When it comes to must-visit cities in Europe, Rome often makes the list, and it’s no wonder. Sights like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Roman Forum have a deep history and draw travelers from all over the world.
The Italian capital is also known for its food, shopping, nightlife, and local markets.
Historic sights may top your list, but when it comes to knowing where to stay in Rome, Italy, it can be a tough choice. Knowing a bit about Rome neighbourhoods can aid in finding the best place to stay in Rome. Some of the best parts of Rome, such as the historic sites, can be a bit pricey, but it is possible to find cheap hotels in Rome.
Italy is a land filled with romance, history, and plenty to do as a traveler, and it is best to look at a map of Rome neighbourhoods when considering which attractions you would like to be close to. Take a peek at the descriptions of the most popular Rome neighbourhoods below to check out a few places to stay in Rome.
Where to Stay in Rome
Colosso – The Best Area to Stay in Rome
For first-time visitors, being within walking distance of major sites like the Colosseum can be beneficial. Of course, there are many Rome neighbourhoods to choose from, but Colosso is conveniently located near the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Staying here makes public transportation convenient.
Many would argue that this is the best area in Rome and we tend to recommend it to those who are planning to only spend a few nights in the city and want to be centrally located during their visit.
Luxury: Hotel Palazzo Manfredi
When it comes to luxury hotels, Rome has beautiful options, such as the Hotel Palazzo Manfredi. Breakfast is included, and you dine on the roof with a view of the Colosseum. Each room has a view of the Roman Forum’s ancient ruins. For those who want to splurge, a Lamborghini is available for rent at the front desk.
Mid-Range: Hotel Centro Cavour
A stay at the Rome accommodation of Hotel Centro Cavour allows walking to many of the major sites as it is located in the heart of ancient Rome. Neighbourhoods surrounding the ruins are the best areas to stay in Rome. This hotel is also located near many restaurants so that you can experience the many flavours of this Italian city.
Budget: Quality in Rome
One of the best parts of Rome is that you can find rooms in all price ranges, and Quality in Rome is one of the cheapest hotels in Rome. Even so, it is centrally located and offers free Wi-Fi and an in-room electric kettle with tea available. It’s a great spot for viewing the Trevi Fountain and popular ancient sites.
Pantheon – Most Picturesque Area in Rome
When you’re surrounded by winding streets, you know you’re in the Pantheon area, which is considered to be another one of the best places to stay in Rome. Accommodation options in Pantheon vary, but no matter what budget you have, you will be close to sights in some of the first established Rome neighbourhoods.
The area is known to be one of the most picturesque parts of the city and is home to the local Market of Campo De’ Fiori, cute boutiques, bakeries and lovely traditional restaurants.
Luxury: The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel
When it comes to the beauty of the Autograph Collection’s luxury hotels, Rome is no exception. The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel is close to the Piazza Navona, and their terrace has gorgeous views of the Pantheon. The complementary, in-room smartphone is especially convenient for making international calls.
Mid-Range: Alberto Abruzzi
Those looking for a family-run hotel will enjoy their time at Alberto Abruzzi, a boutique hotel. Rome’s highlights, such as the Pantheon can be seen from their rooms. This Rome accommodation offers a smartphone with complimentary calls and internet access for navigating the city and keeping in touch.
Budget: Hotel Navona
The Pantheon area is the best neighbourhood to stay in Rome for those who enjoy walking to visit the sites, Hotel Navona can put you in the heart of it all. Art lovers will enjoy the frescoes in this 15th-century building located in a low-traffic area due to the winding streets. A continental breakfast is also served, and you can sleep on a hypo-allergenic mattress.
Vaticano Prati – Safest Place to Stay in Rome
If you want to get away from the centre of the city, then the area that includes Vatican City and Prati is one of the best areas to stay in Rome. It is across the river, but you can easily take the metro system to get to Rome’s main attractions.
This may not be the best area to stay in Rome for first-time visitors because you will need to travel by transportation, but with options for tours of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica nearby, travelers may beg to differ.
The city is fairly safe, but the area of Vaticano Prati is said to be the safest place to stay in Rome. Accommodation options vary in this neighbourhood.
Luxury: Palazzo Cardinal Cesi
Set just a few meters away from St. Peter’s Basilica, this Rome accommodation is conveniently located to travel by transportation yet is still considered a boutique hotel. Rome’s other Christian landmarks are also close, and guests can enjoy their breakfast where monks once ate or spend time in Palazzo Cardinal Cesi’s beautiful courtyard.
Mid-Range: Relais Vatican View
The rooftop terrace at Relais Vatican View is phenomenal and is the best hotel location in Rome as a gorgeous vantage point of Vatican City. Each room in the hotel has a private bath, and the location has multiple gorgeous sites. The metro is also close so that you can get places easily.
Budget: Vatican Rooms Accommodation
With hydromassage showers, close proximity to sights and the metro, you wouldn’t think that Vatican Rooms Accommodation is one of the cheapest hotels in Rome, Italy, but it is! Reviews boast of kind staff and ultra-clean rooms, and there is a shared kitchen on-site if you want to save a bit of money and make your own food. Without a doubt, this hotel is the best area to stay in Rome.
Navona – Most Centrally Located Place to Stay in Rome
Often considered the best neighbourhood to stay in Rome, the area of Navona is centred around Piazza Navona. It lies along the River Tiber to the west of the Pantheon neighbourhood.
It is a quaint area filled with meandering streets, cafes, shops, and historic buildings. As with many other Rome neighbourhoods, it is peppered with squares and fountains, which add to its ambiance.
Luxury: Lifestyle Suites Rome
Hailing back to 1440 AD, the palace that encompasses Lifestyle Suites Rome once housed Spanish royalty. It affords one of the most beautiful views of Piazza Navona in probably the best hotel location in Rome. There are suites and a single apartment available on the property, which offers an American-style breakfast for its guests.
Mid-Range: Borgofico Relais & Wellness
Of course, the best place to stay in Rome, Italy should incorporate health as a means of attraction, and Borgofico Relais & Wellness does just that at its boutique hotel. Rome’s centre is close by, and the on-site spa can help you relax after a day of sightseeing and walking.
Budget: Hotel Primavera
Boasting “unfussy” rooms, this hotel is inexpensive, yet it is in the best area of Rome. To stay at Hotel Primavera means that you will be close to many of the sights and can also walk to several restaurants and cafes. They also offer a complimentary Italian breakfast to get your day started on the right foot in the best neighbourhood to stay in Rome.
So, where is the best area to stay in Rome?
Where to stay in Rome all depends on what sights you want to be close to and how well you can navigate the city’s transit system. Like most major cities, several sites are within walking distance of each other. You can also get free public transportation with a 2 or 3-day pass to the local attractions.
The city is easily navigated by the metro system, which you can view by looking at a map of Rome.
Neighbourhoods in Italian cities are often appreciated for the major sights or plazas they contain, so navigating shouldn’t be too difficult. There are a variety of accommodations available for the traveler whether you are searching for cheap hotels in Rome, Italy or enjoy staying at luxury hotels. Rome is full of culture and history, and it is a city that should be considered for any European itinerary.