Rome, also known as the “Eternal City,” is among Italy’s top travel destinations! So if you are reading this post, you are probably planning a visit to Rome.
If you’ve never been to Rome and plan a trip, you will surely wonder where to stay in Rome and which is the best area to find accommodation.
Should we stay in an area near the Colosseum or close to Vatican City?
Why you can trust us
Although we live in Milan (north of Italy), we have many friends who live in Rome, and we visit the Eternal City many times. So we will try to give you our best tips about where to stay in Rome.
You will discover four of our favorite neighborhoods with a selection of the best places (hotels, B&B, apartments) to stay in Rome.
We did meticulous research to find the best places to stay in Rome based on their site and their reviews. Of course, we haven’t stayed in all these places, but we are very cautious and scrupulous.
You can trust us because the places we describe here are the accommodation we would stay in during our next visit to Rome. They are located in the best areas of the Eternal City.
Please bear in mind that we will suggest central areas of the town so that you will be close to Rome’s main attractions, such as the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the heart of Rome.
And if you are food lovers looking for the best Italian food such as pasta, pizza, gelato, espresso, these areas won’t disappoint you.
Another essential thing to bear in mind is that the average rating given by guests to the accommodations we will recommend in this post is always higher than 9, respectively, to:
- Location
- Services
- Staff
- Cleaning
- Comfort
- Value for money.
So, let’s start our journey.
#1 Best Area To Stay in Rome: Monti / Esquilino (COLOSSEUM)
Esquilino, Rome
This is not the most central area among the ones we suggest to you, but it is safe, peaceful, and very friendly. It’s our favorite one!
Keep your eyes open. Walking down the street, you might run to people like Matt Dillon, Willem Dafoe, or Abel Ferrara. Actually, many famous people, both Italian and foreign, live here.
The Esquilino district also includes the Termini Station, from which you probably arrived if you get to Rome by train. It is better to avoid accommodation in the area too close to Termini Station.
The ideal point is around Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, where there is also the Metro stop. Choose a place in the streets below the Piazza, like Via Buonarroti and Via Machiavelli. Actually, in this way, you approach the so-called Monti district. This is why we called this area “Esquilino / Monti.”
You can search using this map or by having a look at the places we suggest below.
Luxury (over 200$ per night)
Mecenate Charme – My Extra Home is for luxury and beauty lovers. It provides a concierge service, free WiFi, air conditioning, and a beautiful terrace with city views.
- Capacity – 4 people (top for 2 people)
- Size – 50 square meters
Plus: take a look at its breathtaking terrace
Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo is a Hotel in an excellent location near the Colosseum. It also offers the availability of family rooms and a bar.
Plus: roof terrace with swimming pool and unique view of the Colosseum
Mid-range ($200-$120 per night)
Hotel Napoleon is an elegant hotel located near the pleasant Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and next to the Metro stop. Guests appreciate the cleanliness and courtesy of the staff.
If you love suspense, do not miss to enter the park opposite (temporarily closed at the moment). You will find a fascinating Alchemic Door or Magic Door whose legend is shrouded in mystery.
Plus: Next to the Metro stop
Domitilla – Luxury apartment in the heart of Rome is a luxury but reasonably priced apartment that can accommodate up to 5 people. Clean and comfortable a few steps from the Domus Aurea and the Colosseum. Nearby you will also find excellent places for dinner.
Plus: Our favorite solution in the area
Low Budget (up to $100 per night)
Merulana Holidays is located 10 minutes walk from the Colosseum and is also close to the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, one of the collection points for the Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass, which we extensively talk about in our “3 days in Rome guide“. It was recently renovated, and the staff is excellent. There are many clubs and restaurants nearby.
Plus: It has a score of 9.5 on Booking.com with over 300 reviews!
Domus Helena. This is a somewhat peculiar and rather essential structure but much appreciated by guests for its rigor, cleanliness, and location. Franciscan nuns run it, but their presence is very discreet. Reception 24/24.
The rooms are all air-conditioned with satellite TV and a private bathroom.
Perhaps in all of Rome, it is impossible to find an offer of such quality for less.
Plus: plentiful breakfast included with fresh fruit and homemade cakes.
#2 Best Area Where to stay in Rome: PRATI (Vatican)
Palace of Justice, Piazza Cavour, Rome, Prati district
If you are looking for the chicest and exclusive district where to stay in Rome, then Prati is your choice. It is located on the right bank of the river Tiber. It is not a very touristic area. It is ideal for families and for the fact that it is close to Vatican City. So we will try to suggest accommodations near the subway (Cipro or Ottaviano Stop) or the Vatican.
Luxury (over 200$ per night)
San Pietro Grand Suite is located in an excellent position between the Ottaviano metro stop and the Vatican Museums, which are 300 and 500 meters away, respectively. Some rooms offer a view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Guests really appreciate the excellent breakfast included in the price, the very central location, and the silence.
Plus: A few steps from the Vatican
Trianon Borgo Pio Aparthotel. If you love luxury, comfort, and “la bella vita”, this is the place for you. The quality/price ratio of this location is unsurpassed. The rooms are spacious, and there is excellent attention to detail. Ask for a room on the top floor to have a balcony with a view of the city.
