Where to stay in Rome: The Ultimate Neighborhood Guide

Rome is the capital of Italy as well as the Lazio Region. It was dubbed the Eternal City or Ancient Rome back in the first century BC because it continued to grow as the world grew. The city has more than 2.8 million residents in a space of less than 500 square miles, making it the most populated city in the country.

Rome is also known as the home of Vatican City, the smallest country in the world. It is actually an independent country inside Rome made up of the Vatican Museums and more than 24 buildings and monuments.

When choosing a neighborhood that you want to stay in, you should consider more than just the price, whether it has spacious rooms, and whether it has a pool or rooftop terrace. In fact, before checking all that, first, you should note what is within walking distance to the places you plan to visit.

For example, if you plan to visit the Pantheon, Colisseum, Art Galleries, and Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, Trevi, Pigna, or Monti are your best choices. In fact, Monti, Trevi, Pigna, and a few others are known as the historic center of Rome. Testaccio is a good choice for shoppers and diners with its fine dining restaurants and shops. And Trastevere boasts a fun nightlife with many top attractions within walking distance.

If you are planning to travel to many areas in and around Rome, Esquilino and Monti are both located right next to Termini Train Station giving you access to all the neighborhoods and outer areas. Wherever you choose to venture while in this marvelous city, keep your belongings safe at one of the suitcase storages sites in Rome.

Where to Stay in Esquilino

Located in Central Rome around Termini Train Station, Rome's most busy transport hub, you can find a plethora of cheap hotels with all the amenities conveniently located near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, dozens of eateries, and the Museum of the Liberation of Rome. It is also part of the City Center so you are near many of the big attractions and parks.

Known for its mid-range hotel costs, recently renovated buildings, and being just a few steps to the Termini Station, Esquilino is perfect for those on a budget looking to save money. Foodies also flock to this quaint neighborhood for its vast array of different cuisines and trendy bars.

Hotel Napoleon

Overlooking the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, this hotel boasts free breakfast, private rooms, and high-speed internet in a historic 19th-century building. Located on a quiet street, it's close to the Termini Station so you have easy access to attractions in other parts of Rome.

The Cross Hotel

Located between Statilia Park and Villa Wolkonsky Park, the Cross Hotel is in a convenient location within walking distance of the city center and with the metro nearby. This modern hotel is an affordable luxury with free WiFi, minibars, cable TV, and room service.

Where to Stay in Trevi

Home of the Trevi Fountain, this little neighborhood is a popular tourist attraction with narrow streets and small shops, Piazza Barberini's Triton Fountain, and a collection of the best hotels with spectacular views. Not far from the Termini Station, you can get to wherever you want to go from Trevi.

Several palaces adorn this village including the Poli, Quirinal, Barberini, and Colonna Palace as well as the National Gallery of Ancient Art, the Spanish Steps, and the Capuchin Crypt. You will also be within walking distance to the large park and garden, Villa Borghese, which also has a few museums to enjoy.

Boutique Hotel Trevi

Just a short walk from the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, Hotel Trevi is the best mid-range hotel in the area with a buffet breakfast, minibar, satellite TV, air-conditioned rooms, and a central location for a great value in a perfect location.

Hotel Fontana

Famous for its RoofTop Lounge, the Hotel Fontana is located in the Piazza di Trevi right in front of the Trevi Fountain. Near enough to the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Galleria Sciarra, and the Quirinale Garden to walk to, the beautiful hotel boasts 25 rooms, each with unique decor and a private bathroom.

Where to Stay in Trastevere

Located on the other side of the River Tiber, Trastevere is a large area with several parks, the Orto Botanical Garden, over 30 churches and basilicas, and several major attractions such as the Palazzo San Callisto, Fountain dell'Acqua Paola, Palazzo Corsini, and the Villa Famesena to name a few.

With its cobblestone streets, Trastevere is one of the most attractive neighborhoods in Rome with much less traffic and it has a more small-town feel than any of the other places. You can also find tastefully decorated hotels for budget travelers with stylish rooms and great restaurants. Near the city center, you will be within walking distance of the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican City, Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, and other tourist attractions.

Villa Agrippina Gran Melia

Known as the most luxurious hotel in Rome, this huge resort is sandwiched between the Vatican and Janiculum Hill looking over the Villa Agrippina from the first century. From the rooftop bar, you will have stellar views of Saint Angelo Castle, River Tiber, and the Vatican. You can also enjoy the Yhi Spas, award-winning restaurant, and butler service.

Donna Cammilla Savelli

Overlooking the Orto Botanical Garden, River Taber, and the Belvedere del Giancolo, this premier hotel boasts a terrace with garden views, a private bath with free toiletries, satellite TV, and a minibar. The building was originally a convent built during the 1600s and is still a baroque beauty with marble staircases and a fountain in the center.

