The best hotels in Rome

Arriving in the Eternal City can test even the most seasoned traveller: delayed trains, rumbling wheelie bags over cobbles, and the beautiful chaos of Roma Termini. But step through the doors of First Arte Roma and the irritations melt away.

Perfectly positioned in Rome’s historic centre, this small yet luxurious five-star townhouse is an eight-minute walk from the Spanish Steps, four minutes from Piazza del Popolo and moments from the banks of the Tiber. Tick, tick, tick for location. Yet what truly sets it apart from the city’s many grand dames is what lies within: over 200 original works of contemporary art.

But why stay at First Arte Roma when the capital is already bursting at the seams with culture? Because this place doesn’t just nod to art — it immerses you in it. Following a major refurbishment in 2024, each of the four floors was entrusted to a different contemporary Italian artist, with every room individually curated. It feels less like checking into a hotel and more like bedding down in a living, breathing gallery (that just so happens to have five-star service). There’s even an in-house Art Gallery Consultant who can talk you through the collection.

Other good stuff? Super-fast WiFi, seamless airport transfers, laundry, valet parking and a concierge team that can arrange everything from last-minute museum access to hiring a cherry-red convertible Fiat 500. Then there’s Acquolina, the two-Michelin-star seafood restaurant with just 28 seats, where inventive tasting menus make it one of Rome’s most coveted reservations.

All the rooms will serve you well, but the SPA Suite View is the one to book. Think private terrace with a hot tub, monochrome photography lining the walls, and an all-marble bathroom with rain shower and robes thrown in for good measure. Proper, artistic luxury.

Time Out tip: Book the sunrise guided run arranged by the concierge. You’ll tick off the Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo and the banks of the Tiber.

Address: The First Arte, Via del Vantaggio 14, Piazza del Popolo, Rome, Italy

Price per night: Starting from £377 per night, including breakfast

Closest transport: Flamino metro station is an eight-minute walk from the hotel, with direct links to Roma Termini station, six minutes away. 

If you want to really splash the cash in Rome, do it at Bulgari. This five-star hotel is unapologetically grand, housed in a huge (and we mean huge) 1930s rationalist building just across from the Mausoleum of Augustus. Designed by renowned architects Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel, the interiors are sleek and serene, scented with Bulgari’s signature fragrances. You’re in the very chic Campo Marzio neighbourhood here (home to, namely, lots of high-end fashion brands), but you’re not far from the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and other major sights in Rome.

Most of all, staying here feels like you’re at a museum’s private collection – that’s partly thanks to its exclusive display of restored artefacts from the Torlonia Collection, offering guests the chance to mingle with priceless classical art in their robes and slippers.

With 114 rooms and suites starting from €2,000 per night, this place is expectedly indulgent: find marble bathrooms, Dyson hairdryers, pillow menus, and jam tarts on arrival. Suites offer sprawling space and city views, though some rooms face inner courtyards (make sure to request accordingly). Dining spans six venues, from a glamorous Champagne bar to the guest-only Lobby Lounge.  The spa, spread across four floors, is a standout feature: all marble, mosaics and hush, with a gold-tiled pool, sauna, steam room, and tech-heavy gym. Service overall is impeccable, and staff go above and beyond – as you’d expect with a price tag like this. 

Time Out tip: Late sleeper? At Il Caffe, breakfast runs until a comfy 3.30pm.

Address: 10 Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 00186 Rome, Italy

Price: Superior rooms, the least expensive, start from €2,000 per night

Closest transport: Rome Fiumicino Airport is a 45-minute drive

Rome is full of ancient wonders, and Palazzo Ripetta fits right in. Located on one of the city’s oldest streets, this grand 17th-century convent-turned-hotel emerged in 2023 from a two-year renovation as one of Rome’s chicest stays. The location is unbeatable (you’re steps from iconic sights like Piazza del Popolo, the Spanish Steps and the River Tibe), but the hotel itself is just as alluring. Start your day with breakfast or an aperitivo in the tranquil courtyard (aim for the table beside the third-century sarcophagus, now a working water feature), or head up to the rooftop bar for views worthy of a Fellini film.

Inside, the design mixes old and new: the lobby features a dramatic Arnaldo Pomodoro sculpture, and the sultry San Baylon bar was shaped by famed architect Luigi Moretti. There’s even a splash of street art, courtesy of Angel Ortiz. Rooms are warm and theatrical, with Murano-inspired red glass chandeliers, glossy parquet floors and towering beds you’ll sink into. High-ceilinged suites feature freestanding tubs, ideal for a post-sightseeing soak. It’s not a minimalist’s dream, but in Rome, that’s exactly the point. 