Plus: Daily cleaning
Plus: Breakfast included in a beautiful terrace overlooking St. Peter’s dome
Plus: Fitness area, laundry with dryer
Mid-range ($200-$120 per night)
Ale & Niki’s Home is really in a great location, in the heart of the Prati district, very close to the Metro stop and a few steps from the Vatican Museums. All the rooms are tastefully furnished and are run by a mother and her two daughters. They are passionate travelers who know how to pamper their guests.
Plus: Breakfast included
Plus: Airplane shuttle
The Boutique Hotel is in a really perfect location. The rooms are spacious, clean, and quiet, and the staff is very kind. A top solution for quality/price ratio
Plus: Family rooms
Plus: Airplane shuttle
Low Budget (up to $100 per night)
Flat 285 La Suite. Finding a free room here can be the ideal low budget solution in a really strategic location.
Guests appreciate the location, the ample space available, and the friendliness of the staff.
Plus: Excellent value for money
Plus: Amiable and helpful staff
B&B Vatican’s Keys is another jewel in the heart of Rome. It is located 50 meters from the Vatican Museum entrance and just over 500 meters from Cipro and Ottaviano’s metro stations. The rooms are equipped with every comfort, and the staff is accommodating.
Italian breakfast included in the price.
Plus: Breakfast included
Plus: Unbeatable price
#3 Best Area Where to stay in Rome: PIAZZA NAVONA
Piazza Navona
If you are looking for accommodation in Rome’s very center, Piazza Navona is absolutely your area.
We have already written several times, also in our post “3 days in Rome“, that Piazza Navona, along with the Pantheon, is our favorite destination in town. Choosing a hotel in this area will allow you to be within walking distance from the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, too.
However, you have to be aware of some things. There is always the downside.
In this area, there are no metro stops (the closest one is perhaps Piazza di Spagna, but it is not very comfortable). Since you are in the center of the city, the prices are a bit higher. And in high season it can be a bit chaotic.
But if this is the first time you visit Rome, it is a choice that you can make. It is a bit like staying near Trafalgar Square in London or Times Square in New York.
Luxury (over 200$ per night)
Lifestyle Suites Rome. If we have to treat ourselves well, let’s do it with style and unreservedly. Lifestyle Suites Rome is a boutique hotel overlooking our favorite square. The view is priceless and opens your heart. Please, of course, you have to ask for a balcony overlooking the square! You can choose among Suites, Junior Suite and Royal Suite of 90 square meters.
Do you think we are exaggerating? That’s exactly what we wanted to do and that such a location deserves.
Plus: View of Piazza Navona
Plus: Luxury suites
Eitch Borromini Palazzo Pamphilj. If you still want to treat yourself to some luxury but spend a little less, Eitch Borromini Palazzo Pamphilj can be a great alternative.
In this location, you will breathe history and class. It is located inside a 17th-century palace, designed by Francesco Borromini, directly overlooking Piazza Navona. Its terrace offers a breathtaking view.
Plus: Breathtaking terrace
Plus: Rooms with original frescoes
Mid-range ($200-$120 per night)
I Fiumi Di Navona. It is an excellent solution to stay near Piazza Navona at reasonable prices. It is exquisite and well cared for. It’s right a few steps from the square. Guests appreciate it, in addition to the location, also for the cleanliness and quiet rooms.
Plus: Quiet rooms
Plus: Breakfast included
Appartamento Benincampi. If this apartment is available on your dates, do not miss it.
Appartamento Benincampi overlooks Piazza Navona with a beautiful flowered balcony (depending on the season, of course) and has a really unbeatable price.
It can accommodate up to four people (with sofa bed), but the price is reasonable even for a couple. A romantic choice that will not disappoint you.
Plus: Balcony overlooking Piazza Navona
Plus: Perfect for couples or small families/groups (up to 4 people)
Low Budget (up to $100 per night)
It is not easy to find accommodation for less than $100 per night in this part of town, but we try.
To get useful results, we had to make an exception to our rule. So, for these proposals, the average of guests’ votes to the property will be higher than 8 and not 9 as it has been so far.
Residenza Pantaleo is located between Piazza Navona and Campo de Fiori. The rooms are a bit small but clean and cozy, and it has everything you need.
Plus: Breakfast included
#4 Best Area Where to stay in Rome: TRASTEVERE
This is the last neighborhood we propose amond the best area to stay in Rome. But, as they say, it’s last but not least.
It is one of the most famous and beloved neighborhoods by Romans and tourists and is located across the river Tiber, just as the name itself says: “Trastevere.”
Here people usually gather in the evening for an aperitif or dinner. But the location is also excellent for short stays in the city.
With its narrow and romantic streets, it seems a bit bohemian, and, as we said, it is very vibrant in the evening. You will certainly not miss the restaurants in this area.
Also, as in the area of Piazza Navona, there is no subway in this neighborhood. If you love walking, you can still walk to the city’s main attractions and maybe take a cab if you are tired.
