Rome is a city which truly needs no introduction. Once the center of the western world, Rome is an open-air museum of elaborate palaces, grand temples, and vast forums all begging to be explored!
Being one of the most iconic cities in the world, travelers may find it hard to shake the hordes of selfie clicking tourists which prey on the Eternal City.
It doesn’t matter if you want to pretend you are Caesar in the century-old ruins or a local in the open-air markets, here is your guide on where to stay on your holiday in Rome!
Our travel experts have compiled the best neighborhoods in the capital city, each one catering to a different kind of traveler.
We are here to help YOU find your own slice of heaven when traveling through the city of ancient ruins and cute alleyway cafes. By the end of this article, you will know the perfect place to base yourself out of to begin your Roman adventure!
These are our best picks for where to stay in Rome.
Table of Contents
Neighborhood #1 – Roma Centro
Neighborhood #2 – Monti
Neighborhood #3 – Trastevere
Neighborhood #4 – Pigneto
Neighborhood #5 – Colonna and Trevi
Table of Contents
At A Glance: Where To Stay In ROME
PS are you heading on to see more of the Italian way of life? You’ll need to check out our handy guides to: Palermo’s neighbourhoods, best hotels in Palermo, the ultimate list of things to do in Palermo, For Florence, check out our favourite hotels in Florence, our top rated things to do in Florence, where to stay in the gorgeous city and our list of the best day trips from Florence.
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Rome.
WHERE TO STAY IN ROME | |||
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Best Air BnBBest Air BnBMarco’s Airbnb |
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Best Budget HotelBest Budget HotelJb Relais Luxury Guesthouse |
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Best Mid-RangeBest Mid-Range HotelThe First Luxury Art Hotel Roma |
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Best Luxury HotelBest Luxury HotelThe RomeHello |
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Marco’s Airbnb is the best luxury hotel in Rome
This apartment is located in a fantastic location – just a short distance away from the Colosseum and Roman forum. The Airbnb itself is gorgeous with opulent dark walls contrasted with natural wooden flooring.
Eclectic art accentuates this roomy apartment, and you’ve got all the amenities that you need from a fully-equipped kitchen to a comfortable bedroom with a plush memory foam mattress and a bathroom with both a walk-in shower and bathtub.
The RomeHello is the best budget hotel in Rome
Self-proclaimed as the only street art hotel in Rome, this youthful hostel is located in the heart of the old city, only minutes away from the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.
The hostel provides budget dorms and single rooms, each including a desk, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, and free WiFi.
The RomeHello is the perfect place to call home base as you venture out to explore the ancient ruins.
Jb Relais Luxury Guesthouse is the best mid-range hotel in Rome
Right along the banks of the Tiber River, the JB Relais Luxury Guesthouse puts you in walking distance of some of the most breathtaking of ruins in the heart of Rome.
The homey rooms at JB Relais are complete with flat-screen TVs, minibar, and most importantly, picturesque views of the nearby Gianicolo park.
The First Luxury Art Hotel Roma is the best luxury hotel in Rome
This hotel mixes together two of the best elements of Rome: world-famous art and a luxury hotel experience.
Each bedroom itself is transformed into an art gallery, which can be yours for the entirety of your stay.
This 200-year-old hotel has retained all of its former glory and maintains its place as being one of the most high-class, elegant places in Rome.
When in Rome… You’ll need an amazing guide to help you choose where to stay to tantalise your tastebuds while staying within your budget. Presto!
The center of the ancient world and the capital of the Christian world, Rome is constantly found to be the focal point of man’s mind.
No matter if it’s for religion, art, fashion, history, or merely tourism, for centuries people around the world have been flocking to the Eternal City!
Rome is a massive sprawling cosmopolitan city with a history stretching back over a thousand years. With centuries worth of museums, ruins, and churches to explore, one could spend a lifetime exploring all that Rome has to offer!
Most of Rome is fairly centralized. Traveling from the Coliseum to the Vatican will only take roughly 15 minutes by taxi. Even with so much of Rome being conveniently close to each other, each district embodies its own distinct culture and atmosphere which tourists should take into consideration when choosing a hotel.
Roma Centro (Centro Storico) is where Caesar himself would hold his grand parades and toga-wearing politicians would rush from palace to palace. Today, this is where you can step back in time to the glory days of the Empire.
Across the river is the neighborhood of Trastevere, a small district of cobbled streets and quaint cafes by day, and roaring parties at night. With the hottest bars and clubs, this is where Roman youth convene to dance the night away.
Removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown Pigneto is a hipster enclave and an up and coming art district. This bohemian neighborhood is home to countless starving artists seeking inspiration and locals selling their wares on the streets.
Known as the “Brooklyn” of Rome, Pigneto is truly a hidden treasure tucked into the suburbs of the Eternal City.