Neighbourhood-wise, you’re right in the heart of the action in Centro Storico, with the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum and Villa Borghese all within walking distance. This is Rome at its most iconic and walkable, with the city’s biggest hits just around every corner.

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.

Address: Via di Ripetta 231, 00186 Rome, Italy

Price: Starting from approximately €1,380 per night 

Closest transport: Flaminio–Piazza del Popolo Metro Station is about a five‑minute walk

Portrait Roma proves that true luxury isn’t about amenities or flashiness – it’s about service. With just 14 rooms, this Ferragamo family-owned spot has an intimate vibe with razor-sharp attention to detail. There’s no spa or gym, but staff will whisk away your bags, hand you sparkling water and macarons, and leave hangover tea on your pillow for turndown service. With service like this, who needs a spa? (Don’t worry: if the answer is ‘me’, you can actually order massages and the likes to your room).

Set on the swanky Via Bocca di Leone, a few minutes from the Spanish Steps, this chic hideaway is full of designer touches that nod to the Ferragamo legacy, from black-and-white sketches in the halls to horsebit motifs on curtains. Rooms are impressively spacious and stocked with thoughtful extras, and suites include private terraces with Spanish Steps views. A fantastic breakfast is served on the rooftop, and come sunset, the rooftop transforms into a guest-only aperitivo bar, with excellent cocktails. Warning: try not to fill yourself up on the salty snacks here if you’re going for dinner. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

The service here is second to none, and staff go out of their way to tailor your stay. Its central location means everything worth seeing (and spending on) is a short stroll or metro ride away. For an experience that feels more like staying in a private townhouse than a hotel, this is Rome at its best.

Time Out tip: Did we mention the service? It’s well worth asking staff for tips for where to go for lunch or dinner nearby – they know their stuff. 

Address: 23 Via Bocca di Leone, Rome 00187 

Price: Rooms start from £710 per night, based on two adults sharing and including breakfast

Closest transport: Rome Fiumicino Airport is a 45-minute drive

Perched at the top of the Spanish Steps in an 18th-century palazzo, Hotel de la Ville is all-out Roman romance. It’s the younger sibling of Hotel de Russie, with all the grandness you’d expect from a Rocco Forte hotel. Interiors are by Tommaso Ziffer and Olga Polizzi, reimagining the Grand Tour era for a design-savvy crowd: think antique globes, Greek columns, custom wallpaper and plush velvet furniture. But things aren’t all serious here – the vibe is still playful and fun, like the Julep Bar, a vermouth bar on the hotel’s second floor with live jazz in the evenings. 

It’s also a great base to explore Rome. You’re seconds from Via dei Condotti and Via del Babuino, Rome’s luxury shopping havens, and you’re perfectly placed for museums too – the Palazzo Altemps and Keats-Shelley House are a short walk away. 

Rooms and suites (104 in total) feature geometric rugs, and patterned fabrics, some overlooking the peaceful inner courtyard, others with street-facing balcony and sweeping Roman views. The Irene Forte Spa is pretty special (and has become one of Rome’s most talked-about spa experiences), with a Mediterranean salt room, ice fountain, infrared loungers and hydro pool. Food and drink at Hotel de la Ville are overseen by Fulvio Pierangelini, and it all hits, but the highlight is Cielo, the rooftop bar and restaurant with excellent views, spritzes and cicchetti. 

Time Out tip: Book onto Hotel De La Ville’s grand tour, which takes you to some top attractions in a vintage car. 

Address: Via Sistina, 69, 00187 Rome, Italy

Price: Starting from approximately €1,150 per night

Closest transport: Spagna Metro Station is a 3-minute walk

The usual Rome dilemma: stay near Termini for convenience, but brace yourself for tired hotels in a gritty area. Well, you’ve got an alternative: UNA Hotels Decò Roma. A minute’s walk from the station, this art deco-inspired four-star spot is actually affordable, without skimping on all the things you actually want from your Roman stay (see: Spanish Steps views). Rooms are peaceful, the vibe is warm, and the location means you can go from train to check-in in under five minutes. It’s one of the best-value stays in the city – even if it takes you a little longer to get into the centre. 

