Where To Stay In Rome?

First-time visitors often feel unsure about where to stay in Rome. It can be difficult to find an ideal place to stay, especially when there are so many options in beautiful neighborhoods. Tourists love to stay in the city center, which is perfect for sightseeing and exploring the city’s major tourist attractions. But if you prefer a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere, then you should find a hotel in one of the nearby neighborhoods.

The Italian capital is split into two parts by the Tiber River, and both are perfect for tourists. Our trip to Rome was full of joy because we landed with full preparations, including the advance hotel booking.  As a frequent traveler, I know the importance of choosing the right place to stay at your destination, as it can greatly influence your overall travel experience. We have converted our research into this blog guide on where to stay in Rome:

Locations & Hotels: Where To Stay In Rome?

There are many places in Rome where well-reputed hotels offer accommodation to tourists. As a religious tourism hub, millions of pilgrims and tourists come to Rome every year, and there are many reputable hotels available to accommodate them. I was also confused about choosing a hotel after seeing so many ideal options. We found the following areas best to stay in Rome for tourists:

• Centro Storico (City Center)
• Prati (Close to Vatican)
• Monti (Close to Colosseum and other tourist places)
• Trastevere (A charming neighborhood)
• Testaccio (Best for a long stay)
• Campo Marzio (Close to Termini)

Let’s discuss each location and the hotels in detail, one by one.

Centro Storico: The Historic Center of Rome

Centro Storico is located in the city center and is considered an ideal place for tourists to stay. It’s home to many tourist attractions that are within walking distance, which can help you save money on transportation. Staying here allows you to explore the old charm of Rome through its narrow streets and beautiful piazzas. It’s a busy tourist area, as many tourists can be seen strolling through the streets.

Best Hotels in Centro Storico

Many travelers prefer staying near the tourist attractions like the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and the Piazza Navona. So, finding a hotel in this area could be challenging during the peak tourist season. But it’s not impossible because many luxury and affordable hotels are situated in this area. Below are some of the best hotels to consider in the Centro Storico if you’re wondering where to stay in Rome for comfortable accommodation:

1. Orient Express La Minerva: Enjoy a 5-star stay in the classic city of Rome. It’s located near Pantheon and Piazza Navona, which makes it the best option to stay for families. This luxury hotel may cost you more, but the facilities, service, and central location make it well worth the cost.
2. Hub Pantheon: It’s one of the best places to stay in Rome because it’s located just in front of the Pantheon. This 4-star hotel isn’t only known for its location, but also for its quality service and comfortable environment.
3. Lifestyle Suites Rome: Another luxury option to consider when deciding on where to stay in Rome is Lifestyle Suites. It’s located in Piazza Navona, which is itself a tourist attraction. Note that it’s a 5-star residence special for adults and newlywed couples.
4. Palazzo Navona Hotel: It’s a 4-star hotel located a few steps away from Piazza Navona. It offers well-furnished rooms and suites with a clean, comfortable atmosphere.
5. Navona Stay: One of the most affordable options to stay in Central Rome is Navona Stay. It’s a 3-star hotel located near Piazza Naona. They also offer a shuttle service from Rome Airport to the City Center at very low charges.

Things To Do In Centro Storico

Most of the things to see in Rome are located within walking distance in the Centro Storico. That’s why most of the tourists prefer to stay in this area. It’s the best place to experience and enjoy the historic charm of the city. Here are some important things to do in this place:

• Visit the Pantheon
• Enjoy live performances by local artists at Piazza Navona
• Throw a coin in Trevi Fountain
• Enjoy some Italian Cuisine
• Stroll through the narrow streets

Pros and Cons of Staying in Centro Storico

Prati: A Peaceful Area Close to the Vatican

Prati is an excellent choice to stay in Rome due to its ideal location and peaceful environment. Unlike the city center, there are wide, tree-lined streets filled with boutiques and restaurants. It’s one of the best places to stay in Rome for those who prefer a clean, quiet, and relaxing environment. Moreover, Prati has boundaries with the Vatican City on one side and the Tiber River on the other, which makes it a perfect location for tourists.

