The best places to stay in Rome

With centuries of history woven together through art, culture and architecture, Rome is a city that boasts infinite variety, and its hotel scene is no exception. From fashionable hipster hangouts with cutting-edge design to dazzlingly opulent palazzos draped in antiquity, there is accommodation to suit every style, taste and budget.

Grand Hotel Gianicolo

Perfect for: Sunseekers, relaxation, pool-loving families
Perched up on the Gianicolo hill, famed for its stupendous views over Rome, this elegant property whisks you up and away from the chaos and crowds below. Inside the stately Renaissance palazzo the decors steers away from total opulence with light, clean rooms and just a hint of marble in the bathrooms, while the fresco-lined restaurant stays just the right side of kitsch. The big draw, however, is the pristine outdoor swimming pool, a shady, refreshing getaway which is worth its weight in gold during the steamy summer months.
From €340 a night. Viale delle Mura Gianicolensi 107, 00152. Phone: [phone]. See grandhotelgianicolo.it

Donna Camilla Savelli

Perfect for: Baroque buffs, romantic couples, peaceful escapes
Located on the edge of trendy Trastevere, this former monastery is a calm oasis hidden in plain sight. The building was designed by famed Baroque architect Francesco Borromini, and today it still flaunts many of its 400-year-old features including tinkling fountains, a private chapel, and Renaissance courtyard dotted with lush plants and trees. Nods to the past continue to flow through the hotel’s interior, with rooms featuring beamed ceilings, opulent fabrics and antique furniture. The onsite restaurant blends historical recipes with Roman culinary traditions, and there is even a special Borromini and cocktail tour which explores the artistic and architectural gems of the property.
From €300 a night. Via Garibaldi 27, 00153. Phone: [phone]. See vretreats.com

Hotel Locarno

Perfect for: Lovers of tradition, elegance seekers, high-end getaway
Opened in 1925, the Locarno is a stalwart of Rome’s 5-star offerings with a seemingly endless list of celebrities and artists opting to lay their head here over the last century. The history of the place in tangible, with timelessly luxurious rooms and a host of decadently decorated suites. The hotel originated the idea of all-day dining and tables are available from early morning until the small hours in the various bars and dining rooms of the property including a scenic rooftop terrace, perfect for a sunset aperitivo, and the gorgeous secret garden.
From €500 a night. Via della Penna, 22, 00186. Phone: [phone]. See hotellocarno.com

Hotel Viminale

Perfect for: Stylish professionals, fashionable couples, smart city escapes
Part of the Bzar Hotels group, the Hotel Viminale embodies the kind of elegant, older-hipster trendiness of its home neighbourhood of Monti. The recently restored property opts for a neutral palette of creamy, buttery tones which complement the high ceilings, large windows and neoclassical features of the building, while also adding just enough contemporary touches and modern conveniences to keep things interesting. The result is a smartly seductive option in a cool and convenient location, ideal for a fun yet sophisticated Roman holiday.
From €145 a night. Via Cesare Balbo, 31, 00184. Phone: [phone]. See hotelviminalerome.com

Mama Shelter

Perfect for: Young hip couples, party fiends, families with teenagers
The Mama Shelter crew has properties all over Europe and their Roman outpost near the Vatican keeps the brand’s hip signature style with plenty of bright colours, design-led decor and pattern-clashing fabrics. The vibe is fresh and fun, with the hotel’s restaurant and communal areas hosting a packed calendar of onsite events varying from themed brunches to disco nights and DJ sets. When it’s time for a moment of peace head up to the lovely rooftop bar or chill out in the spa and pool.
From €185 a night. Via Luigi Rizzo, 00136. Phone: [phone]. See mamashelter.com/roma

Villa Spalletti Trivelli

Perfect for: Honeymooners, aristocratic charm, old-world luxury
Walking into Villa Spaletti Trivelli is like walking into a perfectly preserved historic palazzo, complete with antique furniture, wall-hung tapestries and sumptuous decor. The stately villa is a romantic hideaway in the heart of town and thoroughly spoils its guests with fabulous service and beautifully furnished rooms, suites and apartments. Pamper yourself at the tranquil wellness centre then head up to the newly refurbished rooftop terrace where you can recline with a classy cocktail or take a dip in the jacuzzi.
From €410 a night. Via Piacenza 4, 00184: Phone: [phone]. See villaspalletti.it

