Can’t figure out where to stay in Rome? Maybe you’re debating between exploring the trendy boutiques of Monti or the vibrant nightlife of Trastevere. Or perhaps you’re considering the Historic Center for a window into Rome’s storied past?
Don’t sweat it. We’re making it easy for you with our list of the four best places to stay in Rome, Italy — including the coolest Roman neighborhoods and a few great hotels.
When you're ready, connect with Fora to plan and book the trip of a lifetime, with expert travel suggestions, one-on-one support and VIP hotel perks at the best boutique hotels in Italy.
The 4 best places to stay in Rome, Italy: the coolest neighborhoods & hotels
Hands down, Rome is one of the best places to stay in Italy. It has the cosmopolitan vibe of a major modern city, but anywhere you go you’ll be pleasantly confronted with its historical past. The architecture is stunning, the food is amazing and there's no shortage of things to do in Rome.
Wonder where to stay in Rome no longer: here are the four best neighborhoods in Rome.
1. Trastevere: where to stay in Rome for authentic immersion, the best nightlife & hidden gems
A favorite among Fora Advisors, Trastevere is arguably the best place to stay in Rome if you want to experience the city at its most authentic — that’s not to say that the other neighborhoods below are less genuine, but Trastevere has a lived-in, almost-edgy vibe that’s not as prevalent in the crowd-heavy neighborhoods of the Historic Center or the ruins of Ancient Rome.
In Trastevere, you’ll find a fantastic mix of traditional cafés and restaurants, fun local shops and a thriving nightlife scene that caters to both locals and travelers. In fact, Trastevere’s nightlife is probably the most lively in Rome.
Finally, whether you’re planning a romantic getaway to Rome or flying solo, Trastevere’s central location provides an excellent base for exploring the rest of the city.
Where to stay in Trastevere, Rome: Donna Camilla Savelli, UNAHOTELS Trastevere Roma & more
Trastevere has a great range of three- and four-star hotels that encapsulate the best of contemporary Rome while paying homage to the city’s incredible past. Donna Camilla Savelli and UNAHOTELS Trastevere Roma are just a couple boutique-style hotels that we recommend.
Connect with Fora to plan and book your stay at one of the best hotels in Trastevere.
(Want to know all your options when it comes to the coolest cosmopolitan centers in Italy? Check out our guide to where to stay in Milan, arguably the best place to visit in Italy for fashion-obsessed travelers.)
2. Prati (near Vatican City): where to stay in Rome for luxury accommodations & quieter vibe
Whereas Trastevere has a youthful, hip feel, Prati has a more luxurious ambiance. Casual cafés and shops are traded for gourmet restaurants and high-end boutiques. And instead of Trastevere’s divey (in a fun way!) pubs, you’ll find classy wine bars and cocktail lounges.
Overall, Prati is upscale, but it still feels authentic. This is where to stay in Rome for a quiet, pleasant night after a day of exploring the city’s highly walkable streets.
Prati is also the gateway to Vatican City, the heart of the Catholic faith and a gorgeous destination in its own right.
Where to stay in Prati, Rome: Hotel Dei Mellini, Le Méridien Visconti Rome & more
Prati is densely packed with boutique-style and four-star luxury hotels like Hotel Dei Mellini and Le Méridien Visconti Rome.
Plan your Italy trip with Fora and we’ll help you choose accommodations that best fit your travel style, plus offer awesome itinerary recs like checking out the most unique places to visit in Italy or the best places to stay in Venice.
3. The Historic Center: the best place to stay in Rome for first timers (or to be in the middle of the action)
Image courtesy of Hotel de la Ville.
The Historic Center is a pseudo-official neighborhood encompassing some of Rome’s most famous (and beautiful) landmarks such as the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. This is absolutely where to stay in Rome if you want to stay in the heart of the city — and one of the best places to visit in Italy for first timers.
Staying here can be very convenient if you’re the type of traveler that loves to take in the sights while exploring on foot (we so get that).
Want itinerary ideas? Check out our 3-day Rome itinerary — or if you have a little more time to spare, our 1-week Rome itinerary.
Where to stay in the Historic Center, Rome: Hotel de la Ville, Rome - St. George, J.K. Place Roma & more
The Historic Center is where to stay in Rome if you want the ritziest accommodations in the city. Hotel de la Ville, Hotel De Russie (both of which are Rocco Forte hotels), Rome St. George…there are a lot of incredible options in this part of Rome.
J.K. Place Roma is another favorite that Fora Advisors gush about — Advanced Fora Advisor Pamela Murphy puts it best, “This is the only place to stay for me. Set in a townhouse that was part of the noble 17th–century Palazzo Borghese, J.K. Place Roma is within walking distance of everything, and on a street that is so quintessentially Roman. The vibe is elevated elegance that’s so homey and so chic you will never, ever want to leave.”
Ready to start planning? Book with Fora and enjoy perks at the best hotels in Rome.
Fora Perks at Hotel de la Ville, a Rocco Forte Hotel:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Rome - St. George:
$50 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & late check-out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at J.K. Place Roma:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Complimentary bike rental.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
4. Monti & Ancient Rome (home of the Colosseum): where to stay in Rome for variety
Monti and Ancient Rome are an exciting pair of neighborhoods that explore complementary aspects of the city — Monti with its trendy, if bohemian vibe and artisan boutiques, and Ancient Rome with its grandiose architecture, colossal monuments (pun intended) and intriguing museums, like the Capitoline Museums.
Between the two, these areas are where to stay in Rome if you want to sample everything the city has to offer, including nearby neighborhoods like the Historic Center and Trastevere with ease. (Check out our guide to getting off the beaten path in Rome for ideas.)
Where to stay in Monti, Rome: Grand Hotel Palatino, Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo & more
There’s no shortage of luxury and boutique hotels in this part of Rome, but you’ll also find more affordable options. Among the fancier accommodations are four-star hotels like Grand Hotel Palatino and Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo, both of which are well within walking distance of the Colosseum and other awesome attractions.
Need help deciding where to stay in Rome? Book your Italy vacation with Fora
Deciding where to stay in Rome can be a little overwhelming when you consider all the best neighborhoods and hotel options. Navigating the best places to stay in Rome, Italy is easy though when you connect with Fora. We’ll help you figure out where to stay and score you VIP hotel and other perks along the way.
Not sure Rome is the right destination for you? Check out our guide to all the best places to stay in Italy.