All 196 rooms stick to the same look, with some featuring sixth-floor suntraps with loungers, and views of Santa Maria Maggiore. Bathrooms are fresh and well-stocked, and service is speedy – little extras like toothpaste and shower caps arrive in minutes. The hotel restaurant, Il Grande Gatsby, is a rare gem for a train station hotel, offering Roman classics and a stellar happy hour buffet. Bonus: they’ll bring you a spritz and snacks to your private terrace for just €10.

The area you’re in, around Termini Station, isn’t picture-perfect, but it’s much safer these days, and makes arriving in Rome a breeze. Santa Maria Maggiore is just around the corner, and everything else is a short walk or metro ride away. The very friendly staff are a huge part of what makes this place special friendly. But it’s a winner for ease, value and vibe too. 

Time Out tip: The restaurant is often closed for conference events, but don’t fear: you can eat on tables outside or in the lowlit bar.

Address: Via Giovanni Amendola, 57, 00185 Roma RM, Italy

Price: Starting from €159 per night

Closest transport: Termini train station is a one-minute walk away

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, and all are equipped with a flat-screen, air-con, soundproofing, minibar and tea and coffee (as well as fluffy slippers. A win). Another nice touch is the airport shuttle service, which means no expensive panic-ordering a taxi at the last minute. Staff are multilingual, and reception is open 24 hours. 

But Otivm Hotel’s real highlight is its panoramic rooftop terrace which offers 360-degrees views of Rome’s dazzling rooftops. Cocktails are pricey here (you’re paying a surcharge for that view), coming in at around €25 a pop – but they’re fun and inventive, and the little snacks they bring over for free aren’t to be sniffed at. Breakfast comes with an extra charge, and is classic continental buffet fare – it’s best enjoyed on the terrace, but the light-filled dining room is pretty nice too. For around €30 per person, you can go for the all-day breakfast option, served on the terrace with fabulous views. 

Time Out tip: Note that the rooftop is just for drinks and snacks, not a full meal. For that, head to one of our top rooftops in Rome. 

Address: Via d’Aracoeli 11, 00186 Rome, Italy

Price: Starting from around €300 per night

Closest transport: Ara Coeli / Piazza Venezia bus stop is a three‑minute walk

If you’re really in a pinch, a hostel could be your best bet – especially if you’re solo travelling. Make friends from all around the world at the Beehive, a cosy dormitory offering rooms that house up to four or six guests, with some containing a private kitchen and even a neat little balcony. Finding an affordable stay in the centre is like gold dust. Not to mention you’ll meet a friendly bunch to make new memories with at The Beehive.

Pull up a beanbag, grab a beer and chill in the garden, mingle in the common area or over breakfast in the shared dining hall. Rooms are airy, with vibrant summery interiors, and trusty essentials like a safety deposit box, a microwave and a kettle. It’s part hostel, part community hub, and part chill-out zone, with a load of very friendly touches to make you feel at home. The vibe is friendly and creative, and it shows – there are regular events like pasta nights, yoga classes and live music.

The Beehive is also eco-conscious, and the owners really believe in making it a community space. The husband-and-wife team have built a reputation for thoughtful hospitality, making travellers feel like they’re part of something more than just a night’s stay. There’s no better base to keep costs low and make friends at the same time. 

Time Out tip: Book a spot at one of the Beehive’s communal dinners or events – they’re a great way to meet fellow travellers

Address: Via Marghera 8, 00185 Rome, Italy

Price: Starting from approximately €35 per night for a dorm bed, and around €90 for a private room

Closest transport: Termini Stationa two‑minute walk away

Tucked away on one of Rome’s legendary Seven Hills, Villa Spalletti Trivelli is a serene, opulent escape just moments from the Trevi Fountain and Monti. Housed in an early 20th-century palazzo once owned by Countess Rasponi, this boutique stay feels more like a private home than a hotel. Vaulted arches, marble columns, and museum-quality artwork line the elegant salons, while outdoor spaces, include some very nice gardens and a roof terrace. Located minutes frp, the Quirinale Palace, it’s ideal for being close to the action, whilst getting a bit of quiet time. 

The villa’s 12 rooms are very vintage chic, with antique furnishings, marble bathrooms and walls in red, ochre and sage green. Two Garden Suites and two Apartments offer extra space for families or longer stays. There’s an old-world warmth here that feels lived-in, not staged. Guests are encouraged to linger in the library lounges with a good book and a glass of wine, or head to the rooftop for a help-yourself bar and jacuzzi. The wellness centre is designed like ancient Roman baths with a tepidarium, steam room and a calm relaxation space.

