The Vatican City is nestled right next to one of Rome’s swankier ‘hoods, Prati, northwest of the city. Its most convenient metro stop is Ottaviano, on the A-line.
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The Vatican City
Built up largely in the mid-twentieth century, it’s not exactly on a grid system, but you won’t find any labyrinthine cobblestoned alleyways sending your phone’s GPS into meltdown. You’ll do just fine here.
Hotels in the Vatican, both midrange and above, are plentiful, as are a wide range of shops and wining and dining options. But at only a quarter of an hour’s walk back over the bridge and into historic Rome again, Prati doesn’t have to be your only option when looking for convenient places to stay.
The Best Hotels For Any Type Of Traveller
Best Budget-Friendly
If you want easy access to the Vatican (and the rest of Rome, for that matter) – all you need do is make sure you’re located somewhere on the A Line of the metro system. Bear in mind Rome only has three lines, A, B, and C, but you’ll mainly be using A and B. The closest stop to the Vatican is Ottaviano which is on the A.
If you’re on a budget and searching for cheap hotels in Rome, the further away from Ottaviano you go, the kinder it will be on your wallet. Rome is not big – so even if you’re staying somewhere at the end of the line, it won’t take you long at all to get back to the centre. Try looking for somewhere west of Ottaviano, so you’re not straying too far from the centre.
Cornelia, while not the prettiest part of Rome, is extremely well connected in terms of public transport, with hundreds of buses and its very own metro stop of the same name.
Cornelius Rooms are conveniently located two minutes from the metro station and a 10-minute ride away from all the good stuff. You get a large double room, a private bathroom, and communal use of a well-equipped kitchen. There’s a Conad supermarket across the road should you want to prep any food at home.
Alternatively, there are plenty of inexpensive takeout options in this area of Rome.
Best for Groups
For larger hotels, you might have to go a bit further out, but not too far. Other than Ottaviano, the Vatican City is also served by the regional train station Roma – San Pietro, a mere ten-minute walk from St. Peter’s Square. On Via della Stazione di San Pietro, you’ll find the rather large and rather swanky Starhotels Michelangelo, which promises to accommodate large groups in a lavish style.
Similarly, the Prati neighbourhood will offer a range of options and might suit your group more if you’re looking to do a little evening bar hopping after your day of sightseeing.
The Orange Hotel on Via Crescenzio could be just the ticket. Modern and design-centric, it boasts a pretty hip rooftop terrace with city views and a tasty selection of wine bars and regular bars down below to boot.
There’s an Irish pub nearby, Piazza del Risorgimento, if that suits you too. Take a look around that area for something lively and well-connected.
Best for Solo Travellers
Depending on your solo trip vibe, maybe you’ll appreciate a slice of upmarket euro-sophistication after spending a day with hordes of tourists at the Vatican Museums. If that sounds about right, then look no further than Prati.
Prati will make you want to don a pair of loafers and a neckerchief, slide on the Raybans, and order a Negroni. It just has that feel. Lean into it.
Head to Via dei Gracchi, get a room at NH Hotels, and order a massage. Order sushi. Yes, I know it’s Rome, but it’s Prati. Trust me. After all, that standing in line at St Peter’s, you need this. Relax, and go for a stroll on Via Cola de Rienzo. Do some shopping. Walk down to the river. Pause for a while on Ponte Sant’Angelo. Have a moment. Take it in. You deserve this.
But also, if you just want something a little more practical and unassuming, look around central hotels in Rome close to Via Ottaviano.
Not only will you be close to the Vatican City’s most convenient metro stop, but you’ll also be a ten-minute walk away from both the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s, as well as a world of bars and amenities on your doorstep.
Rome’s other main attractions will be easily accessible from here too. Try Lory House on Via Ottaviano for size. They promise comfortable, quiet, and simple rooms.
Best for Families
Aim for the area around Castel Sant’Angelo and Piazza Cavour.
Here you’ll find lots of green spaces and benches should you need some well-deserved respite from all the walking and your kids need to blow off some steam. Art Seven Hotel, right on Piazza Cavour, is one of the best hotels for families in Rome and offers family-friendly quadruple rooms.
This area has the added advantage of being midway between everything within comfortable walking distance. Public transport could well be a challenge with smaller children as it can get overcrowded and somewhat unreliable.
Cross Umberto Bridge and you’re a few minutes away from Piazza Navona.
Sant’Angelo Bridge will take you to the main street Vittorio Emanuele (leading all the way to Altare della Patria), or just keep going along the river (it’s possible to take the steps down and walk alongside the river rather than the busy road) and walk along its wide banks until Ponte Sisto where you can emerge again up to Trastevere.
Best for Couples
The neighbouring districts of the Vatican are elegant but maybe don’t quite capture that romantic cosy feeling that you want on a couple’s city break. For my money, I would cross over to Ponte Vittorio Emanuele and head back to the historic centre.
A short walk will take you to Via dei Banchi Nuovi, leading to Via del Governo Vecchio. This is quintessential romantic Rome territory, with antique stores, boutiques, restaurants, and bars all dripping with charm and damn good taste.
Guesthouse Maison dell’Orologio on Via dei Banchi Nuovi is a mere 12 minute walk from St Peter’s Basilica. Tucked away in a 17th-century Renaissance-era building, you’re sure to appreciate its calming and understated interiors after a taxing day of sightseeing.
Alternatively, if the dream is to wake up to the sight of the Dome of St Peter’s, then try your luck at Residenza San Paolo VI – right on the square (but technically still on Italian soil). They have a roof terrace overlooking the Basilica and the Apostolic Palace from which the Pope gives his weekly address.
Best Luxury
Prati tends to be quite bouji, so if a bit of luxury is what you fancy, you won’t have to look too far to find what you’re after.
If you did fancy a change of scenery, though, a five-minute drive away from St Peter’s Square on Via del Gianicolo is Villa Agrippina Gran Melia. An urban spa resort with panoramic views of the city, they promise the “Roman Emperor experience in the heart of the Eternal City”. Expect decadence, lots of attention, and extreme pampering.
If you want luxury without breaking the bank, then have a look at hotels in Rome near Spanish steps.
Just a couple of stops away from Ottaviano on the A-line to Spagna (or a ten-minute drive), yes, it’s touristy, but with good reason, it’s truly beautiful. And in the evenings, surprisingly quiet, so you can enjoy the real luxury of being able to take an evening stroll atop the iconic Spanish Steps with priceless views from Villa Medici and Villa Borghese.
Have a look at the Royal Suite at Trinita dei Monti (the name of the church at the top of the Spanish steps) to whet your appetite.
Top Tips
Vatican City may be the smallest state in the world, but it sure does offer a lot of bang for one’s buck. There is a lot to see, so plan accordingly. If you have the luxury of time, aim to see the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica on two separate days.
Central Rome isn’t massive either – if you find yourself in a tight spot accommodation-wise, zoom out a little. As long as your accommodation is close to a metro stop on the A or B line, you’ll be fine. Journey times are surprisingly short compared to other European capitals.