Best Areas To Stay in Rome & Hotel Recommendations

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Last updated on November 24th, 2023 at 05:24 pm

If you’re planning a trip to the Italian capital, deciding on the best areas to stay in Rome is no easy task. Especially if you’re visiting Rome for the first time. Having travelled to Rome many times, we’ve stayed in various parts of the city throughout the years and we’re here to help you choose where to stay in Rome for your next trip to the Eternal City.

Where To Stay in Rome

As with everything in travel, choosing where to stay in Rome is first and foremost a matter of personal taste and preferences. Some people may dream of a romantic getaway in the Eternal City. Others are here for high-end shopping and the good life. Budget travellers can easily find their place in the sun in the Italian capital while foodies are eager to eat their way through Rome’s streets.

Rome is a diverse city and the same goes for its neighbourhoods and the accommodation options they offer. In this guide, we’ve made a list of the best areas to stay in Rome after taking into account all those factors that travellers consider when planning a trip to the dreamy capital of Italy.

Where Not To Stay in Rome

In a nutshell, anywhere outside the heart of the city. We know that while scrolling through websites like booking.com you may be tempted by the low prices that hotels outside of the city centre offer but, please, don’t make this mistake. It is a mistake that we’ve learnt the hard way, as we’ve done it ourselves a lifetime ago.

Staying far from downtown Rome means wasting precious time trying to get from your hotel to the city centre and back. And time is always, always, money at the end of the day. For this reason, all the places to stay in Rome we’re recommending in this guide are either in or near the very heart of Rome’s historic centre.

Best Hotels in Rome

As with the best areas to stay in Rome, finding the best hotel in Rome means something different to each traveller and this is why we’ve tried to include various types of hotels in this guide. But, as we have a thing for affordable luxury and special accommodation types, such as those that are housed in historic buildings, you will mostly stumble upon this kind of hotels throughout this article.

Most importantly, as responsible travellers, we always do our best to support small, independent and locally owned businesses. This is why you won’t find any large multinational hotel chains in this guide.

Read our thorough Rome Travel Guide and 4-Day Itinerary here!

Best Areas To Stay in Rome

1. Piazza Navona & Around: The Best Area To Stay in Rome For First-Time Visitors

Rome’s historic centre is somewhat vast. However, if we were to put a pin on the very heart of Rome on a map, we would probably place it in the area roughly bordered by Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and Campo de’ Fiori.

At every mention of Rome, these are among the first places to pop into our heads because we’ve walked around this area’s narrow streets a thousand times over and every time we feel the same. That this must be the birthplace of the Roman dolce vita, the sweet life.

For many, Piazza Navona is the prettiest square in Rome and we couldn’t agree more. That says a lot considering that Rome has no shortage of beautiful squares. Piazza Navona is gorgeous any time of day, even when it’s filled with crowds of tourists.

The Pantheon is one of the most iconic things to see in Rome, while Campo de’ Fiori, the ultimate place to hang out for drinks in the evening, is the site of a large open-air market where locals do their shopping in the daytime. Also, Largo Argentina is a convenient public transportation hub as the metro doesn’t run through Rome’s historic centre.

Piazza Navona and its surroundings combine all those elements that make Rome unique: beauty, world-famous landmarks and local life vibes. Moreover, you can’t possibly find a more central location to stay in Rome even if you tried. A short walk from many of Rome’s iconic sites, Piazza Navona is abundant in charming bars and restaurants making it the best location for first time visitors.

If we had to find a reason why you shouldn’t stay in Piazza Navona and around, maybe it would be the crowds of tourists that flock to the area, especially in the summer months. However, this could be a problem only during the high and peak seasons, which you should avoid anyway.

Best Hotels in Piazza Navona & Around

Our Top Choice: Navona My Home

A look at the website of Navona My Home is enough to understand that this is one of the most charming hotels in Rome. However, no photo can convey the homely atmosphere that permeates this cosy beyond words B&B in Piazza Navona.

Situated a stone’s throw from the gorgeous square and housed in a grand 19th-century building, Navona My Home is not just another accommodation option in Rome. It’s a home away from home in Rome. And this isn’t just a saying.

Alessandra, the always smiling owner, welcomes her guests literally to her home as she lives right next door to the three elegant rooms of Navona My Home. Once you step inside the B&B, you forget that you are a tourist in a foreign city. You suddenly and inevitably feel as though you are invited to a tea party in a cosy seating area with old-charm vibes.

