Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Photograph: Booking.com
Photograph: Booking.com

The 15 best hotels in Rome for an idyllic European getaway

When in Rome, it's only right to dwell at the prettiest venues. From terraces by the Pantheon to rooms overlooking the Spanish steps, find yours

Livia Hengel
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A city that has seen travelers pass through for millennia, you could say Rome has mastered its sense of hospitality over the ages. Italians are passionate people who are eager to break bread with you at the table, welcome you into their home and help you discover the wonders of their country. So it’s no surprise that the Eternal City is filled with hotels that transmit their warm spirit and elevate it with friendly service, style and classic Italian flair.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, look no further. These handpicked hotels in Rome have local charm, excellent amenities and ideal locations for exploring the city. Whether you opt for a quirky boutique hotel in the heart of Monti, a historic palazzo near the Trevi Fountain or a palatial resort with views of the Vatican, this list has something for everyone.

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This guide was recently updated by Rome-based writer Livia Hengel. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Rome’s best hotels, as picked by a local writer

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  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

The younger sibling of Rome’s legendary Hotel de Russie, Hotel de la Ville is another luxurious property of the Rocco Forte Collection that combines old-world glamour with contemporary flair. Nestled within an 18th-century palazzo on top of the Spanish Steps, the hotel is located in one of the city’s most covetable locations, just steps from iconic shopping streets, including Via dei Condotti and Via del Babuino, renowned for their luxury shopping outlets.

Time Out tip
Hop in a restored Fiat 500 for an eco-friendly tour of Rome that retraces Federico Fellini's masterpiece "La Dolce Vita". The tour, aptly named "Hurry up, Marcello!" takes guests to iconic locations in the city and concludes at the Trevi Fountain where actress Anita Ekberg famously stepped into the fountain.

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Livia Hengel
Local expert, Rome
  • Hotels
  • Luxury hotels
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

One of the most beautiful historic residences in Rome, Villa Spalletti Trivelli is an opulent boutique hotel located on one of the fabled Seven Hills of Rome. A stone’s throw from the Quirinale, the residence of Italy’s president, the urban villa sits on a quiet street with a garden and rooftop, providing an elegant refuge from the bustle of the capital. It’s also just a short walk from the Trevi Fountain and the Monti neighborhood meaning you’re close to all the action. 

Time Out tip
Villa Spalletti Trivelli also owns a family winery near Perugia, in Umbria, which produces organic wines and extra virgin olive oil. Contact the hotel to arrange a unique day trip to the countryside.

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Livia Hengel
Local expert, Rome
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  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

A hip boutique in one of Rome's trendiest neighborhoods, Condominio Monti offers contemporary hospitality at an affordable price point. Housed in a 20th-century building along the pretty Via dei Serpenti street, the hotel has 25 modish rooms with custom furnishings and unique colorways. A bonus is the property's multiple dining outlets: savor Roman classics at Olivo, a friendly neighborhood trattoria located on street level, and sip rooftop cocktails at Spritzeria located on the top floor. Condominio Monti has single rooms, perfect for the solo travelers, along with quadruple rooms and even a spacious terrace suite with views of the Colosseum. 

The mood? Cool and quirky
Location perks? Right in the heart of Monti, the hotel is close to the Colosseum with cafes, bistros and local boutiques all around
Budget range? Affordable luxury
Time Out tip
If you visit Rome during the summer, opt for an evocative night tour of the Colosseum to beat the heat.

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Livia Hengel
Local expert, Rome
  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • price 4 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Rome is chock full of breathtaking, ancient stuff, and Palazzo Ripetta is no exception. Situated on one of Rome’s oldest streets, this grand seventeenth-century convent became a hotel in the 1960s and recently underwent two years of tireless renovation, reopening as one of the chicest hotels in the city. Of course, location is the big draw here – Palazzo Ripetta is only a short stumble away from a living history book of iconic Italian attractions – though the hotel itself is well worth a linger. 

Time Out tip
Lime bikes in Rome are a thing – and Ubers aren’t. You can pick up and park your bike right outside the hotel. You’ll have to keep your wits about you when cycling, but it’s the second-best way to get around the city – after walking, of course.