W Rome

Perfect for: Well-heeled creatives, fun-loving families, fashionistas
The Marriot’s punchy offshoot brand packs its 19th century palazzo with a fresh decor and a funky attitude which draw a different type of jet set to the Via Veneto area, historically home to more classic “grand dame” luxury hotels. In the warmer months, head up to the rooftop and feast on pizzas by one of Rome’s best, Pier Daniele Seu at ‘Seu Pizza con Vista’ (Seu Pizza with a View). From the relaxed lounge in place of a formal lobby, modern welcome desk pods and a hidden door leading to a charming secret garden, the W is full of surprising, theatrical elements that appeal to a lively younger crowd.
From €440 a night. 26/36, Via Liguria, 00187 Rome. Phone: [phone]. See marriott.com

Corso 281

Perfect for: Stylish shoppers, small families, wine connoisseurs
In sharp contrast to some of Rome’s overly fussy five-star offerings, Corso 281’s quiet sophistication and restrained monochrome colours offer an altogether more demure upscale sojourn. Everything here is fine-tuned, from your preferred pillow type to your breakfast order served in room, while the basement caveau packed with rare labels and prized vintages will please even the snobbiest of wine connoisseurs. Add a super-central location and this is a great choice for those looking for discreet luxury without in-your-face opulence.
From €400 a night. Via del Corso 281, 00186. Phone: [phone]. See corso281.com

Hotel Eden

Perfect for: Old luxury, well-to-do families, special occasions
The Dorchester Collection’s Eden is a sure bet for classic old-school luxury, faultless service and sumptuous refinement with just the right amount of high-end pizazz. Everything feels expensive and there is a sense of hushed affluence throughout, with soft creamy hues, luxury fittings and lashings of marble and gold, along with flash technology. There is also an award-winning spa and wellness centre and a Michelin-starred top-floor restaurant, La Terrazze run by award-winning chef Salvatore Biano, which boasts an incredible view over the city. Despite the luxe, families are well catered for with large family suites, special family rates and children’s welcome gifts on arrival.
From €1060 a night. Via Ludovisi 49, 00187. Phone: [phone]. See dorchestercollection.com

The Glam

Perfect for: Smart city-breakers, couples, culture hounds
For a sassy short city break, the Glam ticks all the boxes. The location on busy Via Nazionale is well-placed for sightseeing while the cute wine bars and artsy cobbled streets of Monti lie just around the corner. Inside the mood is calm, mature and boutiquey; modern decor in black and white is punctuated with warm, rich tones of aubergine and chartreuse. A cute rooftop bar and restaurant, complete with jacuzzi, add a lot of value and a lot of fun.
From €167. Via Nazionale 82, 00184. Phone: [phone]. See theglamhotelroma.it

Margutta 19

Perfect for: Art fiends, romantics, older sophisticates
Located on pretty Via Margutta, once the haunt of Rome’s artist community, this swish collection of 16 chic suites forgoes flashiness for a more composed version of luxury. There is a tasteful eye for style throughout, from the art nouveau-inspired lobby to the handsome rooms decorated in warm shades of ochre, cream and deep chocolate. Backing onto the verdant climes of the Pincio hill and boasting a beautiful secret garden restaurant, the ambience is one of secluded tranquillity and cultured affluence.
From €440. Via Margutta 19, 00187. Phone: [phone]. See romeluxurysuites.com

Babuino 181

Perfect for: Shopaholics, short stays, business travellers
For a five-star feel without the hefty price tag look no further. Babuino 181 gives its guests the feeling of city living; step straight out onto Via del Babuino, an elegant boutique-lined thoroughfare well-placed for exploring Rome’s centre. Inside the mood is bright, light and contemporary, and while it lacks the extra amenities of swankier hotels, there is a cute rooftop bar for breakfast and drinks. Add the great location and well-thought-out details, and it hits the mark for smart style on a budget.
From €215. Via Babuino 181, 00187. Phone: [phone]. See romeluxurysuites.com