Where to Stay in Monti

Also part of the Historic Center, Monti boasts much of the history of Ancient Rome with archaeological sites such as Nero's Domus Aurea Palace, Altar of the Fatherland, and Trajan's Column and Market. The Colosseum, Arch of Titus, and Colle Oppio Park are also important places to visit

Nearby, the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli with its statue of Moses by Michelangelo and St.Maria Maggiore Basilica, founded in the fifth century, are popular tourist attractions to enjoy. Some of the best hotels with air conditioning, family rooms, and mid-range prices are also found in Monti.

Palazzo Manfredi

You will have a spectacular view of the colosseum during breakfast on the rooftop terrace at the Palazzo Manfredi Hotel. It is centrally located between the most famous attractions including the Colisseum, botanical garden, and the Ludus Magnus Archaeology Site. This perfectly located romantic getaway hotel even offers Lamborghini sports cars for rent.

N ° 9 Colosseo View Suites

Even closer to the Colosseum, the N ° 9 has just a few rooms in a beautiful guest house with a minibar, spa, and free high-speed internet. Breakfast will be served to you in your room and the suites are luxurious as any of the Rome hotels in the best neighborhood.

Where to Stay in Prati

Home of the Vatican Museums, Prati is also a great place to stay if you are interested in history, art, or religion. It is considered an art nouveau neighborhood with its sophisticated shopping streets, best luxury hotels with elegant rooms, and St. Peter's Square on the banks of the River Taber.

Some of the most popular sites in Rome are found here including Saint Angelo Castle, a round fortress overlooking the Vatican City and its museums, the Supreme Court of Cassation, and the Adriano Cinema. You are also within walking distance to the Sistine Chapel, San Pietro Basilica, and Piazza dei Quiriti.

Prime Vatican Suites

The most stylish hotel in Rome, Prime Vatican Suites is special. Each room has a flat-screen tv, air conditioning, a bidet, slippers, and robe as well as a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the Vatican. First-time visitors will be in awe at the luxurious accommodations near the Egyptian Museum and Pantheon.

Le Meridien Visconti

Right on the banks of the River Tiber, the Le Meridien Visconti has a stellar restaurant on the rooftop terrace perfectly situated in the heart of Rome. Just over the river from the Pantheon, the excellent rooms are sophisticated and modern with all the amenities.

Where to Stay in Pigna

Pigna is centered around Piazza della Pigna and is near Piazza Venezia with its eclectic collection of restaurants, clubs, luxury hotels, and a rooftop bar or two. You will still be in the historic center so you are also close to many historic sites like the Pantheon, the National Museum of the Venezia Palace, and the Bonaparte Palace.

You can walk to the Roman temples at the Roman Forum that dates back over 2,000 years and are not far from the Spanish Steps and Termini Station. The Piazza Navona is also nearby and several parks with gardens and walking trails.

Terrace Pantheon Relais

The best luxury hotel in the city, Terrace Pantheon Relais is one of the most popular places to stay in Pigna with a rooftop terrace overlooking the Pantheon in a historic building. Each room has a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, a private bathroom, and room service.

Della Pigna Suites

Stay at the guest house or one of the suites at Della Pigna Suites where your room boasts a kitchen, free breakfast, shuttle services, and awesome views of Venezia Piazza. Your private room will have all the comforts of home as well as room service and other rewards and some amazing shopping streets.

Where to Stay in Ponte

Just across the River Tiber, the village of Ponte is a great location if you want to be by the water as well as close to the Piazza Navona with its unique Neptune Fountain, Campo de Fiori, several bars, and a variety of eateries to enjoy. Not far from Villa Borghese, you can walk to the park in minutes.

Wander the cobblestone streets and see 14th-century palaces with attractions like the Napoleon Museum, Altemps Palace National Roman Museum, and the Chiostro del Bramante. Also in Ponte, you can find a variety of boutique hotels with private modern rooms.

Rome River Inn

The Rome River Inn is a bed and breakfast that has waterfront rooms near Piazza Navona with features like wood floors, continental breakfast, and a spa bath. Across the street from the Vresciani Visual Art Museum and the Oratory of the Gonfalone, this small quaint inn boasts chromotherapy and Sky channels in every room as well as a sitting room with a sofa.

Navona Palace Luxury Inn

Just feet from Piazza Navona, The Navona Palace Luxury Inn features rooms and suites with satellite TV and elegant decor, a Turkish bath and a sauna in the wellness area, and a variety of other amenities in a 17th-century building. You will also have access to shuttle service, tour guides, and housekeeping.

Spacious Rooms in the Eternal City

Choosing the right neighborhood to stay in can be difficult when you are unfamiliar with the area. That is why it is good to do some homework on the places available as well as the attractions nearby. Rome is a fabulous city with tons of attractions to visit. Make sure you choose the best location for your trip.