You’re in a prime spot for exploring: the Quattro Fontane and Bernini’s Chiesa di Sant'Andrea al Quirinale are nearby, and the very peaceful Villa Aldobrandini gardens is a short walk away. Palazzo delle Esposizioni is a good spot for rotating exhibitions, or head to Mercati di Traiano, where Emperor Trajan’s ancient shopping complex fills six floors.

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 day trip.

Address: Via Piacenza, 4, 00184 Rome, Italy

Price: Starting from approximately €550 per night

Closest transport: Barberini Metro Station is a 7-minute walk

Dating back to the 15th century, this (management will tell you) is the oldest hotel in Europe. The 32 rooms have been painstakingly restored and are fresh and uncluttered, with tiled floors and frescoes. All bathrooms have whirlpool baths. Ask for one of the rooms at the front for superb views over the Pantheon; otherwise console yourself by seeking out the glorious rooftop terrace, where breakfast is served al fresco in the warmer months.

The hotel’s breakfast is a standout, with croissants, artisan jams and robust Italian coffee served on the rooftop terrace. The roof views stretch across the unmistakable dome of the Pantheon and the terra-cotta roofs of Centro Storico – sipping an espresso here and taking it all in will probably be a highlight of your trip. 

By evening, the rooftop becomes a fabulous vantage point for pre-dinner drinks, where you can sip a Negroni against the Pantheon’s silhouette. There’s no full restaurant here, but don’t worry, the staff can recommend you a nearby trattorie (or check out our list of the best restaurants in Rome). You can also request in-room dining or seasonal nibbles delivered to your suite, for those nights you’d rather stay in to the sounds of church bells.

Time Out tip: If you’re here for something special, you’d be mad not to book the Prestige Room with Pantheon View (that’s what’s pictured). The Rosetta 11 Suites have Pantheon views too. 

A hip boutique in one of Rome’s trendiest neighbourhoods, Condominio Monti feels luxurious while being actually affordable. Housed in a 20th-century building along the pretty Via dei Serpenti, the hotel has 25 modish rooms with custom furnishings and unique colourways. A bonus is the property’s multiple dining outlets: savour Roman classics at Olivo, a friendly neighbourhood trattoria located on street level, and sip rooftop cocktails at Spritzeria, perched on the top floor. Condominio Monti has single rooms, perfect for solo travellers, along with quadruple rooms and even a spacious terrace suite with views of the Colosseum.

What sets Condominio Monti apart is its strong sense of style and community. Inspired by the idea of modern communal living, each room is uniquely laid out, with clever design details like built-in bookshelves that double as desks, retro-chic appliances and handcrafted wallpaper. The aesthetic is playful and Instagram-ready without feeling forced, and thoughtful extras like complimentary in-room coffee, tea and slippers add to the homely feel.

Step outside, and you’re immersed in Monti’s creative energy. Once the city’s red-light district, it’s now a hub for artists, designers and locals who crowd the Piazza Madonna dei Monti (aka la piazzetta) each evening to catch up around the fountain. The Colosseum is a few minutes away, and Cavour Metro Station gets you to the rest of Rome in minutes. 

Time Out tip: Since you’re so nearby, take the opportunity to do a night tour of the Colosseum. Beat the heat and the crowds. 

Address: Via dei Serpenti, 109, 00184 Rome, Italy

Price: Starting from approximately €200 per night

Closest transport: Cavour Metro Station is a four‑minute walk

We’ve come to expect a lot from Dorchester Collection hotels – and this place is one of the reasons why. Hotel Eden escapsulates the essence of modern-day Rome, combining opulence and the lively buzz of the Eternal City. You’ll be blown away from the get-go with a palace-worthy entrance featuring wall-to-wall white marble, gold crown moulding and mounted candelabras. Stairs lead through to the elaborate library bar filled with eclectic furniture and artworks to emulate a collector’s home.

A sophisticated neutral palette can be found throughout the hotel, with the bedrooms fronting a warm glow owing to the cream-toned furniture and natural light flooding in from the big windows – which also show off the city, offering views of the Villa Borghese Gardens. Dine at the on-site Italian restaurant for local dishes given a comtemporary twist and wrap-around views from the top floor.