Best Hotels in Prati

There are so many hotels in this area that it becomes difficult to choose one. But the good thing is that tourists are offered cheap accommodation due to competition. No doubt Prati is one of the best places to stay in Rome, but it may be quieter compared to the charming atmosphere of Central Rome. We found the following hotels to be the best for a foreign tourist:

1. The First Musica: It’s a small but 5-star residence offered by The Pavilions to visitors. You can enjoy the beautiful views of the Tiber River from your room’s window. St Peter’s Basilica and the Spanish Steps are about a 10 to 15-minute walk from the hotel.
2. Luxury On The River: Another hotel located on the riverbank is Luxury On The River. The classic, superior, studio, and junior suites are offered at affordable prices, which makes it a top choice for accommodation.
3. Hotel De Charme Roma Dei Papi: It’s a small, 3-star hotel located in front of Castel Sant’Angelo. It surprised us with its professional staff and clean environment. St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums are just a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
4. Hotel Isa: It’s a beautiful 4-star hotel that offers accommodation in modern, well-decorated rooms. Its prime location between the Vatican City and the Spanish Steps makes it a preferable choice when deciding on where to stay in Rome.
5. Hotel Della Conciliazione: Another 4-star hotel located near the Vatican City is Hotel Della Conciliazione. It offers clean and well-furnished rooms to visitors in a family-friendly atmosphere.
6. Atlante Star Hotel: Enjoy the high-end hospitality by professional staff at Atlante Star Hotel. The hotel consists of 65 well-furnished rooms and 15 suites with panoramic views. It’s a perfect option for family travelers.

Things To Do In Prati

Many enjoyable and interesting activities are available in Prati, which makes it an ideal place for tourists. People from all over the world come here due to its location near the Vatican City. It’s a family-friendly area where you can enjoy many things to do in Rome. Here is a short list of things to do in Prati:

• Visit St. Peter’s Basilica
• Explore the Vatican Museums
• Take a walk along the Tiber River
• Enjoy a beautiful sunset on the riverbank
• Explore the historic Castel Sant’Angelo

Pros and Cons of Staying in Prati

Monti: A Historic Neighborhood of Rome

It’s one of the oldest areas of Rome, which is located near the historic places of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Monti is known for its narrow cobblestone streets, where you can experience local vibes. The area is filled with colorful, historical buildings, cafes, restaurants, and beautiful squares. We also stayed in Monti near the Colosseum and enjoyed our trip. Living in Mont was a good decision because major tourist attractions were easily accessible.

Best Hotels in Monti

Monti is one of the best places to stay in Rome due to its location near the historical landmarks of the city. It’s a tourist-friendly area with a number of tourist hotels where you can stay in comfort. We explored some hotels and found the following best for tourists:

1. Grand Hotel Palatino: It’s one of the best hotels to stay in Rome because it’s located a few steps away from the Colosseum. It offers many services to its guests free of cost.
2. Colosseum Corner: A luxury hotel perfect for staying near the Colosseum. The hotel is located in an ideal location for tourists and offers its guests 5-star services. Designer furnishing, relaxing environment, and privacy are its main features.
3. Mecenate Palace Hotel: Another 4-star hotel in Monti is the Mecenate Palace Hotel, which also has a restaurant on the terrace. You can enjoy your stay here with the beautiful views of the city.
4. Sant’Erasmo Suite: It’s the best option to stay if your flight lands at the Ciampino Airport. Many tourist attractions are located within a 10 to 15-minute walk from the hotel, which makes it the best for tourists.
5. Hotel Virgilio: This 3-star hotel is a perfect option for budget travelers. The classic rooms are beautifully decorated and equipped with modern amenities for a comfortable stay.

Things to do in Monti

Monti is home to many historical places in the city, and living here means easy access to them. It’s one of the best places for those interested in experiencing bohemian culture and artistic vibes. You’ll never get bored during your stay in Monti. Below are some important things to do in Monti:

• Visit the Colosseum
• Explore the Roman Forum
• Enjoy local street food
• Walk through the cobblestone streets
• Relax at Piazza della Madonna dei Monti

Pros and Cons of Staying in Moti

Trastevere: A Colorful Neighborhood Along The Tiber

Trastevere is a touristy neighborhood located on the bank of the Tiber River. It offers a beautiful riverside feel along the Tiber, a bit like walking along the Seine in Paris. The narrow cobblestone streets are full of restaurants, cafes, colorful buildings, and vibrant local artworks. Street performers can be seen entertaining tourists in the evening. It’s the best area to enjoy the old Roman experience. Although it’s not home to many tourist attractions, it is still an ideal choice when deciding on where to stay in Rome.