It doesn’t matter if you want to be exploring ancient cultures or getting jiggy with it in the bar, there is a neighborhood in Rome for you!
PS Are you heading to Venice? Is so, our team of travel experts have compiled these handy guides to save you research time and money! Coolest things to do in Venice, Neighborhood guide to Venice, Best Hotels in Venice, Best Museums in Venice.
A labyrinth of a city, Rome has many places that are in the thick of the action and others that are a peaceful oasis. Here is our list of the best places to stay in Rome!
Roma Centro is the best place to stay for your first time in Rome
During your first stay in the ancient city of Rome, you want to be sure you are in the middle of all the action. Many of the ruins and monuments see droves of tourists every day, large groups all being bused in by cruise ships or tour groups.
To truly enjoy Rome, one needs to be able to have the advantage of beating the crowds by having the city at their doorstep.
In the center of Rome, you have all of the most iconic landmarks before your fingertips such as the grand Colosseum, the historic Roman forum, and numerous marble monuments remembering the Caesars and leaders of old.
In Roma Centro, you can’t toss a stone without hitting something with historical significance.
Bruna’s Airbnb is the best Airbnb in Roma Centro
This unique Airbnb is a cozy and spacious apartment that’s situated in a lovely old building in a perfect location. Just mere minutes away is artisan workshops, galleries, restaurants, markets and more.
The apartment itself comes with two separate bedrooms along with a bathroom, dining room, and a living area to unwind at after a day of exploration.
New Generation Hostel Santa Maria Maggiore is the best budget hotel in Roma Centro
Located just down the street from Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, this hostel keeps prices low to suit all kinds of travelers passing through Rome.
The hostel offers anything from large dorm beds to private family rooms, each with lockers to keep your valuables.
Nestled smack between termini station and the Colosseum, New Generation is the perfect place to call home for your Roman Holiday.
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Hotel Forum is the best mid-range hotel in Roma Centro
Stay in luxury at this four-star hotel with views looking out over the ruins of ancient Rome.
This lavish high-end hotel not only has some of the most comfortable beds in all of Rome, but is home to several bars, restaurants, and even a roof-top terrace where you can get a panoramic view of the city.
The Inn at the Roman Forum is the best luxury hotel in Roma Centro
If Caesar were to stay in a hotel in Rome, this would be it. The Inn at the Roman Forum puts you so close to the archeological sites that you are actually staying in a part of the ruins itself.
While rooms at The Inn all have the best state of the art technology money can buy, passageways lead under your hotel leading to 2,000-year-old stone carvings.
If you are wanting to pamper yourself and make memories that will last a lifetime, look no further than The Inn at the Roman Forum!
Monti is the best place to stay in Rome on a budget
In ancient times, Monti was nothing more than a slum, frequented by criminals, prostitutes, and other shady characters engaged in illegal activities.
Today Monti has transformed into a residential district which teases tourists with the dream of dropping everything and moving to Rome.
The modern district of Monti is now home to many creative minds and artists, living beside your local Romans who go about their daily lives in the heart of the city. Monti stands alone as a refuge of authentic Roman life within the largest concentration of tourists in the world.
This neighborhood is a gem hidden in plain sight, located right on the edge of the Coliseum and stretching up to the central train station.
This district has its fair share of historical ruins but also houses vintage clothing shops, smoky bars, and a maze of alleyways to explore.
Planning on meandering through Milan? You’ll need to know where to stay in Milan, the best hotels in Milan, things to do in Milan, Day Trips From Milan and especially the 17 best museums in Milan.
Recommended Article – Take a look at our AMAZING guide to the most AMAZING Museums in Rome.
Flavia’s Airbnb is the best Airbnb in Monti
This chic and cozy hideaway is set in the Monti neighbourhood of central Rome. Just steps away is plenty of dining, shopping and nightlife. The Colosseum and Tajan’s Market is also a short walk away.
Start your morning with a fresh pot of coffee as you enjoy Rome’s fresh air from your minimalist kitchen. There’s also a comfortable bedroom with bright blue interiors along with a kitchenette and modern bathroom.
Roma Central Guest House is the best budget hotel in Monti
This recently renovated hundred year hotel is in the center of Monti, just down the road from Plazza delle Esposizioni. Each room is tastefully decorated, soundproofed, and also includes a fridge as well as free WiFi.
With free breakfast and hospitable staff, you can’t go wrong with Roma Central Guest House
Luxury Domus is the best mid-range hotel in Monti
Just a stone’s throw away from the central station, Luxury Domus provides cozy apartments to make you feel right at home during your stay in Rome.
The hotel offers rooms with terraces, flat-screen TVs, fully furnished kitchens, and any other amenity to make you feel like you are truly living in Rome.