Navona My Home’s three rooms are named after and inspired by three prominent artists: Bernini, Bramante and Kandinsky. Art and the warmest vibes are what make this B&B stand out from the rest. Oh, and the delicious breakfast, of course, prepared daily by Alessandra with fresh ingredients, complemented with scrumptious treats from the best nearby bakeries and served in fine china and silverware.

As you can see, there are many reasons to love this B&B in the heart of Rome. Yet, for us, there’s one more reason why Navona My Home has a special place in our hearts. Knowing that a place we choose to stay during our travels offers part of its proceeds to a higher cause, such as the research of and fight against primitive immunodeficiencies in this case, is a unique feeling.

You can learn more about LaSpes, the non-profit organisation that Navona My Home supports, here.

Choose your favourite room at Navona My Home!

Other Hotels in Piazza Navona & Around

• Charme 308 for a charming stay in the heart of Rome.
• Le Suite del Barone for gorgeous views of the city’s rooftops if you choose a room with a balcony.
• Coronari Palace for modern rooms with a terrace overlooking the ancient surroundings of the city.

2. Prati: The Perfect Gateway To The Vatican

Unlike the rest of Rome neighbourhoods in the city centre, Prati is a relatively recent district. It was established at the beginning of the 20th century. Prati is one of the best places to stay in Rome for several reasons.

First of all, this neighbourhood is just steps away from the wonders of Vatican City. Sites like St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are among the best things to see in Rome. Considering that you might have to wake up early to beat the long queues or to join a guided tour of these major attractions, it makes perfect sense to choose to stay in Prati during your next trip to Rome.

Furthermore, Prati is one of the most elegant neighbourhoods in Rome, with wide boulevards and stunning buildings. To appreciate Prati’s uniqueness, don’t miss a sunset stroll along the Tiber promenade to enjoy breathtaking views of Castel Sant’ Angelo.

Last but not least, Prati is a genuinely residential district. Staying in a residential area means that you don’t stumble upon tourists 24/7. Moreover, the food in Prati is more authentic than in other parts of Rome. Suffice it to say that restaurants there are primarily frequented by locals.

Prati is the ideal place to stay in Rome for families and everyone else dreaming of an easy-going trip to the Italian capital, away from the hustle and bustle of Rome’s more busy streets. However, if you’re planning to experience Rome’s nightlife, Prati isn’t for you.

Best Hotels in Prati

Our Top Choice: Ale & Niki’s Home

Housed in an 1899 historical building and just a few steps away from the Ottaviano Metro Station, one of Prati’s main metro stations, Ale & Niki’s Home opens its arms to welcome you like a member of the family rather than just another guest.

Everything about this charming B&B in the heart of Prati makes you feel as though you’re in the city of your childhood years, visiting family that you haven’t seen in a while and have sorely missed. Each of the B&B rooms is named after a member of the family who owns and runs Ale & Niki’s Home.

Ale and Niki are two sisters who are passionate about travel themselves. They’re on a mission to provide their guests with the high standards of hospitality they’re eager to come across during their own trips.

The B&B’s rooms and the common living area are almost unbearably homelike. So much so that it’s next to impossible not to feel that you will dearly miss this place once you check out. The breakfast includes a wide variety of sweet and savoury treats and it’s prepared daily with love and care.

Ale and Niki’s dream is to make everyone feel that they come as guests but leave as friends. As far as we are concerned, we felt this way indeed and we can’t wait to go back.

Find the best deals for your stay at Ale & Niki’s or read the reviews on TripAdvisor here!

Other Hotels in Prati

• Quiriti Vatican Relais for a comfortable stay in the heart of Prati.
• Impero Vaticano Suites Guest House for its grand decor.
• Residenza Scipioni Luxury B&B for elegant rooms in a historic building with views of Saint Peter’s Basilica.

3. Trastevere: The Most Charming Neighbourhood in Rome

Rome is, without a doubt, one of the prettiest capital cities in Europe. Most travellers tend to associate Rome with its grand buildings, world-renowned landmarks, elaborate fountains and majestic squares. Yes, Rome is all of this. But not just this.

