Where to Stay in Rome, Italy: 5 Areas & Hotels

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

Need help finding the perfect place to stay in Rome? You’ve come to the right place!

Choosing the right neighborhood can make or break your trip, but picking an area can be stressful. You want to be close to the city’s famous sights, but with so many charming areas to choose from, it can be challenging to know which one is best for you. 

We’ve been lucky enough to stay in some fantastic areas in Rome, so we’ve put together this guide. It covers the top areas to stay in Rome, the pros and cons of each, and the best hotels in each area. Let’s get ready for an unforgettable trip!

Where to Stay In Rome Map

Overview of the Best Areas To Stay in Rome

Before we dive into all the details, here is a quick look at the best areas to stay in Rome and some recommended hotels:

• Historic Center – This is the heart of Rome, with iconic landmarks like the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, so it’s perfect for those who want to be at the center of it all. Hotel Albergo Santa Chiara offers a charming stay with easy access to major attractions.

• Piazza di Spagna – A super central area that’s famous for the Spanish Steps and high-end shopping. Luxury lovers will feel right at home at Ara di Marte Suites!

• Trastevere – We love this vibrant, bohemian neighborhood because it offers cobbled streets, great dining, and an authentic local feel. Le Clarisse Trastevere is our favorite property in this area for a charming stay.

• Colosseum/Monti – As the name suggests, this area is home to the Colosseum, so it’s ideal for history lovers. Roma Luxus Hotel offers stylish, modern rooms with easy access to ancient Roman sites. Piazzetta de’ Monti Suites is a cute and homey place to stay here!

• Roma Termini/Esquilino – This is a convenient area for those traveling by train or looking for budget-friendly options. Speaking of which, Hotel Balilla offers comfortable and affordable rooms. 

Where to Stay in Rome

Historic Center (Pantheon/Piazza Navona/Campo de’ Fiori)

Rome’s historic center is perfect for those wanting to experience the city’s rich history and charm. With landmarks like the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Campo de’ Fiori, you’ll be right in the middle of it all here. We think that this area is ideal for first-time visitors because it’s within walking distance of most of Rome’s main attractions. There are historic sites on pretty much every corner – how cool is that?

Pros:

• Central location, close to major landmarks
• Vibrant atmosphere with lots of dining and shopping options
• Easy to get around on foot

Cons:

• It’s an expensive area – you pay for the prime location!
• Can be crowded, particularly between April and October
• More touristy and less authentic 

Luxury – $$$

Hotel Martis Palace is an upscale hotel that balances modern amenities with classic Roman charm. We love the roof terrace here, which offers excellent panoramic views of the city, including the beautiful Basilica di Sant’Andrea della Valle. Meanwhile, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona are just steps away from the property!

The rooms here are beautiful and elegant, and the service is impeccable. There’s a gorgeous library on site as well as a restaurant where guests benefit from free breakfast every morning. 

Prices here typically range between €450 and €1,000 per night during peak season, but you can often snag a stay for much less during the winter months.

Check prices and availability at Hotel Martis Palace here!

Mid-range – $$

Hotel Albergo Santa Chiara is just steps away from the Pantheon, so in terms of location, it really couldn’t be better! The hotel provides cozy but elegant rooms with modern touches, and a continental breakfast is included with certain room categories. The place is sparkling clean, and the beds are super comfy, so we think that this mid-range option is perfect for travelers who want to stay in the heart of Rome without breaking the bank.

Rooms at Hotel Albergo Santa Chiara typically cost between €300 and €450 per night, and a complimentary airport shuttle is included.

Check availability and book your stay here!

Budget – $

For budget-conscious travelers, Locanda degli Antiquari is an excellent choice. It’s within walking distance of all of the historic center’s major attractions, such as Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza Navona, but it’s also much more affordable than the vast majority of the hotels in the area. 

And not only is it affordable, but we think this place is so cute! It’s a welcoming guest house with pretty rooms, so we think it offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the city to the fullest without overspending. Rooms start at around €110 per night.

