Let’s say you want to stay for a few days in Italy, maybe you’re planning a three-day itinerary to Rome, and you can’t wait to start it. But if you’re staying multiple days in Rome, you’ll need a place to sleep and recharge, won’t you?
Which leads us to the main question that this article wants to answer. Where to stay in Rome? The truth is, you have quite a lot of possibilities. Rome is not only the capital of Italy, but one of the most popular destinations in the whole country, so it doesn’t lack hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, and guesthouses! But not all of them will give you the same experience, so let’s explore the best neighborhoods and what they offer.
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Where to Stay in Rome: Finding your perfect stay in Rome
Some people might suggest you just do a quick search and get that over with, after all, a bed is a bed. And we assure you that you can ignore them. Not all stays are the same, and you deserve the best experience on your vacation. And if Rome wasn’t built in a day, neither should your decision about where to stay there.
Rome is a living tapestry, full of history, culture, and life, but you won’t find the exact same vibe in all of its neighborhoods. Different travelers are attracted to different aspects; some need the buzzing of nightlife in the trendy arts districts, while others look for the luxurious experience of a Roman palazzo, and some might prefer the quiet charm of a historic village. That’s to say, the exact same hotel can be the best stay for one traveler, and the worst for another.
Are you an immersive explorer or an icon hunter?
Let’s take the example of two travelers. Melanie, the icon hunter, and John, the immersive explorer. Melanie craves Rome’s most famous sights and loves the grandeur of the place. You can find her near the Colosseum or the Vatican, and she definitely wants to be close to those areas. For her, the ideal stay would be a grand historic hotel in the heart of Rome.
On the other hand, there’s John, a quiet man who wants to blend in with locals. He’s not interested in all the marmoreal grandeur, but in the city in itself, lights and shadows alike. He wants to get familiar with the narrow cobblestone streets and the small, forgotten churches. He would rather stay in a boutique guesthouse in a quiet area, especially if it’s family-owned.
Being opposite doesn’t mean that one is right and the other wrong. They just have different perspectives, just like Rome. And that’s what makes it special to visit. So, with which one do you identify more?
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Trastevere
Let’s start with one of the most charming and iconic historic districts in all of Rome. Trastevere is located on the western bank of the Tiber River, and it has a long history as an artists and students’ hub. Despite its fame, it’s not as touristic as other neighborhoods, and you’ll find plenty of locals enjoying the nightlife.
It’s a great place for culture seekers and history lovers, as they can admire the beautiful medieval buildings, the historic churches, and of course, the lively piazzas. You can visit Santa Maria in Trastevere, for example, one of the oldest churches in the area, and enjoy an aperitif in Piazza Trilussa.
Where to Stay in Trastevere:
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Hotel Santa Maria: Perfect for the immersive explorer, as this used to be a monastery. But don’t worry, you won’t be sleeping in a cell, but in a cozy room with access to a beautiful courtyard garden.
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B&B Hotel Trastevere: A modern option, clean, comfortable, and perfect for a budget stay. It’s close to the main attractions of Trastevere, but still quiet.
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Monti
Another great district for the cultural travelers. Monti is one of the oldest districts in Rome, and is really close to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Even with all its history and Roman heritage, it’s blended with a certain trendy and bohemian vibe, making it quite an interesting place to visit.
If you like to travel around the world looking for unique trinkets, here you’ll find one of the best places in Rome to peruse antiquities. The market at Piazza dell Madonna dei Monti, where you’ll see plenty of stands selling vintage clothes and items. And you can’t pass Monti without enjoying the Roman love for good wine and good food, in a place like La Vineria.
Where to stay in Monti:
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The Fifteen Keys Hotel: A stylish boutique hotel with a contemporary design and personalized service. The ideal mix of modern comfort in a historic setting.
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Hotel de Monti: A great budget-friendly option located near the heart of Monti, perfect for authenticity seekers.
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Centro Storico
The most recommended area for first-timers, and for a good reason. As the name suggests, Centro Storico is the historic center of Rome, and it is a vibrant hub. The history is dense here, touching almost every street, every building, and every corner. As you can expect, there are a lot of tourists there, so the atmosphere is always lively and noisy.
Staying there you’ll have the most iconic landmarks of Rome, with mythic places like the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain. Don’t forget to toss a coin into the Fountain, which is an old tradition and a promise to return to Rome one day.
Where to stay in Centro Storico:
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Hotel Nazionale: A classic option for classic travelers, it has great access to the main attractions, and in general, is just an elegant and comfortable hotel worth visiting.
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Albergo del Senato: Located just steps away from the Pantheon, this hotel is ideal for travelers who prefer to be close to an iconic landmark.
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Prati
If the last neighborhood was one of the oldest and most historic, let’s go the other way and check one of the most modern, Prati. This upscale neighborhood is known for its wide boulevards, so different from the narrow cobblestone streets, and the elegant and polished architecture. It has a more sophisticated and cosmopolitan vibe, attracting more upscale travelers.
It’s close to the Vatican City, so you can plan a short day trip and spend the whole morning visiting the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. But you could also stroll along Via Cola di Rienzo and enjoy the shopping and cafe culture.
Where to stay in Prati:
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Hotel Atlante Star: A great option for those seeking a stylish hotel. It’s close to the Vatican and it offers excellent amenities. What else could you ask for?
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NH Collection Roma Giustiniano: A contemporary hotel with spacious rooms and high-end services. It’s perfect for a luxurious stay near the Vatican, and many businesspeople choose it as a base for their long-distance work.
Expert tips for the best stay in Rome
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Don’t rely on the stars: At first sight, a hotel might look excellent with a four-star rating, but look closely at the reviews. Read carefully, and you’ll realize that sometimes 2-star hotels offer a better service and experience.
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Check the legality of your Airbnb: Not all Airbnbs in Rome are legal. Accidentally choosing an illegal one can lead you to face a last-minute cancellation, or a stay with poor and unsafe conditions. To avoid this, choose a “superhost” or look on platforms like Blueground or RomeLoft, which both specialize in legal rentals.
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Skip the line like a pro: If you arrive in Rome later in the afternoon, leave your luggage in the hotel and go enjoy one of the afternoon or late entry tickets in the Colosseum or the Vatican Museums. They’re cheaper, less crowded, and you get a great first impression of Rome!
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Eat like a Roman: If there’s something great in the more authentic and down-to-earth neighborhoods like Testaccio and Monti, is the food. Italians, in general, love to eat, and they always go for the best options. So follow their lead into little-known restaurants.
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Don’t trust Google Maps: It can be great for general routes, but it sometimes gets tangled in Roman streets. For the best experience, use Rome2Rio for the best routes and Moovit for buses and metro.