Best Hotels in Trastevere

A number of well-reputed hotels are located in Trastevere, where foreign tourists can stay comfortably. A calm and relaxing environment makes it an ideal choice for many travelers. Hotels in this area are known for offering clean, comfortable rooms and a family environment. Below are some of the best hotels in Trastevere:

1. Numa Rome Tullo: It’s a bit expensive, but a great option to stay if you are with your family. It offers many amenities to its guests, including breakfast, free wifi, and luggage storage. Pantheon, Colosseum, and Trevi Fountain are located about 1 to 2 kilometers from the hotel, which is within walking distance.
2. Palazzo Baj: It offers luxury rooms to tourists and treats them like friends. The staff is very friendly, helpful, and professional. The riverside views make it one of the best places to stay in Rome.
3. Hotel Santa Marina: We found it to be one of the best hotels in Trastevere because it offers excellent services, comfortable rooms, and rooftop gardens. It’s located just a few steps away from the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere.
4. Hotel Parrasio: It’s a 3-star hotel, but offers services comparable to those of a 4-star hotel. A rooftop terrace with a bar, and some other features make it unique from other 3-star hotels. The relaxing environment and comfortable rooms with privacy make it a great option to stay.
5. Horti 14 Borgo Trastevere Hotel: It’s the hotel where we stayed and enjoyed our trip to Rome. All rooms are directly accessible from the outdoor garden, which makes it unique from others. A wide open space on the rooftop terrace allows you to enjoy fresh air in the evening. Must consider it when thinking about where to stay in Rome, especially if you are traveling with your family.

Things to do in Trastevere

Trastevere is a touristy area where people from around the world come to explore the lively streets, beautiful piazzas, fountains, and authentic Roman culture. It’s a paradise for food explorers, as many well-known Italian restaurants are found here. The lively nightlife of the town makes it a must-visit place for anyone wondering where to stay in Rome. Below are some must-do things in Trastevere:

• Stroll along the Tiber River
• Explore Piazza Santa Marina
• Visit the basilica of Santa Marina
• Enjoy live performances by street artists
• Explore narrow cobblestone streets
• Discover the beautiful fountains

Pros and Cons of Staying In Trastevere

Testaccio: Rome’s Hidden Gem For History and Food

Testaccio is an underrated neighborhood of Rome, which is known for its rich history, food places, and traditional markets. It’s one of the best places to stay in Rome to experience the true Roman life. Living away from heavy touristy areas allows you to enjoy your trip in its true sense. It’s well connected to Rome’s major tourist places by metro and buses. Testicco is a small, quieter, and one of the best places to stay in a relaxing environment.

Best Hotels in Testaccio

We visited Testaccio for food and found some tourist-friendly hotels here. These hotels welcome their guests and facilitate them just like the hotels in other touristy areas. We explored the following hotels in Testaccio and found them to be the best for families.

1. Seven Suites: It’s a comfortable hotel established in a historic building and recently renovated. The easy access to the hotel from the airport makes it a preferable choice when deciding where to stay in Rome.
2. Testaccio Hotel Sonder: The best hotel for budget travelers is Testaccio Hotel. It’s a 3-star hotel located near the Testaccio Market, and the Mattatoio Museum is also easily accessible from here.
3. M.C.M Guesthouse: Enjoy a comfortable stay in a family-friendly guesthouse located near the Tiber River in Testaccio. Family travelers looking for a relaxing environment should choose it for its peaceful atmosphere.