Check prices and book your stay at Locanda degli Antiquari here!

Piazza di Spagna

Piazza di Spagna is one of Rome’s most famous squares, renowned for the Spanish Steps that lead up to the Trinità dei Monti church. The area is a hub for luxury shopping, with designer boutiques lining the streets, so it’s the place to be for those who want to indulge in a bit of retail therapy. We love hanging out at the nearby Villa Borghese Gardens and enjoying the elegance of this historic area. 

Pros:

• Great for shopping and luxury experiences
• Close to landmarks like the Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese Gardens
• Within walking distance of the historic center and its major attractions

Cons:

• It can be crowded, especially around the Spanish Steps
• Prices tend to be higher due to the upscale nature of the area

Luxury – $$$

Ara di Marte Suites offers an intimate, boutique experience with elegant rooms and personalized service. We think that the rooms here are just amazing with their modern rustic decor and spacious balconies. I could sit in one of their swinging egg chairs and gaze out at the city all day long. Don’t even get me started on the jacuzzi baths!

But if you can drag yourself away from this stunning property, the Spanish Steps and some of Rome’s most acclaimed boutiques are right on your doorstep. It’s also just a 10-minute walk from the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. All of this luxury typically starts from around €300 per night.

Check prices and availability here!

Mid-range – $$

Tritone Top House offers elegant rooms just 350 meters from the Trevi Fountain. It offers bright modern rooms, complete with plush bedding and rain showers, so we think that this is the perfect place to rest your head after a long day of sightseeing. 

We also appreciate the fact that this property offers self-catered apartments, so you could end up with a full kitchen to whip up your own Italian feast. There’s also a nice terrace area to relax and sun yourself in, and the rooms have air-con, which, trust me, you will be glad of during the summer! Prices here typically range between €200 and €300 per night.

Check prices and availability for Tritone Top House here!

Budget – $$

D.R. Rome Spanish Luxury Suites offer elegance on a budget. Honestly, we’re so impressed by how much value for money this hotel offers. Plus, a big advantage of staying at a smaller boutique hotel is the friendly atmosphere and personal feel that you get. That’s always something we appreciate!

And with the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Via del Corso just steps away from the property, the location couldn’t be better. The Spagna Metro is just a 5-minute walk away, so you’ve truly got the city of Rome at your fingertips here! Rooms range between €125 and €215 per night.

Check prices and availability for D.R. Rome Spanish Luxury Suites here!

Trastevere

Trastevere is one of Rome’s most charming neighborhoods, and in terms of atmosphere, I don’t think you could ask for a better area to stay in. We love this part of the city because it’s full of great restaurants, cafes, and bars, so it’s the perfect choice for foodies and beer lovers like us! It’s also ideal for anyone who wants to experience a more local side of Rome without staying too far out.

Pros:

• Bohemian vibe with local dining and nightlife
• Charming, picturesque streets to explore
• More affordable than other desirable areas 

Cons:

• Can be noisy at night 
• A bit further from major tourist attractions
  

Luxury – $$$

Le Clarisse Trastevere is rustic elegance at its finest! With its quaint courtyard, exposed beams, and classic Italian decor, this boutique stay feels quintessentially Italian. We think it’s the perfect choice for a romantic stay in Rome!

You can choose to include the hotel’s generous breakfast buffet to fuel you up for exploring each morning. In fact, with buses to St. Peter’s Square nearby and a tram to Termini Station, you’ll have the best of Rome right at your doorstep. Plus, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona are just a 20-minute walk away! Prices generally range between €250 and €400 per night.

Check prices and book Le Clarisse Trastevere here!

Mid-range – $$

Casa Mia in Trastevere is the kind of place that makes you feel right at home in Rome. This cozy, mid-range guesthouse offers simple yet comfortable rooms, many with garden views, air-conditioning, and private bathrooms. 