Neighbourhood-wise, you’re in one of Rome’s most exclusive areas, near Via Veneto street, 350 metres away from Villa Borghese park and a 15-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain. Hotel Eden is a monster of a hotel with 98 rooms, two excellent restaurants, a fitness centre and an award-winning spa. Wellness suites within the spa are available when all that exploring has taken its toll. 

Time Out tip: Eating breakfast on the rooftop here might just end up being a highlight of your entire trip.  

Address: Via Ludovisi 49, 00187 Rome, Italy

Price: Starting from around €650 per night

Closest transport: Spagna Metro Station (Line A) is about a five-minute walk away

This hotel’s main selling point has to be the splendid location, as most of its 26 rooms have breathtaking views of the Parthenon (specify that you want a view when you book) and all are fitted with fresh white decor and the occasional dash of colour. Guests at Albergo Abruzzi are provided with a complimentary smartphone with unlimited local and international calls, and 4G data. It’s a nice extra touch which basically means you can explore Rome without getting slapped with a daily charge, or using up all that battery you need for photo-taking. 

Rooms are compact but thoughtfully designed, with modern furnishings, blackout curtains, and well-equipped bathrooms featuring rainfall showers and eco-friendly toiletries. Some rooms also include small balconies to sip espresso on in the mornings, and the double-glazed windows are pretty good for keeping noise out. 

For breakfast, you’re actually set up at a local café, Piazza della Rotonda, rather than in the hotel itself. The hotel will give you a voucher to head down there for a buffet spread, from pastries and cakes to warm scrambled eggs, bacon and toast. There’s also no communal lounge or bar on-site, but the location makes up for it: you’re steps from the Pantheon, a short walk to the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona, and surrounded by countless trattorias, wine bars and gelaterias. If you just want a good base to get out and explore the city, this is a great option.

Time Out tip: Albergo Abruzzi offers guests a detailed sightseeing guide (including the biggest tourist traps to avoid).

Address: Piazza della Rotonda 69, 00186 Rome, Italy

Price: Starting from approximately €130 per night for standard rooms

Closest transport: The Venezia Tram Stop and Arenula-Cairoli Tram Station are both around an eight-minute walk away

One of the best value hotels in Rome’s historic center, Hotel Damaso is a three-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. And we really mean ideally located: you’re 15 minutes from the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum, and it doesn’t get much better than having a base in Centro Storico to soak up the Roman vibes. 

The hotel has 39 rooms, an elegant lounge bar, a library and a panoramic rooftop terrace. They’re all soundproof, with aircon, free Wi‑Fi, flat-screen TV, marble bathrooms, bathrobes and slippers. For the ultimate experience, opt for the Penthouse Panoramic Room with its own private 20 sqm terrace.

Breakfast is (typically) included in your room rate, and is a pretty good spread of classic continental (pastries, coffee and some hot and cold dishes), served 7-10am. You can eat indoors or on the terrace. There’s also Il Dama, the hotel’s lounge bar on the ground floor, open until 11.45pm for your nightcap needs. But the main feature here? That’s the rooftop terrace, which is the ultimate golden hour spot. For a budget option like this, it still feels pretty special. 

Time Out tip: Avoid the crowds and pop into the Giovanni Barracco Museum next-door to admire classical Roman sculptures (entrance is free!). 

Address: Piazza della Cancelleria 62, 00186 Rome, Italy 

Price: Starting from around €150 per night for standard rooms

Closest transport: Arenula-Cairoli tram station is a seven-minute walk away

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.

Rooms are generously sized, with marble bathrooms, plush furnishings and private balconies – many of which offer panoramic views over the city, including the dome of St Peter’s Basilica. The décor leans into old-world opulence, with antique furniture, tapestries and an impressive in-house art collection that includes works by Tiepolo and Warhol. If you really want to splash the cash, the upper floors come with access to the Imperial Club Lounge, and you get Champagne breakfasts, afternoon tea and pre-dinner drinks with very nice views. 

Even if you never leave the grounds, you won’t be short on things to do. Wander the gardens surrounding the hotel, or book onto a treatment at the award-winning spa, complete with a Roman-style laconium. The hotel is also great for families, with a kids’ pool, playground and child-friendly activities. 

Time Out tip: The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle bus into central Rome, so no need to splurge on a taxi. 

Address: Via Alberto Cadlolo 101, 00136 Rome, Italy

Price: Starting from approximately €450 per night

Closest transport: Cipro Metro Station is a 10-minute taxi ride or a 20-minute walk