Where to Stay in Rome – Best Hotels & Neighborhoods for Your Budget

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.

Overview of Rome

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. And if you stay in Testaccio, you will have an endless number of amazing restaurants and bars at your doorstep.

The Historic Heart of 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.

On our 2-day Rome itinerary, you will walk right through historic Rome. This is one of Rome’s best free experiences and a wonderful way to end your day. If you stay in this neighborhood, you won’t have far to go to get to your hotel.

The historic heart of Rome (also called Centro Historico) 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.

Pros: Central location in Rome, easy to walk to many of the most popular sights
Cons: Feels touristy and can be busy in the summer months, does not have a convenient metro station

LUXURY: Lifestyle Suites Rome. This hotel is located on Piazza Navona. It is an adult-only property and rooms are very elegantly decorated. 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 in 2022. We really liked staying here, with the view and the rooftop terrace. The header photo for this guide was taken from our hotel room.

Lifestyle Suites Rome | Where to Stay in Rome

View from the rooftop terrace of Lifestyle Suites Rome | Where to Stay in Rome

Upper terrace of Lifestyle Suites | Where to Stay in Rome

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.

Trevi Beau Boutique Hotel | Where to Stay in 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.

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

Monti & the Colosseum

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.

Pros: Easy walk to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, some hotels offer views of the Colosseum
Cons: None

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.

Villa Spalletti Trivelli | Where to Stay in Rome

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.

Romance al Colosseo | Where to Stay in Rome

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Vatica B&B Roma | Where to Stay in Rome

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.

Ale & Niki’s Home | Where to Stay in Rome

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

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.

Trastevere | Where to stay in Rome

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.

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.

MID-RANGE: B&B In Trastevere House. This small bed and breakfast gets rave reviews for its location and beautifully decorated rooms. All rooms have a balcony and breakfast is served daily.

BUDGET: Hotel Domus Tiberina. Located in the heart of Trastevere, this hotel can accommodate up to four people in some rooms.

Testaccio

If you are a foodie, stay in Testaccio. If you want a neighborhood with a local feel, stay in Testaccio. And if you want to stay in a neighborhood with a vibrant nightlife, stay in Testaccio.

Testaccio is home to some of Rome’s best restaurants and eateries. Explore Mercato Testaccio, have dinner at Volpetti, or grab a slice of pizza at Da Remo.

Pros: Testaccio is home to some of Rome’s best restaurants, has a local feel and a vibrant nightlife
Cons: Located outside of the city center so expect to ride the metro or bus to get around town

LUXURY: Seven Suites. Rooms are modernly decorated. This hotel gets rave reviews for cleanliness and its daily breakfast. Just 50 feet from the hotel is a bus stop with easy access to Termini station.

Seven Suites | Where to Stay in Rome

MID-RANGE: Testaccio Historic House. This one-bedroom apartment comes with a kitchen and washing machine. It is very close to the main square in Testaccio. It can accommodate up to four people so it is a good option for families.

BUDGET: Hotel Santa Prisca. Located on the edge of Testaccio, this hotel is located next to a park and it is a short walk to the Pyramide metro station. Rooms can accommodate between one and four people.

Near Termini Station

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.

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.

Pros: Easy walk to the Termini train station, easier to find 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

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.

The RomeHello | Where to Stay in Rome

Where to Stay in Rome: Our Recommendations

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.

As far as location goes, Monti is our first pick, since you can easily walk to the Colosseum and historic Rome, but still stay in a neighborhood that oozes charm. Trastavere is a popular option as well, with its lovely streets and great restaurants.

If you are looking for a luxury experience, Lifestyle Suites offers elegant rooms with views of Piazza Navona, Hotel Donna Camilla Savelli is a great option in Trastevere, and Villa Spalletti Trivelli in Monti is one of the highest rated luxury hotels in Rome.

For families, we recommend Romance al Colosseo (two and three-bedroom apartments with views of the Colosseum…how do you beat that?), Ale & Nicki’s Home near the Vatican, and Window on Rome in Trastevere.

For budget travelers, The RomeHello hostel near Termini station gets excellent reviews. Hotel Paba in Monti is also a great option, especially if you like the idea of staying near the Colosseum.

If you are traveling as a couple, stay in the heart of Rome at the Trevi Beau Boutique Hotel, at the very highly rated Vatica B&B Roma near the Vatican, or In Trastevere House. Lifestyle Suites on Piazza Navona also makes a great option, since it is adult only.

Piazza Navona

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.

More Information for Your Trip to Rome

For a full list of things to do in Rome, check out our article Best Things to Do in Rome. For the best viewpoints of Rome’s famous landmarks, take a look at our article Best Views of Rome.

Learn how to plan your time with our One Day in Rome Itinerary, 2 Day Rome Itinerary, 3 Day Rome Itinerary and 4 Day Rome Itinerary.

For advice on where to eat, read our guide about Where to Eat in Rome, that has restaurant recommendations near the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the historic heart of Rome, plus some great rooftop restaurants. We also have a guide to the Best Rooftop Bars in Rome.

In our article How to Visit the Colosseum, we cover everything you need to know, from ticket types, things to do at the Colosseum, if a guided tour is worth it, how much it will cost and how to have the best experience.

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

ITALY ITINERARIES: If you are just beginning to plan your Italy itinerary, take a look at our 10 Days in Italy Itinerary for five different ways to spend 10 days in Italy. We also have a detailed 10 day itinerary that includes Rome, Florence, the Cinque Terre, and Venice and a 10 day northern Italy itinerary that includes the Dolomites and Venice.

AMALFI COAST: Learn how to travel from Rome to the Amalfi Coast and you have the option to visit Pompeii on the way. We also have a guide to the best towns on the Amalfi Coast, how to hike the Path of the Gods, things to do in Positano, and things to do in Ravello. And don’t miss our guide to the best things to do in Capri.

MILAN & LAKE COMO: Learn how to visit Milan on a day trip or while traveling between the Cinque Terre, Florence and Venice. Lake Como and Bellagio are two more beautiful places in Italy that are great day trip destinations.

FLORENCE: For a list of things to do, take a look at our Florence Bucket List and learn how to plan your time with our 2 Day Florence Itinerary. We also have information about how to visit the Florence Cathedral, about the best rooftop bars in Florence, and best viewpoints in Florence, and where to stay in Florence.

TUSCAN HILL TOWNS: Check out our detailed guides to Siena, Montepulciano, Pienza, Montalcino, San Quirico d’Orcia, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Lucca, Volterra, Arezzo, and Cortona. For a full list of things to do, read our article Best Things to Do in Tuscany.

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