Where to Stay in Rome: 5 Best Areas for First-Timers

If you’re planning a trip to Rome, I’m breaking down the best areas to base yourself. Between the Centro Storico, Monti, and Trastevere, each neighborhood has an entirely different feel. And as with all major cities, where you base yourself plays a big role in your time visiting. After two trips just a few months apart in the last 6 months, I’m giving my honest advice for where to stay in Rome.

Funny enough, it took us three separate tries to properly visit Rome. It was the last major city for me to visit in Europe, having spent most of my recent Italy visits in other regions like Puglia, the Dolomites, and Tuscany. I finally made it last fall for a few nights with my daughter and husband at the tail end of our Tuscany trip. Our 48 hours there were so memorable (but short) that my husband and I planned a return trip three months later to spend a full week exploring all of Rome in March of this year.

This wasn’t my first time planning a trip to Rome – in fact, it was my third. Our first trip had been canceled in 2020, so I was very familiar with the neighborhoods, what was on offer, and what to expect from hotels in the city. When we went in the fall with our daughter, we had a good taste of the city and based ourselves in Trastevere (I have thoughts on this neighborhood). Our time there greatly impacted where we chose to stay on our most recent trip — spoiler alert, we chose not to stay in Trastevere again.

I find Rome one of those cities that is more sprawling than it appears on the map. The geography in terms of hills, the River Tiber winding through, and the sheer size of it is more expansive once in person. So when you start to look at which neighborhoods you want to stay in, you can see how quickly it can become overwhelming.

I’m breaking down where to stay in Rome, why I think Centro Storico, Monti, and Regola are much better suited for seeing the sights over Trastevere, and why you may consider Trastevere and a handful of destination hotels as options for your trip.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Areas to Stay in Rome:

If it’s your first time visiting Rome, it’s important to know the city is quite spread out. Each area has a distinct feeling, so I’ve tried to note the vibe of each main area so you can find the one that fits best. For a first-time visit, staying in the Centro Storico or Monti will put you within walking distance of the main sights.

1. Centro Storico (Trevi to Pantheon), for first-timers who want to walk to the iconic sights
   Palazzo Talìa ($$$ / Where I Stayed), Orient Express La Minerva ($$$$), Portrait Roma ($$$$), Martius Private Suites ($$), G-Rough ($$$), Hotel dei Barbieri ($$), or a 1 Bedroom Apartment Next to the Pantheon
2. Regola, for piazzas, shopping, and some of the best restaurants in the city
   Navona Essence ($$ / Where I Stayed), Hotel De’Ricci ($$$), DOM Hotel ($$$), Nomos Hotel ($$$), Hotel Indigo St George ($$$), or a 1 Bedroom Apartment on Campo de’ Fiori
3. Monti, for a laid back local neighborhood near the Colosseum
   Casa Monti ($$$), Casa Tre Sarte ($$), The Fifteen Keys Hotel ($$), Salotto Monti | BZAR hotels ($$), or a 2 Bedroom Apartment with Timber Beams
4. Trastevere, for a lively, cobblestoned neighborhood across the river
   Horti 14 ($$$), Donna Camilla Savelli ($$$), Nikis Collection Trastevere ($$), or a 1 Bedroom Trastevere Flat with Terrace
5. Prati, for a quiet neighborhood near the Vatican
   Hotel NH Collection Roma Giustiniano ($$), Le Méridien Visconti Rome ($$), San Pietro Boutique Rooms ($$)

Things to Do

1. Tour the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (2 hours / What I Did)
2. Join a Guided Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica (4 hours / What I Did)
3. Take a Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Pantheon (25 minutes, What I Did)
4. Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour by Eating Europe (I did this one in Florence by the same company)
5. Take a Private Golf-Cart Tour of Rome (3 hours / What I Did, so fun with kids!)