Things to do in Testaccio

Testaccio is a small, quiet place where not many tourists come. It’s one of the best places to stay in Rome for those who want to stay far from the busy streets. It’s not a touristy area, but you can experience an authentic Roman life here. Here are some of the things you can do in Testaccio:

• Walk along the Tiber River
• Shop from the Testaccio Market
• Visit the MACRO Museum
• Enjoy local food
• Experience the relaxing nightlife

Pros and Cons of Staying in Testaccio

Campo Marzio: A Luxury Side of Rome

An area adjacent to the Centro Storico is known as Campo Marzio, and it’s also considered a tourist-friendly area. It’s one of the most elegant places to live in the historic city of Rome. Campo Marzio is known for its beautiful streets, luxury hotels, and stylish boutiques. Roaming through luxury stores, charming cafes, and beautiful streets offers a glimpse of Rome’s luxury side. It’s one of the best places to stay near tourist attractions like the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain.

Best Hotels in Campo Marzio

Campo Marzio is home to some beautiful hotels that offer tourists a comfortable and luxurious stay. These hotels are known for their stylish interiors, comfortable rooms, and hospitality. Some of the best hotels in this area are as follows:

• Il Campo Marzio Hotel: This 4-star hotel is known for its comfortable, stylish rooms. It offers free breakfast, wifi, and some other amenities to its guests. The staff is also well-trained and professional in their work.
• Il Campo Marzio Suites: Enjoy a luxury stay in Rome in Il Campo Marzio Suites, which is located a few steps away from the Il Campo Marzio Hotel. Must choose it for accommodation if you’re visiting Rome with kids. 
• Corinthia Rome: It’s a 5-star hotel and perfect to stay in if you have a high budget. It’s an ideal place to enjoy a luxurious life in the city. It offers luxurious, well-furnished rooms to tourists and ensures them a comfortable, memorable stay.
• Room 94: Stay near the Tiber River by booking a room in Room 94. It’s a small hotel perfect for staying due to its ideal location in Campo Marzio. It offers necessary amenities like air conditioning, hair dryer, coffee machine, fridge, and smart TV to its guests.

Things to do in Campo Marzio

Campo Marzio is one of the most elegant and charming neighborhoods in Rome. Its central location, beautiful piazzas, luxury boutiques, and charming cafes make it a preferable choice when deciding on where to stay in Rome. Tourists staying in Campo Marzio can enjoy sightseeing, shopping, and a coffee in a stylish cafe. Here is a list of things to do in Campo Marzio:

• Visit the Spanish Steps
• Throw a coin in Trevi Fountain
• Explore Pantheon
• Enjoy coffee in a stylish cafe
• Relax at Piazza di Spagna
• Stroll through the streets

Pros and Cons of Staying in Campo Marzio

Where not to Stay in Rome?

While there are many wonderful neighborhoods in Rome where tourists can stay, there are also some areas that are not good for tourists, especially first-time visitors. These areas are far from tourist attractions, and some should be avoided due to the high rate of pickpocketing and other scams. Although Rome is generally a safe city, just like Copenhagen, you shouldn’t stay in the less-touristy, remote areas of the city. Below are some areas you should avoid when planning where to stay in Rome:

• San Lorenzo: It’s a lively neighborhood in Rome known for students and nightlife, but not good for tourists. Tourists will have to rely on public transport to reach downtown and major tourist attractions, as it’s a bit far from Central Rome.
• Tor Bella Monaca: Staying in a residential suburb like Tor Bella Monaca should be on your list of things not to do in Rome. It can be boring for tourists to live in a quieter place far from the city center. Hotels, restaurants, and other facilities are also limited in this area.
• San Basilio: It’s also not a convenient place for tourists to stay in Rome. This area is also located in the suburb of the city, and you will have to spend more money to explore the major tourist attractions. That’s why you shouldn’t consider it when planning where to stay in Rome.
• Torre Maura: Tourists visiting Rome for a true urban life experience should stay away from Torre Maura. It’s a local neighborhood located a bit far from the main tourist attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Choosing the right place to stay in Rome can make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. It allows you to explore the city easily and make the most of your trip. Rome is generally a safe city, but tourists should stay away from remote areas and crowded places. The central city, which is known as Centro Storico, is one of the best places to stay in Rome. The other places include Trastevere, Monti, Prati, and Testaccio. We hope this guide helps you choose the right place for your budget and preferences when planning where to stay in Rome.