Where to Stay in Rome, Italy: Best Hotels & Neighborhoods

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Deciding where to stay in Rome can feel overwhelming—it is Italy’s largest city, after all.

The best neighborhood for you really depends on your travel style. If it’s your first time in Rome and you want to see all the major sights, I recommend staying in Centro Storico, the historic center. You’ll be right near the main spots like the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona. Not only is this my favorite area to stay in, but it’s also the most convenient for getting around.

If you’ve been to Rome before or want a more local experience, check out neighborhoods like Monti, Testaccio, or Trastevere. They’re a bit farther from the center, but known for great food and a more authentic side of the city.

In this guide, I’m sharing the best neighborhoods to stay in Rome, along with my top hotel recommendations in each area.

Best Neighborhoods in Rome

Piazza Navona / Centro Storico: The historic center of Rome. You’re close to the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, and Campo de’ Fiori. A great pick if you want to be in the heart of it all with easy access to the main sights.

Prati: Right next to Vatican City, Prati is a quieter, local neighborhood with great restaurants and good metro connections. I’ve stayed here a few times—hotels are often more affordable, and it’s a relaxing place to come back to after a day of sightseeing.

Spanish Steps: A high-end area known for designer shopping and upscale restaurants. It’s close to the Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese, and the historic center. Very touristy and can get loud at night.

Termini Train Station: Not my top choice, but it works if you’re in Rome for a quick overnight stay or arriving late. It’s affordable and central, but the area around the station feels a bit rough. Walk a few blocks away and you’ll find better hotel options.

Trastevere: Across the Tiber River, Trastevere is full of charm and character. It feels like its own little town, with incredible restaurants and quiet streets. Perfect for a relaxed, local stay.

Colosseum / Monti: A trendy neighborhood near the Colosseum, packed with cool bars, restaurants, and boutique hotels. Great for travelers looking for a more authentic, stylish place to stay.

Testaccio: A local, residential neighborhood with amazing food. It’s farther from the main sights, but easy to reach by metro. A good option if you’ve been to Rome before or are staying for a longer trip.

Best Hotels in Rome

Piazza Navona / Centro Storico

Best For: First-time visitors, short stays, sightseeing
Highlights: Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Campo de’ Fiori
Cons: Very touristy, can get crowded and noisy

The historic center is where you’ll find many of Rome’s most iconic sights. It’s perfect if you want to be right in the middle of everything—with the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Campo de’ Fiori all just a short walk away. You’ll have plenty of restaurants, gelaterias, and piazzas right outside your door. It’s busy, but the convenience is hard to beat. This is my favorite area to stay in Rome. I love the proximity to everything and the ability to be able to walk everywhere.

Hotels in Centro Storico

Luxury: Palazzo Talia
Design Stay: Hotel de Ricci
Mid-range: Le Suite del Barone
Pantheon view: Albergo Abruzzi
Boutique: Boutique Hotel Campo de’ Fiori

Prati

Best For: Budget-conscious travelers, quiet stays, Vatican visits
Highlights: Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica
Cons: A bit farther from the center

Prati is located right next to the Vatican, and I’ve stayed here a few times—it’s a great spot if you want something a little quieter than the historic center. The area has a local feel, great restaurants, and solid hotel options, often at better prices. It’s also well-connected by metro, making it easy to get around the city.

Hotels in Prati

Mid-range: Porta Castello Suites
Boutique: Villa Laetitia
Budget: Visconti Suites by FNA Hospitality Roma

Spanish Steps

Best For: Luxury travelers, shoppers, city explorers
Highlights: Spanish Steps, Via Condotti (designer shopping), Villa Borghese
Cons: Very touristy, can be noisy and expensive

This is one of the most upscale parts of Rome, known for high-end boutiques and elegant hotels. You’re just steps from the Spanish Steps and a quick walk to the historic center. This area is beautiful, but also busy—especially at night. We stayed on a popular street here, and I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re hoping for quiet, relaxing evenings.

Hotels near Spanish Steps

Luxury: Hotel Locarno
Apartment: APT ROME – Vittoria Palace
Budget-friendly: B&B Casa Angelini
Mid-range: Residenza Canova Tadolini – Guesthouse
Boutique: TB Place Roma

Termini train station

Best For: One-night stays, budget travelers, late-night arrivals
Highlights: Roma Termini Station, access to public transit
Cons: Gritty, lacks charm, not ideal for longer stays

The area around Termini isn’t my favorite, but it works if you’re arriving late or just need a place to crash for the night. I stayed here once after a late flight and found a decent hotel a few blocks from the station. It’s not the prettiest part of Rome, but it’s convenient and often more affordable.

Hotels near Termini Station

Budget: Eden LUXURY ROMA
Boutique: Napoleone Suite
Mid-Range: Rhome Guest House

Trastevere

Best For: Local vibe, foodies, return visitors
Highlights: Janiculum Hill, fantastic restaurants, charming streets
Cons: Farther from major sights, limited metro access

Trastevere is one of Rome’s most charming neighborhoods. It feels like its own little village, with cobblestone streets, ivy-covered buildings, and a relaxed vibe. The food scene is incredible here, and while it’s across the river from the main attractions, you can still walk or take a short bus ride into the center. The only downside is that there’s no metro access, so you’ll need to rely on walking or public buses. It’s a great place to stay if you’re here for a longer trip or have been to Rome before.

Hotels in Trastevere

Boutique: Ripagrande a Trastevere
Luxury: Donna Camilla Savelli – VRetreats
Mid-range: Residenza San Calisto

Colosseum / Monti

Best For: Boutique hotel lovers, foodies, trendy travelers
Highlights: Colosseum, Roman Forum, great cafés and wine bars
Cons: Some streets can feel a bit gritty, not as polished as other areas

Monti is a cool, creative neighborhood that’s just steps from the Colosseum but feels a world away from the tourist crowds. It’s filled with design-forward hotels, fantastic restaurants, and a great mix of locals and visitors. If you’re looking for something a bit trendier and more laid-back, this is a great spot.

Hotels in Monti

Boutique: Casa Monti Roma
Apartment: Gio Roma
Mid-range: The Fifteen Keys Hotel
Colosseum views: Hotel Palazzo Manfredi

Testaccio

Best For: Long stays, apartment rentals, local vibe
Highlights: Testaccio Market, authentic Roman restaurants, less touristy vibe
Cons: Far from main sights, quieter at night

Testaccio is a truly local neighborhood that most tourists never make it to. It’s ideal if you’ve been to Rome before or are staying for a week or more. The food here is next-level—some of the best Roman trattorias are hidden in this area. It’s not super central, but the metro makes it easy to get around.

Hotels in Testaccio

Apartment: Rione Testaccio Apartment
Mid-range: Vespucci Palace Roma

Frequently Asked Questions

Which area of Rome is best to stay in? For easy access to the main sights, Centro Storico, Piazza Navona, and the Spanish Steps area are all great places to stay. For a local vibe, Monti, Testaccio, and Trastevere are wonderful neighborhoods.
Where should I stay in Rome for the first time? I’d recommend staying in the historic center near the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain. It’s the most convenient area for a first-time visit.
What part of Rome is best for tourists? Most of the main tourist attractions are in the historic center, including Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, and the Pantheon.