Day Trips

1. Bagnoregio & Orvieto Day Trip from Rome with Wine Tasting & Lunch
2. Rome: Tuscany & Montepulciano Day Trip with Lunch & Wine Tasting
3. Tivoli Full Day Trip from Rome: Hadrian’s Villa and Villa D’Este
4. Pompeii, Sorrento & Amalfi Coast Day Trip from Rome

Travel Tips

1. Get Cell Data Before You Arrive — We use Holafly unlimited data eSIMs for all international travel.
2. Book an Airport Transfer in Advance — We use Welcome Pickups for our private transfers to and from the airport.
3. Rent a Car for Day Trips — If you’re pairing Rome with the countryside, we use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

Planning a trip to Rome? Start with my guide to the best things to do in Rome and my Rome itinerary, which outlines exactly how I’d spend 3-4 days in the city.

If you’re planning on visiting Tuscany, start with my Tuscany itinerary for a practical, day-by-day plan, then dive deeper with my guide on the best towns to base yourself in Tuscany, my regional guide to Val d’Orcia, and my guides to San Gimignano, Siena, Pienza, Montepulciano, and Montalcino! For more on where to go in Italy, start with my list of the best cities in Italy and 10-day Italy itinerary.

Where to Stay in Rome for a First-Time Trip

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Editor’s Note: Choose Where to Stay Based on Your Travel Style

My #1 tip for finding your place in Rome: Start with the neighborhood that best suits what you want to see, then choose a hotel or Airbnb in the area.

When you’re visiting Rome, the reality is that you’ll at some point have to traverse the city to see the sights. There’s not necessarily one single location that is close to all of the major sights like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and Vatican City. However, you can pick a location that puts you within earshot of at least one or two sights, which will greatly cut down how much you have to traverse the city. So, as you pick this location, do you want to be close to the iconic sights? Are you more interested in shopping and arts areas, but may need to walk further to the sights?

Here’s what to consider when choosing Rome accommodations:

• The location — if you plan to utilize public transportation to visit the city, and how walkable it is to what you would like to visit.
• The room size — because, like most European cities, the hotels run small. I like to look at the total size of the room, especially when traveling with kids.
• How quiet the space is — I would read reviews carefully for comments on noise, as Rome can be loud at night, as bars are open very late, and if you’re above one, it can be noisy.
• What accessibility is like — as not all hotels and Airbnbs have elevators. If this is important for heavy bags, be sure to know in advance.
• If there is air conditioning and heat — because Rome is very hot in the summer and can be quite cold in the winter.

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Neighborhood Map: 5 Best Areas to Stay in Rome for First-Time Visitors

I’ve mapped out the best neighborhoods in Rome below so you can get an idea of the geography.

Prefer the interactive version? Open the full Rome neighborhood map here.

1. Centro Storico (Trevi to Pantheon) (RED)
2. Regola (PURPLE)
3. Monti (ORANGE)
4. Trastevere (GREEN)
5. Prati (BLACK)

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What to Know Before Visiting Rome

Is Rome Worth Visiting?

As someone who waited too long to visit, I can say absolutely, yes! It’s a city that feels like an endless playground for art, history, and incredible food. I really can’t believe it took me this long to get to Rome, and after two visits in six months, I’m already plotting a return trip. You have such a variety of things to do in Rome, from exploring the historical sights to enjoying local cuisine, strolling through storied neighborhoods, discovering art, and more.

When is the Best Time to Visit Rome?

If I had to pick the perfect time to visit, I’d say mid-March through mid-April (avoiding Easter week) and then mid-October through mid-November. Both of these have pleasant enough weather to be able to enjoy strolling the city, and will have fewer crowds. As a major city, Rome sees some serious crowds come the summer months, and with it a lot of heat, so I’d avoid the middle of summer if you can. If you plan to come during the winter months, know that December brings in a lot of Christmas festivity, which can be fun to experience.

How Long Should You Stay in Rome?

I’d give yourself four full days to visit Rome at a pace that isn’t jammed-packed and accounts for all of the major sights. It will allow you to enjoy different neighborhoods, visit galleries and museums, and stroll leisurely. I had a full week on my second visit and loved getting to experience Rome at a slow pace.