Hotel Artemide is the best luxury hotel in Monti
The staff at Hotel Artemide will do anything they can to make your Roman Holiday as perfect as it can be. A perfect holiday can’t be that hard with a hotel that has spacious luxurious rooms, rooftop bars, a buffet breakfast, and a spa.
With so many ways to relax and unwind, you are sure to leave your hotel each day feeling refreshed and with a smile on your face!
Trastevere is the best area to stay in Rome for nightlife
The once hidden paradise of Trastevere has slowly begun to make its way into tour groups itineraries.
The name Trastevere means across the river, which puts this neighborhood just far enough away from the tourist hubs to maintain its status of being a small village within an enormous city.
When strolling down Trastevere’s cobbled streets during the day, you can pop into small cafes, wander the halls of elaborate churches, and pretend you are a local as you walk down narrow alleyways with clotheslines draping over the blue sky.
At night, Trastevere transforms into the pulse of youth culture and nightlife in Rome. Live music and street performers and be found practically down every winding street. Young people can be seen drinking at the local square or outside at lively bars.
Trastevere gives travelers the perfect balance of local Italian culture both day and night. Staying in this neighborhood leaves tourists with a well-rounded experience of what true Roman life really is.
Giuseppe’s Airbnb is the best Airbnb in Trastevere
This apartment is ideal for those looking for a romantic and quiet stay in the central area of Trastevere. This apartment has plenty of natural light and comes with a gorgeous kitchenette, cosy bedroom and newly renovated bathroom.
The apartment itself is situated in a 19th century building in close proximity to some of Rome’s most famous attractions. This is truly the perfect place to come home to after a day of exploration. (https://artandhistory.org/)
B&B Trastevere 94 is the best budget hotel in Trastevere
Putting you in the city of the famous Trastevere neighborhood, B&B Trastevere 94 puts you within a 10-minute walk of some of the best bars and clubs in the area. Each room has a flat screen tv, private bathroom, and a sofa.
After a night of bar hopping, be ready to wake up to a homemade breakfast to get ready for the next day full of adventures!
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Rhea Silvia Luxury Trastevere 2 Guesthouse is the best mid-range hotel in Trastevere
Rhea Silvia Luxury will have you sleeping on soft comfortable beds complete with soundproof walls, satellite TV, and refrigerator. Away from all of the tourist traps, Rhea Silvia is close to restaurants serving some of the best traditional Italian cuisines you could imagine.
For pure relaxation in the middle of Trastevere, you can’t go wrong with Rea Silvia Luxury Guesthouse.
Need specifics? We also have our TOP hotels near The Colosseum!
VOI Donna Camilla Savelli Hotel is the best luxury hotel in Trastevere
This former 17th-century monastery is now transformed into one of the fanciest, up-scale hotels in all of the world. Within its walls, this hotel hosts gardens, courtyards, and is connected to the church of Santa Maria.
Breakfast on the outside terrace at VOI will transport you to a romanticized time of luxury and class, making your trip to Rome a truly unique experience.
Need specifics? We also have our TOP hotels near the Vatican!
Pigneto is the coolest neighborhood to base yourself in Rome
Welcome to Pigneto, Rome’s best-kept secret. This up and coming hipster neighborhood removes itself from the other districts of Rome becoming the true enclave of down to earth Italian people.
Many of the buildings in this working-class neighborhood are adorned with massive street art which stands out from its unassuming houses.
Unlike other art districts around Rome, the Pigneto community truly beat to their own drum, thus creating some of the most distinctive art galleries and retro shops you can imagine.
Like most places in Rome, you can’t escape its history. Within the district of Pigneto, you can still find giant aqueducts and ruined fortresses.
Today, the monuments of old are next to vintage second-hand shops and used bookstores. The mix of these two elements creates something uniquely Pigneto.
Known as the Brooklyn of Rome, Pigneto’s streets are lined with street markets, quaint cafes, and vinyl record stores. With its outdoor bars and chic boutiques, Pigneto is the epitome of cool.
Giovanna’s Airbnb is the best Airbnb in Pigneto
This beautiful Airbnb comes with a spiral staircase and not just one but two bathrooms and living rooms. There’s also a terrace on the roof that spans a total of 80 square metres. The bedroom is elegant and inviting, and the kitchen is incredibly large.
Just a short walking distance away is the IED along with plenty of shops. After a day exploring Rome, head back to your apartment and take a look at the collection of artistic and cultural historical books on Rome and Iazio.
Casa Leopold Guesthouse is the best budget hotel in Pigneto
Casa Leopold Guesthouse makes you feel like you are stepping into a typical Roman apartment. Guests are free to relax in the public lounge and free to use the kitchen as they like.
The guesthouse invites tourists to explore the neighboring alleys of Pigneto and uncover hidden treasures in the community. At Casa Leopold, you can truly pretend you are living the life of a Roman!
