20 Boutique Hotels You Must Stay In While Exploring Rome
By: Tomiko Harvey
Tags: Travel Tips, Hotel Accomodation, Travel, Rome

Trying to decide where to stay in Rome? A boutique hotel in Rome is the way to go if you’re looking for a truly authentic Italian experience. Rome is known as the eternal city of love because around every corner you will find quaint coffee and gelato shops, cobblestoned streets, and cafes that will make you fall in love over and over again.

The Italians are definitely some of most romantic people in the world and St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers, belonged to Rome so when deciding where to stay in Rome I suggest one of the beautiful boutique hotels in Rome City Centre.

It doesn’t matter if you are traveling to Rome for your anniversary, honeymoon, or just to feast on some of Italy’s amazing pasta, gelato or to simply admire the Colosseum and other ancient ruins Rome has something for everyone.

The best place to stay in Rome can be challenging because the city is inundated with tourist and most hotels are overpriced so I have taken the guesswork out of the best location to stay in Rome. My guide to Rome will cover everything you need to know from where to stay, the best neighborhood along with what to see and do within each neighborhood.

Best Hotels in Rome City Centre

I’ve put together a list of my favorite boutique and chain hotels in Rome so you don’t have to waste valuable time searching Google for where to stay in Rome and instead you can spend your time packing for Italy so you can look fabulous while exploring Rome. Keeping reading as I will also discuss neighborhoods to avoid and how to stay in Rome so you will have the vacation of a lifetime.

If you are traveling to Florence once you depart from Rome make sure you read my article on Best Day Trips from Florence and the Best Hotels in Florence.

5 Best Neighborhoods in Rome for Drinking Coffee and People Watching

Rome is so much more than pasta and gelato. I suggest venturing away from the hustle and bustle of city centre and take a long stroll through one of these 5 neighborhoods in Rome to meditate, have your morning coffee, people watch or enjoy a glass of cabernet at dinner. Here are Rome’s best neighborhoods to sit, sip and people watch.

1. Trastevere

The hipster neighborhood of Trastevere is home to markets, cafés, and microbreweries. The once working class neighborhood is now a colorful gentrified neighborhood full of young people looking to explore Rome.

The cobbled side streets are Instagram worthy from the crumbled buildings and gritty street art at every turn so don’t forget your camera while you are out exploring Trastevere. Trastevere is also one of the best places to stay in Rome.

Monti is one of Rome’s oldest quarters from the cobblestone streets, antique shops and local artist selling handmade trinkets, this is a go-to spot for people-watching. This one of a kind neighborhood offers plenty of fine dining options, eclectic bars and a ton of espresso cafes

If you are looking for somewhere quieter but just as scenic find a table at La Casetta della Madonna where you can still see the monuments and attractions but be far enough away that the crowds will not get on your nerves. Monti has some of the best boutique hotels in Rome.

The Tridente neighborhood gets its name from the three main roads that lead from Piazza del Popolo: Via di Ripetta, Via del Corso and Via del Babuino. If you want to be close to the infamous Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain the Tridente neighborhood is where you want to chill out and people watch.

After you have enough people watching there are several streets of high-end shopping in inclusive designer boutiques, Michelin starred restaurants and pricey boutique hotels so have your credit cards ready!

If crowds are not your thing then I suggest taking a stroll through the Parioli neighborhood. Parioli neighborhood is Ideal for travelers like myself who enjoy a little solitude. Parioli is home to some of Rome’s best restaurants, hotels, public parks and cultural museums-the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia and the Museo Civico di Zoologia to name a few.

Because Parioli is not centrally located it is not congested or hectic as the rest of Rome and you will the Parioli neighborhood more laid back and is a great place alternative when deciding where to stay in Rome.

Location, location, location! Boutique Hotels in Rome City Center is the most desirable area to stay in because you will be centrally located to all of the historic sites including the following:

The historic center is everything you ever imagined about visiting Rome from being within steps of ancient ruins, old churches, winding medieval streets and of course the luxury storefronts.

The Rome Historic Centre holds 90% of the significant tourist sites. It is called the Historic Centre because it is the area that has been inhabited, almost without a break, for over 2000 years. Buildings and sites are generally dated between 2000 and 300 years old.

Just outside the Rome Historic Centre, is the more 20th Century Rome. This area is on the edge of the Historic Centre, is where most buildings are between 40–100 Years old.

Staying here will ensure that you are within walking distance from most of Rome’s attractions. Hotels in this area tend to be small (boutique style) and very expensive. But if you want to be within a few minutes walk to most of Rome’s major attractions, you can’t beat this location.

