the Colosseum, this hotel offers double rooms plus a family room that can accommodate up to 4 people.

MID-RANGE: Domus Chiara al Colosseo. This 3-bedroom apartment sits just steps away from the Colosseum and the Colosseo metro station. Prior guests RAVE about the location and the value for the money. This is a great pick for families.

BUDGET: Hotel Paba. This hotel has an excellent location in the heart of Monti and it is just a 5-minute walk to the Colosseum. Some rooms have a balcony and for families there is a family suite that can accommodate up to five people.

Prati & the Vatican

Great Location near Vatican City

Located on the west side of the Tiber River, Prati is home to one of Rome’s most affluent neighborhoods. This is both a residential and commercial area and this is where you will find Vatican City.

Staying here makes it easy and convenient to visit the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and attend the audience with the Pope in St. Peter’s Square. It is also home to Castel Sant’Angelo, which is the tomb of Emperor Hadrian.

Line A on the metro runs through Prati, making it easy to get to Termini station, the Colosseum, and Villa Borghese.

Top Attractions: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, Castel Sant’Angelo

Metro Stations: Ottaviano, Cipro

Pros: Close proximity to the Vatican, has more of a “local feel” than the touristy heart of Rome

Cons: Located north of the historic heart of Rome, so you will have to ride the metro or take a taxi to get to the other sights

Vatican City (photo taken from Castel Sant’Angelo)

St. Peter’s Square

LUXURY: Trianon Borgo Pio Aparthotel. This hotel is located on a quiet street between the Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo. Top floor rooms offer views over the city. Rooms can accommodate between two and six people, so this makes a great option whether you are traveling as a couple, group of friends, or as a family.

UPSCALE: Vatica B&B Roma. This is one of the highest rated hotels in Rome on Booking.com. Rooms can accommodate two to four people and families will love the two-bedroom suite.

MID-RANGE: Ale & Niki’s Home. This highly-rate hotel is located next to the Ottaviano metro station, so it is easy to get around the city. Multiple room types are available, including rooms that accommodate up to four people.

MID-RANGE: Hotel S. Anna. This historic hotel is located in a 17th century building. It is a short walk to the Vatican Museums and the Ottaviano metro station. Rooms can accommodate between two to five people.

BUDGET: Hotel Silla. Conveniently located next to the Ottaviano metro station, all rooms have a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.

Trastevere

Charming Neighborhood with a Local Vibe

Like Prati, Trastevere is located on the left side of the Tiber River. This neighborhood is one of Rome’s best spots for dining and nightlife. Trastevere is a great mix of locals and tourists, charming cobblestoned streets, and wonderful cafes.

If you are looking for a neighborhood with charm, nightlife, and endless restaurants to try, stay in Trastevere.

Top Attractions: Giancolo Hill (great view of Rome)

Metro Stations: None

Pros: Full of charm, many great restaurants and hotels, fun to explore and wander the narrow streets, feels more authentic than other neighborhoods on this list

Cons: Located a short distance from the top sights so you will have to use public transportation to get to the Colosseum, Vatican, and the historic heart of Rome; there are no metro stations in Trastevere, so you will be more dependent on taxis and the bus

LUXURY: Hotel Donna Camilla Savelli. This historic property dates back to the 17th century. The hotel is located inside of a former monastery that was designed by the Baroque architect Borromini. From the terrace, enjoy the view over Rome.

LUXURY: Window on Rome. Like the name says, some rooms offer views across the Tiber River to the historic heart of Rome. Rooms can accommodate between 2 to 6 people (check out the 2-bedroom apartment!) so if you are traveling as a family, this hotel is a great option.

UPSCALE: A Trastevere da M.E. This boutique hotel has an excellent location in Trastevere. It is located near Ponte Garibaldi, putting you within walking distance of the heart of Rome. There is a similar property located in the same area that also gets exceptional reviews called Residenza Delle Arti.

MID-RANGE: Hotel Santa Maria. Tucked away in the heart of Trastevere, this 16^th century convent was converted into a small hotel. It features a small garden, has a hotel bar, and even has a quadruple room, perfect for small groups and families.

MID-RANGE: Stranamore Apartments Trastevere. For those who prefer an apartment stay, these one-bedroom apartments come with a kitchen and living area, giving you plenty of space.

Termini Station (Esquilino)

Great for Budget Travelers

Termini Station is a good place to stay for two reasons: to be conveniently located near the train station and if you are traveling on a budget. There are a lot of highly rated mid-range and budget hotels in this area.

However, this area lacks charm and you will have to travel by metro or bus to get to Rome’s sights.

We stayed near Termini station on our visit to Rome. In fact, Rome is where we started our trip around the world and since we were on a tight budget, this is where we found the most affordable hotels.

Top Attractions: Termini Train Station, Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

Metro Stations: Termini, Repubblica, Vittorio Emanuele, Manzoni

Pros: Easy walk to the Termini train station, easier to find mid-range and budget hotels in this area

Cons: Lacks charm, not near any of Rome’s main sights so expect to ride the metro and bus to get around

MID-RANGE: Optimus B&B. Prior guest rave about this hotel’s locations (those that stayed here liked being near the train and bus station), the value for the money, and the breakfast. It is one of the highest-rated mid-range hotels in this part of Rome.

