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Best Places to Stay in Rome – Our Top Picks for 2026

Last updated: 06 April 2026

Dreaming of your Roman holiday and searching for the best place to stay in Rome?

This webpage reveals our favourite places to stay whenever we’re in Rome (we visit regularly). Our favourite areas of the city for a relaxed stay are Prati (close to the Vatican) and Monti (between the Colosseum and Termini).

Over time, we’ve discovered a handful of great hotels, apartments, and guesthouses in Rome that we keep coming back to.

We love comfortable, homey, and clean hotels and apartments that make you feel like you’re staying with friends.

Browse top-rated Rome stays, including boutique hotels, stylish apartments, and luxury villas. Find the perfect base for your trip to the Eternal City.
🏨 Explore Rome Hotels & Stays
✨ From historic city-center hotels to modern apartments – limited availability in peak season

A piece of advice on where to stay in Rome...

Each part of Rome brings some pros and cons when it comes to choosing your hotel or apartment. 

  • Monti
    Ideal if you want to stay not far from Termini station, so you can easily arrive by Leonardo or catch a train for Florence or anywhere else. You can easily reach the Colosseum from here, plus there are many shopping options. Our top pick staying here is Monti Palace Hotel!

  • Near Piazza Venezia
    This area is very central, right in the heart of everything. It’s close to the Colosseum and the Imperial Forum, and within walking distance of the Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori, and the Jewish Ghetto. Nerva Hotel is a great spot here!

  • Prati
    Perfect for visiting the Vatican (St. Peter’s and the Vatican Museums). This elegant, residential area also has great foodie spots - ideal for families. Cross the Tiber to reach Piazza Navona and continue exploring the historic center. 

  • Trastevere
    Charming, lively, and full of character, Trastevere is perfect for narrow cobblestone streets, vibrant nightlife, and authentic Roman restaurants. Cross the Tiber to reach the historic center in minutes.

Find your perfect stay in Rome!



Where to stay in Rome if visiting for a first time?

If it's your first visit to Rome, we recommend you stay somewhere central. Some of the best areas for this include Piazza Barberini / Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.

Other excellent locations include near the Pantheon, Campo de' Fiori and Piazza Navona. 

Staying near the Colosseum (Monti), the Vatican (Prati) or in Trastevere can be great idea, although they are a bit farther from other sites.

Where we love to stay in Rome:

Sophie Terrace Hotel: Great location and attentive service in Rome

Sophie Terrace Hotel is, without a doubt, one of the best places to stay near Termini Station.

We’ve stayed here several times, and each visit has been just as wonderful as the last. What really makes this boutique hotel stand out is the warm, attentive service and its unbeatable central location.

From the hotel, you can easily walk to the Colosseum, while Piazza della Repubblica is just around the corner. From there, Via Nazionale leads straight down to Piazza Venezia. The charming Monti neighbourhood, full of little cafés, restaurants, and boutiques, is also just a short stroll away.

The hotel is particularly convenient if you’re arriving at Fiumicino Airport and taking the Leonardo Express to Termini, or if you’re travelling onward to places like Florence or further north to Venice.

One of our favourite features is the rooftop terrace, which offers stunning views over the city—a perfect spot for a morning coffee or an evening aperitivo.

The décor throughout the hotel is bright, modern, and welcoming. Rooms are comfortable and stylish, with high-quality beds, elegant furnishings, and thoughtful touches that make every stay feel special. Bathrooms are contemporary and well-equipped.

What truly sets Sophie Terrace Hotel apart is the staff. They stay attentive throughout your visit, making every wish feel possible—whether it’s pointing you to hidden gems in the city or organizing personalized tours.

👉 We’ve always booked Sophie Terrace Hotel here for the best rates ➤

👌 What you can do from Sophie Terrace Hotel:

  • Walk to the Colosseum – Head down Via Cavour, turn left onto Via dei Fori Imperiali, and in just 10–12 minutes you''ll be there
  • Not far from there, Via Nazionale stretches out as Rome’s main shopping street, packed with boutiques, international brands, and charming local shops
  • Visit Florence in one day! The high-speed trains from Rome Termini will get you there in just 90 minutes! Book tickets in advance to save time and money!

Radical Hotel Roma: Quiet Comfort Just Minutes from the Action

What we loved about Radical Hotel Roma? The location, comfort, and friendly staff.