Soho House

Perfect for: Design fiends, creative networkers, media types
Snazzy members-club Soho House opened its Roman outpost in 2021, choosing the hipster-esque San Lorenzo district as its home. The purpose-built 10-storey hotel exudes cosmopolitan creativity with an aesthetic that blends avant-garde art with retro panache and a subtle nod to 1950s dolce vita. There’s a hi-tech spa, art gallery space and cinema room but the place to be is the rooftop where you can soak up 360-degree views of the city from the bar, restaurant and pool.
From €310 . Via Cesare di Lollis 14, 00185. Phone: [phone]. See sohohouse.com

Hotel Hassler

Perfect for: Iconic location, timeless grandeur, five-star service
A self-titled ‘stairway to heaven’, the Hassler’s fabulous location at the top of the Spanish Steps certainly gives the impression that you are looking down on the Eternal City. A favourite of film stars, aristocracy and celebrities, this is luxury with a capital L, from the exquisite suites and beautifully furnished rooms, to the faultless service. The Michelin-starred Imago restaurant, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views over the Roman rooftops is one of the city’s most magical dining experiences, also thanks to chef Andrea Antonini’s spectacular culinary creations.
From €990. Piazza Trinità dei Monti 6, 00187. Phone: [phone]. See hotelhasslerroma.com

Hotel de la Ville

Perfect for: Laid-back luxury, moneyed movers and shakers, super-chic city stays
Playfulness and joie de vivre make the Hotel de la Ville textbook perfection in how to do light-hearted luxury. Housed in an impressive 18th century palazzo perched atop the Spanish Steps, the Grand Tour provides the theme throughout, with a few contemporary flourishes to keep things fresh. Rooms are adorned with heavy brocade and velvets, tempered with pale walls and lots of light, while the panoramic Cielo rooftop bar gives off easy-breezy Riviera vibes with its red-striped umbrellas. Design-lovers will adore the new inhouse Ginori café where the fresh, flavourful dishes are served on stunning Ginori porcelain and tableware.
From €1290. Via Sistina 69, 00187. Phone: [phone]. See roccofortehotels.com

Chapter Roma

Perfect for: Edgy Millennials, contemporary design fans, young couples
Right on the border of the Jewish Ghetto and the Regola district, Chapter offers a dose of urban grit and edge tucked away from the crowds. Exposed brick walls and industrial elements jostle with vintage finds, artisanal accessories and bespoke furniture, all softened with block colours of dark green, tangerine and coral. Great service and a choice of drinking and dining locations make this great value if you want a luxury feel without breaking the bank.
From €200. Via di S. Maria de’ Calderari 47. Phone: 00186. [phone]. See chapter-roma.com

The Hoxton

Perfect for: Arty fun seekers singles on business, social butterflies
Shoreditch meets Rome with The Hoxton’s first Italian location which brings the brand’s hip concept to the Salaria district, an ideal spot for those who prefer to stay in a more authentically residential neighbourhood. The out-of-town address not only makes room rates accessible, it also prompts local Romans to swing by to mingle with guests at the informal Cugino bar and buzzing outdoor patio. Interiors are softly masculine with a retro ’60s feel which complements the modish clientele.
From €380. Largo Benedetto Marcello 220, 00198. Phone: [phone]. See thehoxton.com

UNA Hotel Trastevere

Perfect for: Affordable luxury, adventurous couples, families, business travellers
Injecting a little glamour into charming Trastevere, the UNA hotel gives a stark modern elegance to an area awash with quaint shops, pretty cobbled alleyways and a lively nightlife. Pristine white contrasts with splashes of colour and leafy plants to create a calming haven in which to escape the bustling city. Rooms are luminous with a stylish functionality and with good value rates, this is a pocket-friendly option in a great neighbourhood.
From €360. Via Emilio Morosini 27, 00153. Phone: [phone]. See gruppouna.it