MID-RANGE: La Terrazza di Evelina Guest House. This boutique hotel is located very close to the Manzoni metro station, making it easy to get around Rome. And it’s far enough from the train station that you don’t get that “train station vibe.” Rooms are basic but the hotel gets outstanding reviews and has a nice rooftop terrace.

MID-RANGE: Around The Corner Colosseo B&B. This bed and breakfast is located within walking distance of Termini Station and the Colosseum (about a 14-minute walk).

BUDGET: The RomeHello. This is the highest rated hostel in Rome. It is very conveniently located next to the Termini train station and just a short walk from the Repubblica metro station. Rooms range from dormitory-style rooms to private 2 and 4-bedroom rooms with a private bathroom.

BUDGET: Hotel Everest. This 2-star hotel offers single, double, triple, quadruple rooms and even a family room. It is located very close to Termini Station and the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

Where Not to Stay in Rome: Testaccio

If it’s your first time in Rome, one neighborhood we don’t recommend is Testaccio. This neighborhood frequently shows up on other where to stay guides, and while it does have its advantages, we don’t think it’s a great location for first timers.

Testaccio is home to some of Rome’s best restaurants and eateries. Exploring Mercato Testaccio, taking a food tour, and sampling the restaurants here are great experiences in Rome. It’s also got a great local vibe. But this neighborhood lacks any of the main attractions in Rome, plus you will have a lot of travel time to do anything else in the city.

Testaccio is located south of the city center, so it’s fairly far away from the Colosseum, Vatican City, the historic heart of Rome, and even the train station.

If you want to stay in a neighborhood with a local vibe, then stay in Trastevere or even the historic heart of Rome.

We only recommend staying in Testaccio if you are a hard-core foodie or for those on a second or third visit to Rome. You can search for hotels here.

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Our Recommendations by Travel Style

There are a lot of options in Rome and even with our narrowed down list, picking a place might still feel overwhelming. So, how do you decide where to stay in Rome? Here are a few recommendations based on traveling style and budget.

Hotels for Luxury Travelers

Lifestyle Suites (Historic heart of Rome)
Six Senses Rome (Historic heart of Rome)
Hassler Roma (Piazza di Spagna)
Villa Spalletti Trivelli – Small Luxury Hotels of the World (Monti & Colosseo)
Donna Camilla Savelli (Trastevere)

Hotels for Mid-Range Travelers

Hotel Smeraldo (Historic heart of Rome)
Leoncino 36 Apartments (Piazza di Spagna)
Ale & Nicki’s Home (Prati & Vatican City)
B&B Santi Quattro Al Colosseo (Monti & Colosseo)
Hotel Santa Maria (Trastevere)

Hotels for Budget Travelers

The RomeHello (Termini/Esquilino)
Hotel Primavera (Historic heart of Rome)
Hotel Paba (Monti & the Colosseum)

Hotels for Families

Romance al Colosseo (Monti & the Colosseum)
Domus Chiara al Colosseo (Monti & the Colosseum)
Vatica B&B Roma (Prati & Vatican City)

View from Divinity Restaurant, one of Rome’s best rooftop bars

How Much Does it Cost to Stay in Rome?

During peak season, based on a double occupancy room with two people, a 2-star hotel will range from $50 to $150 USD per night, a 3-star hotel will range from $150 to $300 per night, a 4-star hotel will range from $300 to $550 per night, and a 5-star hotel will start at $500 per night.

These are just rough estimates. If you are making your reservations late (within three months of your visit), prices can be higher than this, as hotel occupancy begins to fill up.

Rooms such as suites, deluxe rooms, and apartments can cost significantly more than the prices listed above, depending on the property, location, and time of year.

When Should You Make Your Reservation?

If you plan to visit Rome during the peak season, which is June through mid-September and around the holidays of Christmas, Easter, and Spring Break, we recommend making your reservations at least three months in advance, although 6 months is even better.

If you wait too long, you will have limited choices and may end up spending more to get a decent hotel.

How to Get from the Airport to the City Center

To get from Fiumicino Airport to the city center you have a few options.

The Leonardo Express. This is a direct train from the airport to Termini Station. Trains travel from 6:40 am to 11:40 pm daily and leave every 30 minutes. This is the fastest way to get to the city center with a travel time of 32 minutes. Learn more here.

Once you arrive at the Termini Station, you can walk, use the metro, hire a taxi, or take the bus to get to your hotel.

Regional Trains. These trains depart every 15 minutes and have multiple stops before arriving at the Termini station (travel time 55 minutes).

Rome Airport Bus. Travel time 1 hour. Buses leave approximately every 30 minutes.

Rome Airport Taxi. Expect to pay approximately roughly €50 for a taxi with travel times of 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic and the location of your hotel.

Private Transfer. You can arrange a private transfer through your hotel. Prices vary. You can also book a private transfer here.

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PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you are unsure about how to get from the airport or Termini Station to your hotel, send an email to your hotel for advice.

If you have any questions on where to stay in Rome, let us know in the comment section below.

More Information for Your Trip to Italy

We have TONS more information about Italy in our Italy Travel Guide, including Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, the Dolomites, the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre, Sicily, and Puglia.