There’s a nice on-site restaurant offering yummy Italian cuisine, plus a charming terrace and garden where you can relax after exploring the city. And with Piazza di Santa Maria just two minutes away, this hotel puts you in a prime position to enjoy one of Rome’s most atmospheric neighborhoods. Expect to pay somewhere between €180 and €270 per night here! 

Check prices and availability for Casa Mia here!

Budget – $$

Villa Riari Garden is a charming budget-friendly stay tucked away in a quiet corner of Trastevere. If you’re looking for a simple yet comfortable place to rest after a day of exploring, this is a great option!

The rooms are basic but functional, with tiled floors, a desk, and a sink. Most rooms have private bathrooms, but you can choose to share a bathroom if you’d like to keep costs as low as possible. There’s also a communal garden where you can relax and meet fellow travelers. Meanwhile, with Piazza Trilussa just 10 minutes away, you’re never far from Trastevere’s buzzing nightlife.

Prices here start from €130 for a room with a private bathroom. 

Check availability and book your stay here!

Colosseum/Monti

We think that the Monti and Colosseum area is the perfect choice for history enthusiasts because some of Rome’s most iconic ancient landmarks are right here. Just imagine how cool it would be to stay in a hotel with the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine all in the vicinity! Plus, the Monti neighborhood is super trendy and offers an authentic local vibe, with boutique shops as well as quaint cafes and bars.

Pros:

• Proximity to major historic sites like the Colosseum
• Lively atmosphere 
• Home to some of Rome’s best restaurants

Cons:

• Often crowded, especially near the Colosseum
• Prices are high because this is a popular tourist area 

Luxury – $$$

Roma Luxus Hotel is a stylish and elegant stay in the heart of Rome’s Monti district, just 300 meters from the Roman Forum. If you love a mix of modern comfort and historic charm, this is the place for you!

The spacious rooms come with air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and luxe touches like bathrobes and slippers for that VIP experience. We also love that a complimentary buffet breakfast is available in the morning, so you can fuel up with eggs, pancakes, and pastries before heading out to explore. Classic rooms generally cost between €415 and €550 per night.

Check all room options and availability here!

Mid-range – $$

If you’re planning a romantic getaway to Rome, Piazzetta de’ Monti Suites is the perfect spot. Just a 5-minute stroll from the Colosseum, this cozy hotel offers free Wi-Fi and charming rooms with flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms. 

The rooms here definitely have a touch of old-school glamour, and the location truly couldn’t be better. It’s so central, so you’ll have the most famous Ancient Roman landmarks right on your doorstep. Piazza Venezia is just a 10-minute walk away!

Prices here generally range between €250 and €350 per night for a double room.

Check availability and book your stay at Piazzetta de’ Monti Suites here!

Budget – $$

Glam Sm Maggiore Guest House is a welcoming and cozy spot in the heart of the Rione Monti district, just 100 meters from Santa Maria Maggiore. It’s well priced, but the rooms are still very comfortable, with flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. 

This is a traditional guest house with a friendly host, a lovely shared lounge, and an old-fashioned lift that certainly adds to its character! It’s very atmospheric and just a short walk from the Colosseum, so you’ll get the full Roman experience here. Prices vary between €150 and €250 per night.

Check prices and availability for Gram Sm Maggiore Guest House here!

Related Read: To help you plan the perfect itinerary, check out our Rome Itinerary for a well-organized trip that hits all the must-see spots without the stress.

Roma Termini/Esquilino

Located near Rome’s central train station, Roma Termini and the Esquilino area are perfect for those arriving by train or seeking affordable accommodation options. This part of Rome is definitely more utilitarian than the historic center, but we think it’s the ideal place to stay if you plan to make use of Rome’s extensive public transport network to explore the city. 

Pros:

• Convenient for travelers using public transportation
• Budget-friendly options available

Cons:

• Less charming than Rome’s neighborhoods
• Can be busy, especially at rush hour
• Higher levels of petty crime here

Luxury – $$$

The Hive Hotel is a modern hotel just a 5-minute walk from the Roma Termini. It’s perfect for accessing Rome’s public transport, but it’s also only 20 minutes from the Colosseum on foot if you’d like to stretch your legs.