The very soul of Rome hides in its century-old neighbourhoods like Trastevere, where the sounds of everyday life and the melody of the Italian language escape the windows of colourful, ivy-clad facades.

As its name suggests, Trastevere is situated across the Tiber from the Centro Storico, Rome’s historic centre. Trastevere has always been a residential district throughout the centuries. During the Roman Empire, Trastevere was the residence of fishermen and sailors. In later years, Trastevere became the nucleus of the first Jewish community in Rome. In the 1970s, Trastevere attracted artists and intellectuals.

A couple of decades ago or so, Trastevere belonged to the locals as it was off the radar of most tourists. Yet, the secret was out at some point. Nowadays, the locals inevitably have to share Trastevere with all of us mere travellers who can’t help but fall desperately in love with its charms.

In the daytime, especially on weekdays, Trastevere feels peaceful and relaxed. However, in the evening, Trastevere is where the heart of Rome beats. When the night falls, locals and visitors alike flock to the picturesque neighbourhood for its countless dining and nightlife options.

Apart from getting lost in the almost painfully romantic streets of Trastevere, some places to visit in or near the neighbourhood include Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, Gianicolo Hill and Isola Tiberina. Staying in Trastevere means that you get to enjoy one of the prettiest parts of Rome, abundant in great restaurants, bars and aperitivo places.

If we tried to find one reason not to stay in Trastevere, it would probably be that it’s not that well-connected to the rest of the city by public transport. However, if you tend to walk a lot during your travels as we do, that won’t be a problem for you.

Best Hotels in Trastevere

• Paola a Trastevere for its retro-style rooms in the centre of Trastevere.
• Ripagrande a Trastevere for cosy comfortable rooms with a fantastic terrace, close to the Tiber River.
• Horti 14 Borgo Trastevere for a stylish stay in a modern hotel located in a quiet part of Trastevere.

4. Tridente & Trevi: The Best Places To Stay in Rome For High-End Shopping & Luxury Lovers

As a result of an urban planning project that materialised between the 15th and 17th centuries, Rome is home to a trident, tridente in Italian. This trident is formed by three streets that start in Piazza del Popolo: Via di Ripetta ending in Piazza Cardelli, Via del Corso ending in Piazza Venezia and Via del Babuino ending in Piazza di Spagna.

The area bordered by these streets, the so-called Tridente, alongside the nearby Trevi neighbourhood, which is home to the most famous fountain in Rome, the imposing Fontana di Trevi, are the best places to stay in Rome if you are high-end shopping and luxury hotels enthusiasts.

Except for Trevi Fountain, the most recognisable fountain in Rome, staying in this area means you are within short walking distance of the most prestigious shopping street in Rome, Via del Corso, and one of the most quintessentially Roman spots, the marvellous Spanish Steps. What’s more, the area is dominated by Villa Borghese, one of the largest parks in Rome ideal for relaxing breaks.

Tridente and Trevi are extremely centrally located. Thanks to their glamorous vibes, they are the best areas to stay in Rome if you’re in the city to celebrate a special occasion or if you want to splurge on the Roman Holiday you’ve always dreamt of. The downside of staying in Tridente and Trevi is rather self-explanatory then. They’re quite pricey options.

Best Hotels in Tridente & Trevi

• Hotel La Place Roma for modern rooms and a remarkably central location.
• Piazza di Spagna 9 for elegant rooms in a 16th-century historic building next to the Spanish Steps.
• Residenza Napoleone III, a luxury hotel housed in a unique historic building.

5. Monti: The Best Neighbourhood To Stay in Rome For Sightseeing

For history buffs, Monti is the best place to stay in Rome. This district in central Rome is abundant in treasures that date back to ancient times. From the emblematic Colosseum and the Roman Forum to the impressive Imperial Forums and the lesser-known yet fascinating Domus Aurea, Monti has no shortage of attractions that date back to the glorious days of the Roman Empire.

A few years ago, Monti attracted tourists only during the daytime for sightseeing reasons. In the evenings, the area was dark and grim. However, this is fast changing as Monti gradually becomes a nightlife hub for Romans and tourists alike. Moreover, Monti re-discovers itself as an artistic neighbourhood where you can unearth beautiful antiques during one of your walks.

However, Monti isn’t a residential neighbourhood, which makes it feel a bit sketchy sometimes, especially if you’re staying near the Termini Train Station. Also, although geographically in the heart of Ancient Rome, Monti seems to be a bit far from the real heart of the modern city.