What to Expect from Accommodations in Rome?

When it comes to hotels and Airbnbs in Rome, know that there are trade-offs when picking places with historic charm. You’ll find a range of designs in Rome, with everything from palazzo architecture to hyper-modern and minimal design. But know that those older buildings, especially in Airbnbs, may have some quirks like unique layouts, uneven floors, and often limited elevators.

One thing is for sure in Rome: the hotels are expensive. In all of my travels in Europe, I’ve been most surprised by the high price point for off-season, even mid-tier hotels in the Centro Storico. I don’t see Rome as a “budget” destination, though you can stay more cheaply in areas like Trastevere. And with this, know that the standard hotel rooms are small.

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Where I’ve Stayed in Rome

Over my two trips to Rome, I’ve stayed in three different neighborhoods to get a feel of it. I’ll cut right to the hotel I loved the most, which was near the Trevi Fountain, the incredible Palazzo Talìa. It’s one of the best-designed hotels I’ve stayed at during my travels in Europe, with an incredible attention to service and amenities, and within walking distance of many things to do in Rome.

During our most recent trip, we also spent time staying in the Regola neighborhood in the Centro Storico, my favorite for incredible shopping, restaurants, and a vibrant atmosphere. We stayed at a very small hotel called Navona Essence, between Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori, which was really well-priced for an impeccable location but not many bells and whistles. If I were to return to Regola, I’d opt to stay at the DOM Hotel, the luxury Hotel De’ Ricci, or Hotel Indigo St George.

On our trip back in November with our daughter, we stayed in Trastevere in this charming Airbnb that was right in the heart of the lively neighborhood. Had I known about the hotel Horti 14 Borgo in the neighborhood prior, I would have given it a try for a hotel stay that was in the quieter outer edge.

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Centro Storico (From Trevi to Pantheon):
Great for First-Timers and the Iconic Sights

When people talk about staying in Centro Storico, it’s sort of a vague term for the main city center. Centro Storico is effectively everything within the Aurelian Walls east of the Tiber River. Technically, other sections within this guide are “Centro Storico,” but for this section’s sake, I’m speaking directly about the area near the main sights like the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and up to the Spanish Steps, where Via de Campo Marzio begins.

Centro Storico, near sights like the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and up to the Spanish Steps, is one of the most prized areas to stay in and for good reason. You’re close to it all — you go 10 minutes on foot in any direction, and you’ll hit one of the major Roman iconic landmarks. It’s a vibrant area, with storied buildings, longstanding trattorias, and endless things to do.

For me, staying in the heart of the Centro Storico is the best option for a first-time trip because you’re just in the mix of it all. It makes it easy to do the landmark sights, you can layer in wonderful dining, and you’re never far from exploring the further neighborhoods like Trastevere.

The Pros of Staying in Centro Storico

The pros of staying in Centro Storico are the opportunity to be right in the mix of it all. You could probably walk for two to three days before ever needing to use the metro or take a taxi. It’s why the hotels here are priced higher.

The Cons of Staying in Centro Storico

The cons are no doubt the costs of accommodations; you’re paying for proximity. The other downside is being in the crowds, which is unavoidable in the Centro Storico. But to be quite frank, there are really not many neighborhoods left in Rome that you’d actually want to stay in that don’t have crowds (Monti is an exception).

