Insider Tips on Where to Stay in Rome
Rome is a vibrant city bursting with captivating sights, and finding the perfect place to call your home away from home can truly make or break your entire experience.
If your goal is sightseeing, consider a hotel in centro storico
Before You Book
As you plan your stay, take a moment to think about what matters most to you.
- Are you traveling solo, with friends, or bringing your family along?
- Are there little ones in tow?
- Is your visit for business or leisure?
- How long will you stay?
- Do you prefer a homely experience or an indulgent stay?
These questions will help you find Rome accommodation that matches your needs, ensuring an unforgettable stay.
Hotels in Rome
While the city centre can be pricier during the high season, there are still great choices for budget travelers.
You’ll find various hotel options, including renowned hotel chains like Hilton, Best Western, NH, and Crowne Plaza, and charming independent hotels.
Hotel in Piazza Barberini
The city centre is home to one of the best hotels in Rome, with some establishments with unique locations, breathtaking terraces, and rooftops offering panoramic views of Ancient Roman ruins.
View from a Roman rooftop
Advantages
Hotels in Rome typically provide essential amenities such as Wi-Fi and international breakfast options, along with a formal standard of service.
The lobby can offer a space for professionals
In Rome, working from coffee shops is less common, so choosing a hotel with a lobby or in-room desk can offer a suitable workspace for professionals during their stay.
Staying at a Luxury Hotel
The more upscale options, rated 4 stars and above, often feature on-site restaurants and dining options for guests who prefer to dine in.
Rome offers a wide selection of luxury accommodations
Luxury hotels such as Hotel de Russie or the recently built Bulgari Hotel offer not only exceptional service and breathtaking locations but also boast stunning SPAs, award-winning cocktail bars, and high-end restaurants. Definitely one of the best places to stay in Rome.
How to Book
To find and book a hotel in Rome:
- Use popular travel websites such as Booking.com or Expedia
- Visit your favourite hotel chains’ websites to discover their offerings in Rome
- If you have a specific neighbourhood in mind, consider checking available hotels on Google Maps and booking directly through the hotel’s website.
Short-Term Apartments and B&Bs
If you’re traveling with family or a group or planning an extended stay in Rome, a short-term apartment or bed and breakfast can be an excellent and convenient choice. Unlike hotels, apartments and B&B may offer:
- Kitchen facilities
- Washing machine
- A private atmosphere
Short-term apartments and bed and breakfasts in Rome can be found in both the city centre and the outskirts.
Rome’s quaint city centre and its narrow streets
City Center or Outskirts?
Opting for a city centre location is perfect for those keen on sightseeing and seeking convenience, as it can save you time on public transport. However, it’s important to consider that city centre accommodations may come at a higher price.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that some apartments and B&B in Rome’s city centre are situated in narrow streets above bustling restaurants and bars, which may be a drawback for those sensitive to noise or kitchen aromas.
The streets in Rome’s city centre can be quite busy
Lastly, it’s important to note that many apartments in Rome’s city centre are specifically tailored for tourists, which means they may not provide an authentic local experience and surroundings.
How To Book
When searching for a bed and breakfast or a short-term apartment in Rome, consider utilising popular websites such as:
- Airbnb
- Booking.com
- VRBO
- Flipkey
These platforms provide diverse options, flexible policies, and secure payment methods, allowing you to conveniently explore listings, read reviews, and make direct reservations.
Hostels in Rome
For younger (or young at heart.) travelers seeking a cost-effective accommodation option with a vibrant social atmosphere, hostels are an excellent choice.
The most popular hostels in Rome are:
Hostels typically offer dormitory-style rooms with multiple bunk beds or single beds accommodating around 6 to 8 people. Some hostels also provide private rooms at a slightly higher cost. Facilities at hostels can vary, but many offer communal areas with bars, creating a lively environment and opportunities to meet fellow travelers.
Camping in Rome
Camping in Rome may not be the most typical choice, but there are camping sites available on the city’s outskirts for those seeking a different kind of experience. Camping sites like hu Roma or Happy Village offer a peaceful escape from the bustling city centre, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding countryside.