It’s a chic place to stay, with a rooftop terrace offering great views and a fantastic in-house spa. Meanwhile, the daily breakfast buffet will set you up well for all of your Roman adventures. For the evening, the onsite bar and restaurant serve both Italian and Chinese cuisine. Rooms here typically cost between €250 and €370 per night. 

Check prices and availability for the Hive Hotel here!

Mid-range – $$

Hotel Balilla has everything you need for a comfortable trip to Rome! The air-conditioned rooms come with private bathrooms, free WiFi, and amenities like a TV, work desk, and wardrobe, ensuring a relaxing experience. You can unwind on the sun terrace, grab a drink at the bar, or enjoy a coffee at the café. 

We also think that this hotel is really well located. It’s a 10-minute walk from the Termini, an 8-minute walk from Vittorio Emanuele Metro Station, and 25 minutes from the Colosseum. It’s a Goldilocks hotel, offering the perfect mix of comfort and convenience for a reasonable price. Speaking of which, rooms here usually cost €210 per night.

Check availability and book Hotel Balilla here!

Budget – $$

Karina Suite is an affordable guest house located close to Vittorio Emanuele Metro Station and Santa Maria Maggiore. The rooms are simple but clean and comfortable, with free WiFi and air-conditioning. You can opt for a private bathroom or go for a shared one to save yourself a few extra euros. 

Don’t get me wrong, this is nothing fancy, but quality guest houses in Rome don’t get much cheaper than this! There’s also a shared kitchen that you can use to make your own meals to keep costs low. Alternatively, Mercato Centrale, Rome’s awesome artisanal food market, is just a 5-minute walk away. 

During peak season, rooms here cost between €100 and €200 per night.

Check prices and availability for Karina Suite here!

Related Read: Sorted on where to stay? Don’t miss our blog about 10 awesome things to do in Rome, Italy—from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, it’s your ultimate guide to experiencing Rome like a pro.

Other Activities to do While in Rome

Now that you have found the best area to stay and booked your preferred hotel, you can start planning your trip! Here are a few of our favorite things we did in Rome, although the list could go on and on! I recommend booking these activities early, as they often sell out weeks (or months) in advance.

• Visit the Colosseum – The Colosseum is a can’t-miss in Rome! We took this top-rated tour, which gave us special access to the Colosseum via the Gladiators’ Gate. We also visited Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum – it was an awesome experience!

• Take a food tour – Explore Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood with a local guide and eat your way through the city on this food tour! We had so much fun trying ancient Roman recipes and classic Italian dishes and learning all about this unique part of Rome!

• Spend a day in Tuscany – Escape the city and head to the rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany. We fell in love with this area, all thanks to this amazing full-day tour from Rome. We visited quaint towns, explored farms, and tasted local wine with our 3-course lunch.

• Tour the Vatican – Vatican City and all its sights are an obvious must-see in Rome, but it’s busy! We booked this skip-the-line tour to see the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel with a guide. It was so worth it to breeze past the fast track lines (which aren’t so fast after all!).

• Take a cooking class – The best souvenir to take home is learning how to cook authentic Italian food! We joined this fantastic pasta-making class and had so much fun making ravioli, fettuccine, and even tiramisu!

Thanks for reading!

While in Rome, you’re going to do a lot of exploring, which can get pretty exhausting! So it’s important to find the perfect place to stay, whether you’re looking for a luxurious hotel or are traveling on a shoestring budget. You can book any of these hotels easily and have a comfortable place to relax and unwind after a full day of sightseeing.

Before you go, check out our other Italy blogs to help plan your trip! Here are a few related articles that I think you’ll find helpful:

6 Best Vatican Tours in Rome

5 Best Colosseum Tours in Rome: Which One to Book

10 BEST Things to do in Rome, Italy