Where to Stay in Centro Storico

Best Hotels in Centro Storico

1. Palazzo Talìa ($$$ / Where I Stayed) — I had the pleasure of spending three nights at Palazzo Talìa during our most recent trip, and have to say this is in my top 5 hotels I’ve stayed at in Europe. The design details in this intricately restored palazzo are just over-the-top beautiful. The service is phenomenal, tailored to helping you explore Rome, plus it’s home to one of the most popular bars in town right now, the Bar della Musa. You also can’t beat the location, as you’re a short walk to so much in Rome. And as a bonus, downstairs, there is a full hammam spa with a soaking tub, which I thoroughly enjoyed using after clocking in some serious miles.
2. Orient Express La Minerva ($$$$) — If I had an unlimited budget, this would be one of my top choices. The newest luxury hotel to open just steps away from the Pantheon, the Orient Express is so stunningly designed that it feels like an art gallery. Rooms here are intimate, design details are everything you could hope for and more, and that chic rooftop bar (Gigi Rigolatto) was one of my favorite stops of the trip.
3. Portrait Roma ($$$$) — One of those top luxury hotel stays in Rome, the Portait Roma is owned by the Ferragamo family and is a flagship property of the Lungarno Collection. For Italian luxury, I would look no further than this property, and it’s right in the heart of the best shops in the city.
4. Martius Private Suites ($$) — I had saved this stunning hotel set around an interior courtyard, each suite is expansive and has that palatial feel to it (think frescoes on the ceiling).
5. G-Rough ($$$) — One of the first more art-forward hotels to open in Rome, G-Rough is a classic for that more unique, edgy style stay. It’s right near Piazza Navona, so locationally it’s wonderful, and consistently reviewed well for attentive service.
6. Hotel dei Barbieri ($$) — When it comes to a very chic hotel that won’t break the bank, Hotel dei Barbieri, just around the corner from the Pantheon, is a great choice. The rooms are modern and minimal, with elegant finishes.

Best Apartments in Centro Storico

1. 1 Bedroom Chic and Spacious Apartment near Pantheon, for the best quiet stay
2. 1 Bedroom Airy and Bright Apartment Across Pantheon, for the best polished apartment
3. 1 Bedroom Flat with a Pantheon View, for the best views of the Pantheon
4. 1 Bedroom Modern Apartment with Rooftop Views, for the best clean stay
5. 2 Bedroom Stunning and Well-Designed Flat, for the best family-friendly stay

Highlights of Things to Do in Centro Storico

The main highlights of Centro Storico are the landmark icons of seeing the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and enjoying many of the shopping streets. You’ll find the Piazza Navona here, one of the most incredible squares with Bernini sculptures in the opposing fountains, and more. I loved hidden gems like the Museo Nazionale Romano, Palazzo Altemps, for a 15th-century palace with Renaissance art. There are also amazing restaurants here that have been around for many generations, like Matricianella and Armando al Pantheon.

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Regola: My Top Choice for Foodies, Galleries, and Shops

Regola is a concentrated gem of a neighborhood within the Centro Storico for design galleries, shops, and restaurants. I adored Regola; I found it to be one of the most charming, with its storied, leafy streets, and right in the thick of it. It’s this section along the eastern banks of the River Tiber, below Piazza Navona, and it stretches down to the Jewish Ghetto.

For me, Regola is the kind of place you want to stay when you want that mix of some sightseeing but time spent in a local neighborhood that has really great things on offer. You have lots at your fingertips here, and it also puts you within walking distance to Trastevere if that’s on your itinerary. I spent three nights in the neighborhood, and the neighborhood itself was our favorite for atmosphere and things to do.

The Pros of Staying in Regola

The pros of staying in the charming Regola neighborhood of Rome are that you get the best of both worlds. You have the cobblestone streets, small alleys, and tucked-away galleries just outside your door. You can also walk 15 minutes to places like the Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon.

The Cons of Staying in Regola

The cons of staying in Regola are that there are fewer public transport options here. You’ll have more boutique accommodations here, so don’t expect the bigger, more luxurious hotels with amenities like you would near the other Centro Storico areas near the Trevi Fountain. Come nighttime, it can get loud, but that’s to be expected for most of Rome.