How To Stay Safe in Rome

Rome captures the imagination of the young and old from seeing ancient Roman ruins for the first time, art, and the vatican. While Rome is known as the eternal city of love it is also known for its criminal activities. If you are visiting Rome please be aware of these potential dangers so your vacation will not turn into a nightmare.

Pickpockets In Rome

Rome is notorious for pickpockets and purse-snatchers and tourist are easy targets because they are not prepared and do understand how to stay safe in Rome. The best way to stay in Rome is by not carrying anything of value on you and being aware of your surroundings. I suggest using a traveler’s scarf or phone case, do not keep your money in your pockets and do not wear expensive jewelry.

I also suggest getting travel insurance, make photocopies of your driver’s license, passport, and any other important documents just in case you become a victim.

Con Artists In Rome

Con Artist are just as notorious as pickpockets. The con artists will give you a sad story about not having any money and needing to care for a sick relative and while they have your attention someone else will open your bag and grab your wallet. They will also try to sell you roses under the guise they are free then try to charge you for the roses once you accepted the roses. My suggestion is to ignore anyone trying to sell you roses, selfie sticks or knock off bags.

How To “EXPLORE” Rome

The best way to get around Rome is on foot so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Rome is not the place to try and be cute in fashionable flats. There are limited buses on the main roads which means you will probably have to walk a long distance to get to a bus stop. Grab my Italy packing list so you will be prepared for your Italian vacation.

The main reason walking is the best option is because there is so much to see that is not in any of the guidebooks, or on any information sheets. You can easily go from site to site with only a short walk between historical sites.

The Rome metro is also an option, but it is not very useful because it doesn’t go through the heart of the city and only stops at the Spanish Steps and the Colosseum.

The metro is excellent if you are staying in the suburbs and is a quick way to the Rome Historic Centre.

Tours In Rome

There are many options for tours in Rome. No need to book a tour in advance because there will not be a shortage of “offers” which will include walking tours, bike tours and the hop on hop off. I use G — Adventures to book all of my tours no matter the country I am visiting.

“MUST SEE” Sights In Rome

* Vatican

* Castel St Angelo

* Via Giulia

* Spanish Steps

* Villa Borghese

* Trevi Fountain

* Piazza Navona

* Trastevere

* Campo dei Fiori

* Roman Forum

* Colosseum

* Pantheon

Cash Is King

It’s not uncommon for places to only accept cash, so make sure you have enough euros on hand for your day’s planned activities. Notify your bank before traveling so you don’t find yourself with frozen debit and credit cards, and pull out at least some money from an ATM once you arrive at the airport.

Bring a Water Bottle

Bring a bottle to fill because you will be thirsty from the walking and there are plenty of drinking fountains scattered throughout the city and around the Colosseum so you won’t have to buy water. Make sure it is a reusable one () and it can easily be cleaned in your hotel room.

Table Service

Coperto is a table service fee — usually 1–3 Euros or 10% of your meal — and is charged to every person who sits at the table. Restaurants do not disclose fee associated with service table so do not be surprised.

There is always a charge for bread, so if you don’t want bread or don’t want to be charged for bread please let your waiter/waitress know as soon as you sit down because they bring it out automatically.

Additional Tips for visiting Rome

Book Your Flight

Find a cheap flight by using Hopper or Google Flight Matrix. They are my “go to” booking sites for airlines or if you are lucky enough you know someone who works for an airline and you grab a buddy pass.

Book Your Accommodation

I suggest booking your hotel with Tripadvisor or Jetsetter. I always find the cheapest hotels rates on both of these sites. My favorite place to stay in Rome was The Corner Townhouse so click here book now at The Corner Townhouse.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I can’t say this enough but please get insurance when traveling to Italy! Even if you are only going on a short trip, you should always travel with insurance. Have fun while visiting Rome, but take it from someone who has racked up thousands of bucks on an insurance claim before, you need it.

Make sure to get your insurance before you head off on an adventure! I highly recommend Travelex Insurance.

The city is a very busy year-round destination, so if you are looking for hotels in Rome City Centre make sure you do your homework and book well ahead!

Ready to plan your trip, grab my FREE Vacation Planner to help you plan your trip in the time it takes to watch your favorite TV show!

Additional Articles For Exploring Italy

20 Must Stay in Luxury Hotels in Florence Ultimate Day Trip To Pompeii 13 Ultimate Hotels on the Amalfi Coast

Is Rome on your bucket list? What are some of your favorite hotels in Rome City Centre and I can add them to my list. I would love to hear your thoughts on traveling to Rome and where to stay in Rome so leave me a comment on , , or

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