Best Hotels in Monti

• Nazionale 51 Group for its minimal design and excellent location.
• Princeps Boutique Hotel for comfortable rooms in a historic building near the train station.
• The Fifteen Keys Hotel for its unique ambience and comfortable rooms.

6. Testaccio: A Foodies’ Heaven

Who doesn’t love Italian food? This rhetorical question will need no answer for as long as the world still turns. However, if food is the primary reason why you’re visiting Rome, perhaps you should consider staying in an off-the-beaten-path district, renowned for its delicious and, most importantly, authentic food.

Testaccio is a residential neighbourhood in Rome on the edge of the historic centre. Here, you won’t see stunning buildings, shiny squares and fountains with dramatic sculptures. To be honest, rough-around-the-edges Testaccio feels a world away from the rest of the city. Yet, to compensate for its lack of charms, Testaccio invites you on a culinary journey like no other.

First of all, Testaccio is home to Rome’s trendiest food market. Testaccio Market is an indoor gastronomic heaven where you can savour authentic Italian dishes, either in their traditional form or with a twist.

Moreover, Testaccio is known for its restaurants, most of which have been around for decades thanks to their top quality and the locals’ love and support. For instance, Felice a Testaccio serves the best cacio e pepe pasta in Rome since 1936.

Food aside, Testaccio is also one of the best places in Rome to feel part of the local lifestyle. In Testaccio, mingling with locals isn’t hard at all. Testaccio is a living and breathing real neighbourhood of Rome, within walking distance of some of the city’s lesser-known gems, such as the Pyramid of Caius Cestius and the Giardino degli Aranci with its spectacular views of Rome’s skyline.

However, since Testaccio is a bit far from most main attractions and because it lacks the beauty that other parts of Rome enjoy, perhaps you should reserve from staying in Testaccio on your first trip to Rome and save it for a future trip. There will always be one or more of those after all.

Best Hotels in Testaccio

• B&B Colori di Roma for its cosy retro ambience and comfortable rooms.
• Gasometer Urban Suites for its modern decor and a fantastic terrace with gorgeous views of the city.
• San Anselmo for the lavish rooms and the wonderful private terrace.

7. Termini: The Best Area To Stay in Rome on a Budget

Normally, we wouldn’t add Termini to our list of the best places to stay in Rome. We consider the area around Termini the worst place to stay in Rome.

However, we can’t overlook the fact that some of you may be travelling on a very tight budget or you need a place near the central train station for an overnight stay before you catch a train to your next destination. For these two reasons alone, you see Termini on this list.

Accommodation options near Termini are by far the most affordable in the entire city. And for good reason. Termini isn’t an attractive part of Rome and it can be quite sketchy, especially at night. That said, Termini Station is the city’s main train station and major metro hub which means that if you’re staying in the area, you can easily get to anywhere you want around the city.

Best Hotels in Termini

• The Beehive* for the best hostel vibes and fantastic atmosphere.
• La Girandola Bed & Breakfast, a family-run B&B with comfortable rooms.
• Sophie Terrace Hotel for its beautiful rooftop area and modern rooms.

*This is a hostel. We may not be into hostels ourselves, but we thought we should include one in this guide, for the budget travellers among you. Although we have zero experience with hostels, our friend Kash from the Budget Traveller is THE expert on them and it must mean something that this eco-friendly hostel is among his all-time favourite ones.

If you’re travelling on a budget, you might want to check out our 30 tips to save money for travel.

Our Favourite Neighbourhoods To Stay in Rome

If you’ve read between the lines, you must already know our favourite places to stay in Rome. The truth is that we’re torn between Piazza Navona and Trastevere. We probably need a couple more trips to the Eternal City to decide (like we needed an excuse to revisit Rome, but just saying).

If you’ve already visited the Italian capital, we’d love to know the best areas to stay in Rome according to you. If you haven’t travelled there yet and you’re wondering where to stay in Rome, we hope this guide makes things a bit easier for you. Ciao!

If you’re continuing your trip to other destinations in Italy, here’s our guide on the best places to stay in Puglia, a beautiful region in Italy’s deep South.

Disclosure: We were guests at Navona My Home and Ale & Niki’s Home. However, as always, we express nothing but our honest opinion about the experience we had.