Where to Stay in Regola

Best Hotels in Regola

1. Navona Essence ($$ / Where I Stayed) — The Navona Essence was where I was able to get a room for our time; the price point was one of the best for the neighborhood. I’d give the hotel a mediocre ranking in the sense that it didn’t have many bells or whistles in terms of amenities, but it was so well located at a price for a rather clean stay, that it’s hard to beat.
2. Hotel De’Ricci ($$$) — For a luxury hotel in the neighborhood, the Hotel De’Ricci is really the only choice, and it does so well. I came by to check it out, and can say it really has that romantic, residential luxury feel to it with a boutique-style stay.
3. DOM Hotel ($$$) — More on the modern contemporary side for design, DOM is one of the few well-rated hotels in the neighborhood. It’s set on Via Giulia, which is one of the best streets in town, and with only 18 rooms, it’s a very intimate stay.
4. Nomos Hotel ($$$) — I have to include the Nomos Hotel, one of the newer hyper-minimal concept hotels to open in Rome. It is super serene, with all-white walls and muted palettes, almost monastic in design, with a high architectural focus. We tried to get a room here, but weren’t able to as it’s quite popular right now.
5. Hotel Indigo St George ($$$) — As part of the IHG Portfolio, the Hotel Indigo is your commercial or typical hotel experience, but don’t let that sway you; the design here is still great and is frequently reviewed as one of the best options. There’s a rooftop terrace, and it has more rooms than most in the neighborhood.

Best Apartments in Regola

1. 1 Bedroom Beautiful Apartment Next to Campo de Fiori, for the best designed stay
2. 1 Bedroom Condo with Stunning Terrace , for the best rooftop views
3. 1 Bedroom Historic Home with Views, for the best old-world apartment with views
4. 2 Bedroom Home with Expansive Balcony, for the best located stay

Highlights of Things to Do in Regola

The area of Regola itself is one of the best concentrated areas for local shops and small galleries, sprinkled in with some incredible restaurants. During my time there, I adored our visit to Galleria Spada, a totally tucked-away gallery with no crowds. Some of the best shops are on Via Giulia and Via di Monserrato, like Chez Dédé Store. You can’t miss dining at the institutional seafood spot of Pierliugi, and for our favorite meal of the trip, Da Francesco (so good we went twice). You can easily explore down to the Jewish Ghetto, where you have to try the Roman artichoke dish called “carciofi all Giudia”.

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Monti: The Laidback Local Neighborhood

As one of the closest lively neighborhoods to the Termini Train Station, Monti has just a bit of everything of all. I enjoyed this neighborhood a lot; we ended up going back twice because it has just a wonderful local feel to it, with Via dei Serpenti, Via del Boschetto, and Via Urbana that are full of shops, restaurants, and small galleries.

Monti is also a wonderful choice because you’d be under ten minutes walk to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, so you have one of the main sights very close to you. The neighborhood itself feels very bohemian, with these leafy green vines growing everywhere and small restaurants pouring out into the streets.

Next time I go to Rome, this is where I will try to stay next; I have my eye on Casa Monti. The hotel is absolutely stunning. We went in and toured it while there and had drinks on the rooftop; it’s splendid.

The Pros of Staying in Monti

You’re close to both the Termini Station and the Colosseum/Roman Forum, which is very convenient if you plan to explore more of Italy. Locationally, you’ll be able to explore Rome quite easily from here and not be in the thick of the main crowds (outside of the Colosseum). The streets here are very charming, have that old-world feel, and feel quite local to me.

The Cons of Staying in Monti

The downside is you’ll be at one of the farther points of the other sights, and you’re up the main hill, which means walking back from areas near the Trevi and Pantheon may mean a bit of a climb (nothing a taxi can’t fix). Come nighttime, if you’re near any of the streets with bars, it can definitely be noisy.

Where to Stay in Monti

Best Hotels in Monti

1. Casa Monti ($$$) — My number one choice for Monti is the chic boutique hotel, Casa Monti. High-design with a rooftop terrace, this is the “it” hotel right now in Rome. It has stunning social spaces like the downstairs bar and lounge area, and each room is uniquely designed.
2. Casa Tre Sarte ($$) — For apartment-style rooms in a design-led B&B, Casa Tre Sarte is one of the best choices in Monti. It’s very charming, and only a handful of rooms, which gives it more of a refined guesthouse experience. The owners also own a bespoke clothing brand, so you can see how much taste is given into the space.
3. The Fifteen Keys Hotel ($$) — Think upper to midscale luxury at this boutique hotel. It has a Scandinavian design, and is definitely not as much of a “sceney” hotel as some others on this list.
4. Salotto Monti, BZAR hotels ($$) — For an affordable yet stylish stay, Salotto Monti is a good choice. The rooms are smaller, but they get the job done for an active trip.