Mancini Shabby House Guesthouse is the best mid-range hotel in Pigneto
Although located at the far edge of Pigneto, Mancini Shabby House deserves a spot on the list thanks to its completely unique guest experience. If an antique store, coffee shop, and a hotel all had a child, this would be it.
Their retro chic rooms all are provided with a WiFi connection and free morning coffee. For those looking to have an adventure in the hotel itself, spend a night in the instagrammable Shabby House!
Eurostars Roma Aeterna is the best luxury hotel in Pigneto
This minimalist four-star hotel situated off of Pigneto’s pedestrian street is one of the most innovative and elegant hotels in Rome. This hotel includes a spa, gym, and even a cafe all within its doors.
Rooms are decorated in a classy black in gold color with comfortable beds and flat-screen TVs. Eurostars Roma Aeterna is the perfect place to call home as you begin your urban exploration of Pigneto and being immersed in Roman life.
Colonna and Trevi is the best neighborhood in Rome for families (Photo credit:Michael Kemper (Flickr.com))
Colonna and Trevi are still at the front door of some of the most iconic sites in all of Rome, while still being well enough removed to be free of most of the annoyances of touristy areas.
This neighborhood is well known for being upscale and wealthy, making nearby addresses the most coveted in all of Rome.
Colonna and Trevi is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in all of Rome such as the Trevi fountain, Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon.
The concentration of attractions in this district is so dense that families can easily walk from extensive museums to elaborate temples in no time at all.
In the evening, Colonna and Trevi are relatively quiet since most of the younger crowd heads out to other areas of the city to party the night away.
Overall, Colonna and Trevi is an affluent neighborhood, right on top of some of the best attractions in Rome, making it the perfect spot for a family vacation.
Monica’s Airbnb is the best Airbnb in Colonna and Trevi
This vintage loft apartment is close to Trevi fountain and can accommodate a total of three guests. There’s everything that you need from a fully equipped kitchen to a bedroom furnished with a memory foam mattress, and a bathroom with gorgeous furnishings.
The Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps are just minutes away from the Airbnb and it’s also easy walking distance from Rome’s main monuments. This is a great place to make as your base to explore various parts of Rome.
Santacroce Guest House is the best budget hotel in Colonna and Trevi
Santacroce Guest House is a studio apartment set on the ground floor of a 15th-century building in the heart of Rome.
Guests are given a huge soundproof room which includes a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, and living room. Just minutes away from the bustling squares and world-famous museums, Santacroce Guest House is literally on top of some of the most historic sites in Rome.
Lh Royal Suites Terrace Guesthouse is the best mid-range hotel in Colonna and Trevi
With balconies looking out over Roman ruins and being merely a quarter mile away from Piazza Navona, it is no wonder why this hotel is one of the best near the Pantheon.
The hotel’s luxury suites and hospitable staff truly treat the guests as royalty when they stay at the guesthouse. On top of everything else, you can add a free breakfast buffet and fully equipped apartments, and you’ll have one of the most comfortable stays in all of Rome.
The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel is the best luxury hotel in Colonna and Trevi
From the terrace bar of this luxury hotel, you can sip your wine while basking in the wonder of the majestic Pantheon. If you are not already convinced enough, The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel has rooms decorated in traditional Roman decor.
The elegant suites with marble floors and brass ornaments make guests feel like they are staying in a Victorian palace.
For tourists, Rome is a difficult city to tackle in one go. With so many museums, ruins, and places of the beaten track, one could spend a lifetime in the Eternal City and barely scratch the surface of seeing all that it has to offer. Our handy guide to the top 15 things to do in Rome will have you covered! Plus, if you’re heading around Europe, our team of travel experts have compiled the ultimate guide to the 131 best things to do in Europe!
The city of Rome has seen 3,000 years come and go and has continued to leave a deep impression on the world and the very people that pass through its gates.
Out of all the amazing neighborhoods in Rome, Trastevere takes the prize for being our favorite district in the city. With its distance from the main tourist sites, and proximity to many great museums, ruins, and cafes, Trastevere is the best place to spend your holiday.
For anyone staying in Rome, they need to stay in the center at least once, therefore our favorite hotel is the Hotel Forum. Hotel Forum is as close as you can get to the stones of the original foundation of Rome.
Hotel Forum puts all of Rome before your feet giving their guests a head start before the stampede of tour groups come barreling in. But if you need more options to choose from, check out the 17 best hotels in Rome, written by travel experts!
Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments below. Have a safe and fun journey to the Eternal City!
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Emma Johnson lives to travel! Born in Washington D.C., Emma is a hotel connoisseur and a staff writer at Hotel Jules. An army brat, Emma got the travel bug early and has never been able to stop. Now, she has proudly visited 70+ countries and plans to visit every country in the world! Passionate about her ukelele (obviously) and her family, Emma eventually wants to retire in Thailand and write a book about all of her travel experiences.