Where to Stay in Rome
Centro Storico
When considering where to stay in Rome first time, Centro Storico immediately comes to mind, especially if your main goal is to visit iconic attractions such as the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona.
Trastevere
Trastevere, with its vibrant and bustling atmosphere, is the best area to stay in Rome for those who crave lively evenings and an authentic experience.
Long-standing as the place for Italians and visitors alike to converge for a night out, this area of Rome is an irresistible maze of pizzerias, quirky boutiques, second-hand shops, cobblestones, and shady, wandering streets.
Trastevere is known for its lively bars
Vatican / Prati
If your main priority is to visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, finding accommodation in the Vatican / Prati neighbourhood is highly recommended. This elegant area offers a mix of hotels and guesthouses that cater to different budgets.
Directly adjacent to the spiritual centre of Rome, Prati is an area often overlooked by visitors. But cross Piazza Risorgimento, and you’ll be stepping into one of the most popular places to stay in Rome.
Mix with the locals to shop for Italian and international fashion brands, gourmet shops, and enough shoe shops to satisfy all fashionistas. Resulting from an urban expansion plan in the early 1900s, this district is also comfortable to get around thanks to its grid-like street plan and no wobbly cobblestones.
Rione Monti
Looking for the safest place to stay in Rome. Rione Monti, the birthplace of Julius Caesar, is a neighbourhood with over 2,000 years of history. It offers a mix of boutique hotels, cozy guesthouses, and stylish apartments, and it’s close to the Colosseum.
Independent hotel in Rione Monti
With its narrow cobblestone streets, trendy shops, and various dining establishments, this historic neighbourhood in Rome provides visitors with a unique and memorable experience. One of the best neighborhood to stay in Rome.
Rione Monti
Termini Central Train Station
The most convenient choice if travelling to other parts of Italy, the area around Termini is also attractive in its own right: Monti, a small trendy neighborhood and nightspot, and Piazza Vittorio, Rome’s multiethnic commercial district, are both within walking distance. Best budget accommodation in Rome is situated in this area.
Nomentana Area
Stretching on either side of the Ancient Roman Nomentana road, the area which goes by the same name is a peaceful and appealing district to the north of the city centre. Tree-lined sidestreets, parks, and elegant residential buildings typify this neighborhood; bordering the historic centre of Rome, it has direct public transportation to most of the major sites.
Tourist Tax (Tassa di Soggiorno)
In Rome, tourists must pay a tourist tax called tassa di soggiorno. It applies to all accommodations in the city and is calculated per person per night. The amount varies based on the accommodation type.
The tax is usually collected by the accommodation providers.
Booking and Reservation Process
You’ve set your budget, and you have decided what to see. Now it’s time to book your accommodation in Rome. Follow these steps:
Do some research
Search on online travel sites and create a list of your favourite hotels, apartments, B&Bs, or hostels. To find the best part of Rome to stay in, consider factors such as location, amenities, budget, proximity to public transport and attractions, as well as included services like airport shuttle or breakfast.
Check Availability
Once you have shortlisted a few potential places, check the availability for your travel dates.
Compare and Read Reviews
Sometimes pictures can be misleading. Feedback from other guests can really help sway your decision. Look at up-to-date reviews before booking your accommodation in Rome.
Communication of Any Special Needs
If you have any specific requirements that are not advertised, such as accessibility features for individuals with disabilities, pet-friendly accommodations, special dietary needs, or the need for extra beds or cribs, consider reaching out to the accommodation directly before making your booking. This way, you can ensure that your specific needs are addressed and accommodated for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Understand Cancellation and Modification Policies
Find out beforehand about the accommodation’s cancellation policies, as well as any deadlines or penalties associated with making changes to your reservation.
Secure Payment
In most cases, you’ll need to provide your credit card details to secure your reservation. Once the payment process is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation email or booking voucher, which includes important details like the accommodation’s contact information and specific instructions or policies.