The hotel is tucked away on a quiet street, yet just a five-minute walk from Piazza Barberini, where all the hustle and bustle of Rome begins.

From there, you can stroll down Via del Tritone—Spanish Steps are to the right, Trevi Fountain to the left—and even visit the La Rinascente department store, a favourite spot for foodie souvenirs (panettone is ours!).

The hotel itself feels like a home away from home. It’s located in a residential building with no visible sign, so you’ll need to find the address, enter the building, and take the elevator up.

The rooms are modern, stylish, and extremely comfortable, with en suite bathrooms and thoughtful details that make every stay enjoyable.

Breakfast is served to your room—you simply order from the several options the day before and give your selection to reception.

The vibe of the hotel is warm and welcoming. The common area is perfect for unwinding or reading, and even small touches—like the incredibly comfortable slippers—make the stay feel special. The staff strike the ideal balance: friendly and attentive without ever being intrusive.

We had a wonderful stay at Radical Hotel Roma and highly recommend it for anyone looking for a stylish, quiet place with great energy in the heart of Rome.

👉 See latest prices for Sophie Terrace Hotel (this is where we book) ➤

👌 What you can easily do from The Radical Hotel:

  • Head to the Spanish Steps – wander around, take a few photos, and soak in the lively Roman atmosphere. Especially beautiful in spring, with flowers in bloom.
  • Visit Trattoria Colline Emiliane – just steps from Piazza Barberini on Via degli Avignonesi, and enjoy an amazing meal featuring specialties from Italy’s Emilia region, like a plate of tagliatelle al ragù or a platter of cured meats.
  • Shop along Via del Tritone, where you’ll find both famous brand stores and small boutiques selling clothes, shoes, accessories, jewelry, and food. Be sure to visit La Rinascente department store too—whether just for browsing or shopping (we especially love the food section on the top floor!).

Nerva Boutique Hotel: A stylish boutique stay in the heart of ancient Rome

Hotel Nerva is, in our opinion, one of the best places to stay in Rome—if you get the chance.

Set just across from the Forum of Nerva on the edge of the trendy Monti neighbourhood, the hotel offers a perfect balance between historic surroundings and a more local, relaxed atmosphere.

Major landmarks like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Roman Forums are all within easy walking distance, while the nearby Colosseo metro makes getting around simple.

Despite being a 3-star boutique hotel, the interiors feel stylish and upscale, with warm parquet floors, contemporary furnishings, and art-filled spaces that create a welcoming, refined vibe.

The family-run approach—by the Cirulli family for over 30 years—adds a personal touch, from thoughtful gestures like Prosecco for special occasions to complimentary afternoon tea.

The 20 rooms embrace minimalist Italian design with quality materials, comfortable bedding, and marble bathrooms, while suites offer extra space and features like fireplaces or private courtyards.

The on-site Aurora Bistrot & Bar serves breakfast, light lunches, and aperitivo, with fresh, well-prepared dishes.

💰 Double rooms from €180 in low season; and from €275 in high

👉 Best rates for Nerva Boutique Hotel — we always book here ➤

👌 Things to do near Nerva Boutique Hotel:


Monti Palace Hotel

Lovely hotel with nice amenities and a rooftop terrace where you can have a breakfast or a drink. Rooms are spacious and beautiful and the service is fantastic. Location is great with close walking distance of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Altare della Patria. There are also lots of restaurants and cafés nearby.


Laurina 33 - Centrally located hotel with spacious rooms

Laurina 33 is a charming boutique hotel in Rome, combining modern comfort with spacious rooms and suites. With only a handful of rooms, it offers an intimate and cozy atmosphere. On the top floor, a suite features a stylish freestanding bathtub right in the bedroom—a luxurious touch for a memorable stay. Laurina 33 creates a warm, inviting vibe that feels more like staying with friends than at a typical hotel.

👉 See prices and availability at Laurina 33!

👍 What’s close to Laurina 33:

  • Piazza del Popolo and the iconic Spanish Steps are just a few minutes away on foot
  • Via del Corso, the street ideal for shopping and leisurely stroll at any time of the day
  • Take Via del Corso then Via Tomacelli, and cross Ponte Cavour to reach St Peter's Cathedral
  • 🍦 Head along Via del Babuino, turn right onto Via della Croce, and indulge in Venchi’s famous creamy gelatos. 😍


Find your perfect stay in Rome!



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