Best Apartments in Monti

1. 2 Bedroom Chic Apartment in the Heart of Monti, for the best old-world stay
2. 2 Bedroom Home with Garden and Patio, for the best family-friendly stay near the Colosseum
3. 1 Bedroom Penthouse with Terrace and Views, for the best panoramic views
4. 1 Bedroom Penthouse with Lovely Terrace, for the best terrace with views of the Colosseum
5. 1 Bedroom Apartment with Stunning Terrace and Kitchen, for the best boho stay

Highlights of Things to Do in Monti

Within the area of Monti, your main landmark sights are the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, two sights deserving of several hours each to experience. There are also wonderful churches in this area, like the Basilica di San Pietro, home to Michelangelo’s Statue of Moses, and the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore. I loved the very local Mercato Rionale, a small market with a shop selling wonderful sandwiches. And you can’t miss the main shopping streets that cut through Monti, Via dei Serpenti, Via del Boschetto, and Via Urbana.

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Trastevere: A Mixed Case for the Neighborhood Across the River

I want to make a case for and against Trastevere, and if you ask most people who’ve been to Trastevere, they’ll say they either loved it or hated it. I saw it listed on many guides for where to stay in Rome, as a preferred top choice. After our two nights staying in Trastevere, and a second revisit, I am very slow to recommend it for a first-time visit, and here’s why.

I’d imagine for a first trip to Rome, you’re coming to see the main sights, probably not spending many hours of your day in cafes or at, frankly, very touristy stores. You couldn’t be further from the landmark sights when choosing to base in Trastevere, and with limited public transport, you’ll be relying on taxis to get around or some very long walks.

I personally found Trastevere to be more touristy than some of the main tourist spots on both of my trips, with the stores there all selling more or less the same things (good examples of authentic shops would be in Monti and Regola). One of the things it does have going for it is some of the really iconic trattorias like Da Teo and Da Enzo, and it has very affordable Airbnbs (could be an interesting choice for a longer stay). It’s also full of bars, so I’ll leave it to your imagination what the streets are like come 10 pm.

The case I would make for Trastevere is that if you do want nightlife and bars, this could be a win. I’d also argue that maybe staying on the outer edge of the neighborhood would work well, serving as a very affordable base with great Airbnbs. You’d have access to a handful of restaurants and a very atmospheric neighborhood, right along the river.

Where to Stay in Trastevere

Best Hotels in Trastevere

1. Horti 14 ($$$) — With just a few hotels in the neighborhood, the Horti 14 is the most stylish and quiet stay, set back on the outskirts of the neighborhood. It has an urban-resort feel to it, with gardens, and each room has a very minimalist design.
2. Donna Camilla Savelli ($$$) — A historic luxury hotel, this is your most classic Italian-style hotel in the neighborhood, known for its very charming rooms. It sits above Trastevere and has incredible views of the city.
3. Nikis Collection Trastevere ($$) — For a lifestyle guesthouse with serviced apartments, this is a great choice. Think of it like an apartment hotel, which is modern and clean.