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Leonie Cooper
Food & Drink Editor, London
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5. Otivm Hotel

When it comes to prime real estate, it doesn’t get better than Otivm Hotel. Located right in the middle of all the action, this elegant four-star hotel is a stone's throw from Piazza Vittorio and the Capitoline Museums. You can also reach sites like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain in 15 minutes on foot, making the city a breeze to navigate while avoiding traffic. The property’s 20 comfortable rooms feature contemporary decor and velvet accents, along with a friendly staff who will help with all your needs. But Otivm Hotel’s real highlight is its panoramic rooftop terrace which offers 360-degrees views of Rome's dazzling rooftops.

The mood? Under-the-radar boutique hotel
Location perks? Super central with rooftop views of the city’s striking Monument to Victor Emmanuel II
Budget range? Excellent value

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Livia Hengel
Local expert, Rome

6. Hotel Damaso

One of the best value hotels in Rome's historic center, Hotel Damaso is a 3-star hotel that punches above its weight to deliver an exceptional stay. Situated just around the corner from Piazza Navona, Campo de' Fiori and the Pantheon, it's ideally located for sightseeing, dining and shopping. The hotel has 39 rooms, an elegant lounge bar, a library and a panoramic rooftop terrace. For the ultimate experience, opt for the Penthouse Panoramic Room which boasts its own private 20 sqm terrace. Pro tip: avoid the crowds and pop into the Giovanni Barracco Museum next-door to admire classical Roman sculptures (entrance is free!). 

The mood? Classic with a contemporary twist
Location perks? It doesn’t get better than here: all of Rome is at your fingertips
Budget range? You can’t beat the price

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Livia Hengel
Local expert, Rome
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7. Bulgari Hotel Roma

Hotels don’t come prettier than this five-star spot housed in a 1930s Mussolini-era Rationalist building, just around the corner from Via del Corso and Via del Babuino. Beyond the modernist travertine and brick facade, you’ll find glamour oozing from every nook and cranny of this newly renovated place. All the rooms are filled with dazzling design touches like marble bathroom suites, plush carpets, textured headboards and mid-century modern furniture. There are five different dining spots to choose from catering for every occassion, whether you want a drop of fizz in the shimmering Bulgari Bar or a slap-up meal in the hotel restaurant where Chef Niko Romito serves up traditional Italian dishes. During your stay, don’t miss a trip to the jaw-dropping marble-clad spa, inspired by the ancient Roman Baths of Caracalla with a 20-metre pool surrounded by columns and neo-classical statues. 

The mood? Breathtakingly bombastic luxury. 
Location perks? Right in the centre of things in the Piazza Augusto Imperatore, next to the Mausoleum of Augustus.
Budget range? A treat spot.
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  • Boutique hotels

Just off piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, the Santa Maria stands on the site of a 16th-century convent. Each of the 19 bedrooms has a tiled floor, colourful decor and a spacious bathroom, and they all open onto a charming, sunny central courtyard planted with orange trees. Complimentary bicycles are available for guests to use for exploring Trastevere’s winding alleys.

The mood? Intimate and traditional. 
Location perks? Every bit as charming as its medieval backdrop in Trastevere, Santa Maria boasts two tree-lined courtyards – perfect for enjoying aperitivo in the evening.
Budget range? An affordable couple's getaway. 

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Although situated a little way out of the action, the Cavalieri’s majestic position on top of the leafy Monte Mario hill north of the Vatican is worth the extra travel time (there is a free shuttle bus for guests), especially if you like to spend time away from the bustle of central Rome. However, with almost 400 rooms and suites, this is more about palatial extravagance than intimate escape. Amenities are what you would expect from a hotel of this grandeur: three swimming pools, a full spa and fitness centre and Rome’s only three Michelin-star restaurants, La Pergola to name but a few.

The mood? Decadence in every detail. 
Location perks? Book an exclusive tour around the stately homes of Roman nobility. You'll be accompanied by a historian as you wander through the centuries. 
Budget range? Certainly not cheap. 

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  • Luxury hotels

Looking down from the top of the Spanish Steps, the Hassler remains the grande dame of Rome’s deluxe hotels. It’s got an abundance of polished marble and glamorous chandeliers but it still maintains a personal level of service. A stay in one of the 92 rooms includes top-notch amenities such as a spa, a Michelin-starred restaurant and several bars alongside spectacular views over the Roman rooftops.

The mood? Elegant, antique. 
Location perks? Tremendously chic, Hassler Roma knows how to pull out all the stops. We particularly love the romantic outdoor dining experience you get during the summer at the on-site Palm Court. 
Budget range? Stonkingly expensive, but one can dream.

Looking for something more budget-friendly?

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