Best hotels in Rome: where to stay by area

Rome cannot be done in a weekend, and the choice of neighbourhood changes the whole trip: sleeping among the lanes of the centre, in the nightlife of Trastevere or next to the Vatican are different experiences. The city is huge but the historic heart is walkable, so location matters more than star rating. Here are the best areas to stay, the prices to reckon with and, at the end, a selection of real hotels with live rates to compare.

Where to stay in Rome, area by area

The Centro Storico

Between the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Campo de Fiori, the historic centre is postcard Rome, with everything on foot. It is the right call for a first-timer and for couples, with the best atmosphere and the highest prices. Reckon with lanes crowded by day and some noise in the evening.

• The Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain steps away
• Piazza Navona and the Campo de Fiori market
• Trattorias and historic cafes in the lanes
• Everything within walking distance, no transport

To stay in the heart, look for hotels in the Centro Storico.

Trastevere

Across the Tiber, Trastevere is the bohemian quarter of cobbled lanes, ivy and osterie, which comes alive in the evening. It is the choice for anyone who loves atmosphere, good Roman food and nightlife, staying steps from the centre. Perfect for those after character above all.

• The lanes and little squares of Trastevere
• Roman trattorias for cacio e pepe and carbonara
• The basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere
• The Gianicolo hill with the view over the city

For atmosphere and evening life, see hotels in Trastevere.

Monti and the Colosseum

At the foot of the Forums, Monti is the trendiest quarter: boutiques, wine bars and elegant lanes, a step from the Colosseum. It is the choice for anyone who wants to be central but in a lived-in neighbourhood, among archaeology and bars. Good for those after style and convenience.

• The Colosseum and the Imperial Forums
• The wine bars and boutiques of Monti
• The nearby Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
• Handy metro for the rest of the city

For style and a central base, look for hotels in Monti.

Prati and the Vatican

Elegant and orderly, Prati is the quarter next to the Vatican, with tree-lined avenues, shops along Via Cola di Rienzo and good value. It is the choice for families, for anyone visiting St Peter's and the museums, and for those after quiet while staying handy. Calmer in the evening.

• St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums
• The shopping of Via Cola di Rienzo
• Castel Sant Angelo on the Tiber
• Quiet avenues and metro within reach

For the Vatican and good value, see hotels in Prati.

Termini

Around Termini station, the hub of metro, trains and buses, you find the cheapest hotels and the best transport links. It is the practical choice for arriving by train, for short stays and for budget travellers, bearing in mind the area is busier and less scenic.

• Termini station, the metro and rail hub
• The Opera House and Santa Maria Maggiore nearby
• Lower prices and excellent links
• Handy for the airport with the Leonardo Express

For budget and convenience, look for hotels near Termini.

What it costs

Indicative figures: Rome is a capital and prices rise in the centre and in high season.

• A double room in a mid-range 3-4 star: roughly 120-250 euros a night, more in the centre and on long weekends.
• A dinner for two in a trattoria with wine: about 50-80 euros; a plate of Roman pasta around 12-15 euros.
• Coffee at the counter: 1 to 1.50 euros; a beer 5-6 euros in central bars.
• Transport: a single ticket 1.50 euros (100 minutes), valid on metro and buses.
• Tourist tax: roughly 4 to 10 euros per person per night depending on the hotel category, up to ten nights, with children under 10 exempt. You pay it at your accommodation.

For a real sense before you choose, compare current prices in Rome.

Getting there and around

The main airport is Fiumicino (FCO), about 30 km away, linked to Termini by the Leonardo Express train in about half an hour. Ciampino (CIA), about 15 km away, serves low-cost flights, with buses to the centre. Termini is the great hub of trains, metro and buses.

In town a car is best avoided: traffic, restricted zones and difficult parking. The centre is walkable, and for the rest there are metro, buses and trams. With a good location, most sights are within a stroll.

When to go

• January-March: cool and quieter, lower prices, a more liveable city.
• April-June: a splendid spring, mild weather; Easter and the May long weekends are very crowded.
• July-August: intense, muggy heat, many Romans away in August; prices sometimes lower but the city is scorching.
• September-October: maybe the best window, pleasant weather and golden light on the monuments.
• November-December: cool and quieter, with a Christmas mood and lower prices outside the holidays.

Good to know

Which area is best on a first visit? The Centro Storico or Monti: the monuments on foot and the best atmosphere. Trastevere if you want character and evenings out.

Do I need a car in Rome? No, it is a problem with traffic and restricted zones. You get around on foot and by metro and bus.

How much is the tourist tax? Roughly 4 to 10 euros per person per night depending on category, up to ten nights.

How do I get from the airport? From Fiumicino the Leonardo Express reaches Termini in about half an hour; from Ciampino there are buses to the centre.

How many days do I need? At least three or four nights for the centre, the Vatican and some of Rome without rushing.

The best hotels in Rome

Below is a selection of real hotels in Rome among the highest rated by guests, with live rates to compare right now. Choose the area first, then compare prices and book at the right moment.