Where to Stay in Rome: Best Areas & Hotels for Every Budget

Rome is one of those cities that you can visit over and over again and still feel like there’s more to uncover. I’ve been lucky enough to explore it a few times, and every visit leaves me wanting more. With its charming streets, ancient landmarks, and buzzing atmosphere, it’s no surprise that millions of travelers flock here every year.

But when it comes to finding the perfect place to stay, it can get overwhelming – especially during peak season. The good news? Rome has tons of great hotel options! Whether you want to stay in the heart of the action and explore everything on foot or opt for a budget-friendly spot further out and rely on the metro, buses, or trams, there’s a place for every traveler.

To make things easier, I’ve put together this guide on where to stay in Rome for your first visit – covering the best neighborhoods, top hotels, and insider tips. Let’s dive in!

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links which mean that if you choose to book through it I earn a small commission at no cost to you. I appreciate your support to keep this site up and running!

Centro Storico – The Heart of Rome

If you want to be right in the middle of everything, Centro Storico is hands down the best area to stay in Rome. This is the city’s historic center, where you can step out of your hotel and be just minutes away from the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps – all without needing a taxi or public transport.

It’s also one of the safest areas in Rome, making it a great choice for solo travelers and first-time visitors. Of course, all this convenience comes at a price – hotels here tend to be on the expensive side. But if you’re looking for a stay that’s as magical as the city itself, Centro Storico is worth every penny.

• Hotel Fontana – Just 5 minutes from Barberini Metro, this 17th-century gem by the Trevi Fountain offers a rooftop breakfast with stunning city views. 
• Hub Pantheon – A stylish, uniquely designed hotel just 500m from the Pantheon, offering a blend of modern comfort and historic charm.
• Radisson Collection Hotel, Roma Antica – Enjoy incredible views from the rooftop bar or your private balcony, located just 500m from Piazza Venezia.
• Singer Palace Hotel – Boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace, 5-minute walk from Pantheon

Trastevere – Rome’s Most Charming & Lively District

Once a humble, working-class neighborhood, Trastevere has transformed into one of the most vibrant and artistic areas in Rome. With its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and a buzzing nightlife scene, it’s no surprise that this has become a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.

This area is packed with amazing restaurants, cozy cafés, and trendy bars, making it perfect for food lovers and anyone looking to soak up Rome’s more laid-back, bohemian side. It’s also one of the safest neighborhoods in the city, which is always a plus.

Personally, Trastevere is my absolute favorite place to stay in Rome – it has the perfect mix of old-world charm, local culture, and a fun, lively atmosphere. If you want a stylish yet authentic Roman experience, this is the place to be!

• Horti 14 Borgo Trastevere Hotel – A modern hotel with a garden and bar, perfectly situated between the Vatican and the heart of Trastevere.
• Residenza Delle Arti – Spacious rooms right in front of the bus and tram stop, offering easy access to Rome’s historic center.
• Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá – A luxury hotel with a pool, three restaurants, and two bars, just 800 meters from St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Trastevere Royal Suite – Budget-friendly guest house in a great location.

Monti – Rome’s Coolest Hidden Gem

Located just north and east of the Colosseum, Monti is one of Rome’s trendiest and most underrated neighborhoods. It’s got a totally different vibe from the bustling historic center – quieter, more laid-back, but still packed with character.

Once an ancient red-light district, Monti has transformed into a hip, artsy hub filled with artisan boutiques, vintage shops, cozy cafés, and stylish wine bars. It’s the perfect spot for travelers looking for a mix of history and modern charm, without the overwhelming crowds.

If you love wandering charming streets, discovering hidden gems, and sipping wine in chic yet unpretentious bars, Monti is the place to be. Plus, you’re just a short stroll from some of Rome’s most famous landmarks, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

• Roman Holiday Colosseo – Just steps from the Colosseum, this charming stay offers garden and inner courtyard views, a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests.
• Princeps Boutique Hotel – Offering modern rooms with great views and a daily buffet-style breakfast, perfect for a stylish stay in Rome.
• The Fifteen Keys Hotel – A boutique hotel just 4 minutes from Cavour Metro, with a garden and terrace.
• Nerva Boutique Hotel – A charming boutique hotel just steps from the Roman Forum, offering stylish rooms and a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

Vatican City / Prati – Elegant & Family-Friendly

If you’re looking for a quieter, more refined stay in Rome, Prati is a fantastic choice. Located just outside Vatican City, this area offers wide, bustling streets, beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, and a more local, authentic feel – without the constant tourist crowds.