Luxury (over 200$ per night)
Horti 14 Borgo Trastevere is a modern and elegant 4-star hotel in the heart of Trastevere. Its design and architecture contrast a bit with the style of the neighborhood. Still, if you are looking for a luxury solution, you will not be disappointed.
There is a lovely rooftop where you can relax and have breakfast.
Plus: Breakfast included on a lovely terrace
Albertina’s House in Trastevere is a solution to consider whether you are a couple or a family, or a group of friends. It can accommodate 2 to 6 people, and the price does not change much if you are 6. So it can be an excellent and economical choice in this case.
It is located inside a historic building in Trastevere, but it has been tastefully renovated. In addition to the many restaurants, there is a bakery right out of the house. Here you can buy fresh pastries for breakfast.
Plus: Great for families or groups of up to 6 people
Plus: In the heart of Trastevere
Mid-range ($200-$120 per night)
In this price range, you will find many exciting opportunities in the Trastevere district.
Residenza San Calisto. If you are looking for a hotel, we recommend Residenza San Calisto.
This recently renovated property is very central right in the neighborhood’s heart, with many restaurants available.
The staff is very friendly and helpful.
Plus: Breakfast is served in an old restored wine cellar, very suggestive.
Magia a Trilussa is tastefully furnished, offers rooms with air conditioning, and has a charming terrace overlooking Trastevere. It is perfect if you want to be in the heart of the Roman movida.
Plus: Breakfast is included.
Low Budget (up to $100 per night)
We could only find facilities with a guest score between 8 and 9 for a budget of less than $100. Nothing higher, but very good, anyway.
B&B Ventisei Scalini A Trastevere is an ideal solution for those with a reduced budget.
The rooms are cozy and clean. Breakfast is perhaps not the best, so maybe better to rely on a bar or bakery nearby.
And as the name itself says, there is no elevator.
Apart from these small details, it is still excellent accommodation, perfectly located in the neighborhood.
Plus: average guest rating out of over 250 reviews.
Appartamento nel cuore di Trastevere, literally, an apartment in Trastevere’s heart, is another right solution in the heart of this lively neighborhood. It is located in a quiet street but very close to the vibrant Piazza Trilussa.
It is an apartment that can accommodate up to four people, so perfect for a couple and ideal for a small group of friends to save something on accommodation and live the neighborhood’s nightlife.
The kitchen is a bit small, but in a city like Rome, are you really planning to cook your meals? Go out and enjoy Italian food as much as you can!
EXTRA BONUS #1 – Ideal Accommodation for Families or Groups
We offer below some recommended facilities for families with children, located as always in Rome’s central areas.
Luxury (over 200$ per night)
Domus Paradiso. A real gem a few steps from Piazza Navona. Ideal for 2 adults and 2 children.
Ottaviano Exclusive Maison. This fantastic apartment in the Prati district’s heart is located a few steps from the Vatican Museums and the Ottaviano metro stop.
It has two bedrooms and two sofa beds. It can comfortably accommodate up to 6/7 people. Not to be missed.
Mid-range ($200-$120 per night)
Vatican City Apartment. Elegant and refined apartment of 90 square meters that can accommodate up to 7 people. Five minutes from the Vatican and the metro.
Casa Fabio. Apartment in our favorite part of town: Esqulino. If you arrive by train, it’s near Termini Station but in a quiet and safe area. Ten minutes from the Colosseum and a few steps from the Vittorio Emanuele Metro stop that takes you everywhere in a few minutes.
Ideal for 2 adults and 2 children, but can accommodate up to 6 people and has 2 bathrooms!
EXTRA BONUS #2 – Accommodation for Disabled People
We propose here below some accommodations that allow wheelchair access and have rooms with bathtubs for the disabled.
IMPORTANT: When making your booking, please always inform the staff of your needs so that they can reserve the most suitable room for you.
These are excellent and very suggestive structures in very central locations.
Monti Palace Hotel. In the heart of the elegant Monti district with a breathtaking terrace.
Hotel Martis Palace. Sumptuous hotel a few steps from Piazza Navona with a beautiful terrace.
The rooms are all equipped with showers only. There are no bathtubs. Some of these showers are wheelchair accessible. If you have this requirement, please note this when making your reservation.
Trevi Collection Hotel – Gruppo Trevi Hotels. It is an exceptional location near Trinità dei Monti and just a few steps from Piazza Barberini.
Where to stay in Rome: Final Thoughts
Well, we are at the end of this journey. We tried to give you our best advice to choose a hotel or an apartment in the areas of Rome that, in our opinion, are the best to stay.
We have chosen accommodations where we have stayed or would undoubtedly select for our next trip to the Eternal City.
They are very central areas and will allow you to move around on foot if you love walking, or very easy to reach by public transports. In this regard, we remind you of the Omina Rome and Vatican Pass that offers you 3 days free by public transport.
If you are also looking for a perfect itinerary for your vacation, you may want to look at our “3 days in Rome“ guide that will allow you to discover the best of Italy’s capital.
Of course, we are always available for any doubt or personal advice. In this case, you can write to us using the contact form on this page.
If you liked this article, please, share it! And let us know in the comments in which area you decided to stay.
Photo Credit: #2 David McKelvey, #3 David McKelvey
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