Best Apartments in Trastevere

1. 1 Bedroom Charming Apartment (Where I Stayed), for the best located stay
2. 1 Bedroom Apartment with Terrace and Panoramic Views, for the best views
3. 1 Bedroom Penthouse in the Heart of Trastevere, for the best top-floor stay
4. 1 Bedroom Apartment with Spacious Living Spaces, for a bright, top-floor flat near the nightlife
5. 1 Bedroom Apartment With Beautiful Terrace and Views, for a three-level penthouse with exposed beams

Highlights of Things to Do in Trastevere

In Trastevere, the main highlight is the neighborhood itself. The leafy green streets with cobbled paths intertwine with each other, and are filled with dozens of bars and restaurants. One of the main sights to see is the Piazza di Santa Maria, with the Basilica di Santa Maria looming over it with a central fountain. The vibrant area has about half a dozen restaurants pouring out into the square. Try to grab a table at Sabatini for a drink at aperitivo time.

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Prati: An Optional Quiet Stay Near the Vatican

Prati is a small neighborhood near the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s a very practical location, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time near the Vatican, but it does get quite far from the other sights in the city. It feels very different from the older, historic areas of Rome.

You’ll find the wide boulevards with more upscale buildings and polished spaces here. I’d compare it almost to more Paris or London in this area. In Prati, you’ll find some good trattorias, upscale dining, and a great shopping street called Via Cola di Rienzo, which is full of high-end shops.

Prati gets recommended often for families as it is on the quieter side come nighttime, though you are further from everything else, so this is worth factoring in. You do have great access to the subway here, so you can explore the city from here. I have just a few hotels I’d recommend, which are well located and closer to the river, so you can cross into the Centro Storico.

Best Hotels in Prati

• Hotel NH Collection Roma Giustiniano ($$), for the best family-friendly luxury stay
• Le Méridien Visconti Rome ($$), for the best stylish hotel
• San Pietro Boutique Rooms ($$), for the best boutique hotel

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Destination-Style Hotels

I like to include a section in all of my ” Where to Stay ” guides for hotels that may not fit the geo-areas, but are well worth considering. They’re the kind of hotels that I’d go out of my way for, making them just as much of the itinerary as the sights themselves. It’s the kind of bucket-list hotel you’ll want to have some time to spend at. These are my Rome favs:

1. Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel ($$$)  — One of the best resort-style hotels above Rome. It’s an urban resort with multiple pools and the largest hotel spa in the city. You could spend a day here alone, enjoying the onsite amenities.
2. Hotel Locarno ($$$) — The Hotel Locarno is a longstanding hotel near Piazza del Popolo, an icon for luxury stays that has hosted filmmakers and artists since the 1920’s. It’s classic and timeless Italian luxury.
3. The Rome EDITION ($$$) — As part of the new wave of minimal hotels, the EDITION is no exception for a luxury and design-forward hotel stay. With a rooftop pool and set near Via Veneto, it’s well located.
4. Hotel de Russie ($$$$) — For classic luxury with one of the most incredible gardens in the city, Hotel de Russie is incredibly elegant for those wanting something close to the Spanish Steps.

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FAQ: Where to Stay in Rome

Is Trastevere a good area to stay in Rome?

In my opinion, it’s not the best first choice for a first-time visit to Rome because of how far it is from the main sights. I think it can be a wonderful option if you’re looking for a longer stay, as it does have an established neighborhood feel.

What is the best area to stay in Rome for families? 

For visiting Rome with kids, I would look to stay as central to the sights you plan to visit with your kids. If you plan to do the major ones, then staying in the Centro Storico is very convenient as you’ll be able to walk to a handful of the main sights and then utilize the subway to get to the further sights. One hotel I’d look at booking if you’d like a pool for the kids is the Villa Agrippina, a Gran Meliá Hotel – The Leading Hotels of The World, which sits right between the Vatican and Trastevere, and is close enough to cross into Centro Storico.

What areas to avoid staying in Rome?

Absolutely avoid the area right near Termini Station, the first surrounding blocks, and especially come nighttime. If you need to have quick access to the train station, then stay in Monti, just 10 minutes away. I would also not stay in the outside neighborhoods of the Aurelian Walls, as you’d be very far from visiting the city center.

Where should you stay in Rome for nightlife?

For those wanting the best nightlife, Trastevere has one of the biggest concentrations of bars. Second to that, Monti is also very lively come nighttime with local bars.

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