Prati is a great spot for travelers who want to be close to the Vatican while still enjoying a peaceful atmosphere. It’s also a budget-friendly alternative to the city center, with lower hotel prices and plenty of great cafés, bars, and boutique shops to explore.

With two metro stations and a direct bus to the airport, getting around is super easy. This is one of the best places to stay in Rome with kids – safe, spacious, and well-connected to the rest of the city.

• St Peter Twelve – A comfortable stay just 400m from Ottaviano Metro Station and the Vatican Museums, with easy access to top attractions, shops, and restaurants.
• Catone Luxury Rooms – Elegant and modern rooms in a prime location near the Vatican, just a short walk from Ottaviano Metro Station
• NH Collection Roma Giustiniano – A stylish hotel near the Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo, offering spacious rooms, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant.
• Hotel La Rovere – Just 650 meters from St. Peter’s Square, this hotel offers an excellent location, with some rooms featuring balconies and great views.

Testaccio – A Foodie’s Paradise & Local Roman Experience

If you want to escape the tourist crowds and experience authentic Roman life, Testaccio is the place to be. This small but vibrant neighborhood is one of the best areas for food lovers, filled with traditional trattorias, bustling markets, and local-favorite bars.

Located about a 30-45 minute walk or a 20-minute bus ride from Rome’s main attractions, Testaccio offers a more laid-back, residential vibe, where you’ll find fewer tourists and more locals going about their daily routines. The area is famous for its street food scene, as well as historic sites like the Pyramid of Cestius and the Non-Catholic Cemetery, a peaceful hidden gem.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Rome on a budget, Testaccio is a great choice. 

• Sonder Testaccio – Stylish rooms with balconies, located in a local, foodie-friendly neighborhood, just a short bus ride or a 30-minute walk to the Colosseum.
• Hotel San Anselmo – A romantic and elegant hotel set in a quiet area of Testaccio, featuring beautiful gardens and stylish rooms, perfect for a peaceful stay in Rome.
• Seven Suites – A family-friendly stay in Testaccio, just 400 meters from Porta Portese Market, offering modern and comfortable rooms in a lively local area.

Termini & Esquilino – Budget-Friendly but Not for Everyone

If you’re traveling on a tight budget, Termini & Esquilino might seem like an attractive option, as this is where you’ll find some of the cheapest accommodations in Rome. The area is home to the city’s main train station, Roma Termini, making it well-connected to the airport, metro, and other parts of Italy.

That said, you get what you pay for here. While it’s convenient, it’s not the prettiest or safest area in Rome. Due to the high number of tourists and commuters passing through daily, it can feel a bit chaotic, and the presence of homeless people in certain spots might make some travelers uncomfortable.

Would I personally recommend it? Not really. But if you’re looking for an ultra-budget stay and don’t mind the trade-offs, it’s an option. Just be mindful of your surroundings, especially at night, and choose accommodations with good reviews.

• The Liberty Boutique Hotel – A modern hotel near Termini Station
• Lumi Hotel – Brand new hotel just a short walk from the station 
• Hotel Sol Levante – 3 min walk from the station 

I hope this guide has helped you decide where to stay in Rome! Whether you’re looking for a luxury stay in Centro Storico, a trendy vibe in Monti, a foodie escape in Testaccio, or a budget-friendly option near Termini, there’s a perfect neighborhood for every type of traveler.

Rome is an incredible city with so much to offer, and where you stay can really shape your experience. No matter which area you choose, you’ll be surrounded by history, amazing food, and that unmistakable Roman charm.

Have you been to Rome before? Which neighborhood was your favorite? Let me know in the comments! And if you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it or save it for later. Buon viaggio!