This is a stylish boutique hotel with imaginatively designed rooms just off Campo de’ Fiori, one of the liveliest squares in the historic center. This year’s World’s Best Awards survey closed on March 2, just before widespread stay-at-home orders were implemented as a result of COVID-19. Thanks. If we arrive in the evening on the first night we might want to go to the Spanish Steps, the Trevi fountain, or Piazza Navona. Inside, it’s similarly striking with a collection of Picasso ceramics in the lobby, a floor of minimalist Richard Meier designed rooms, and a spectacular rooftop restaurant. Andronis Luxury Suites To get to the Amalfi Coast you’d have to get a train from Naples or Salerno, and then an onward bus. • Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com, Hotel phone: +39 06 328881 Thanks! The ivy-clad facade of this historic hotel is a landmark in central Rome. Hotel Welrome is an excellent family-run budget hotel near Termini. My wife, daughter (age 9), and myself are staying at the Hotel de Russie. All passes are valid on all forms of public transport within the city center, but not for journeys to/from the airport. It is slightly further out, though, and while that’s not a big problem – it has good bus and tram connections – you will spend more time getting around if you stay there. Entering the neighborhood from Viale di Trastevere, Via Lungaretta leads down to Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, the charming main square and a popular hangout. Cosmopolitan is in Fira and great if you want to be in the center of the action. Rome’s best hotels are located in the city center and allow to reach most of the monuments, squares and churches easily by foot. Courtesy of J.K. Place Roma, Credit: It’s a beautiful, lively part of the city packed with bars and restaurants. Thank you. These get very busy at lunchtime when the lawyers and media execs who work in the area emerge for a bite to eat. My Fiancé and I are going to Rome for 4 nights, then Athens for 3 nights, Mykonos for 4 nights, and Santorini for 4 nights for our honeymoon. 3. On the northern fringes of the historic center, Okapi Rooms is a decent bet. Spacious rooms are elegantly furnished with parquet floors and polished antique furniture. A friend recommended it and it has been so helpful. A welcoming family-run hotel with a bar and charming patio near the Colosseum. Is there any difference between these two months? Two good value hotels are the Best Western Hotel Spring House in Prati (near the Vatican) and Relais Le Clarisse in Trastevere (my favorite neighborhood in Rome). August is the traditional holiday month in Italy and many Romans leave the city for the sea or mountains. Capri is the most obvious one to drop as it requires a ferry from Naples or Sorrento (the ferries are just 30 to 60 minutes but it’s still one more thing that cuts into your time). Would you recommend basing ourselves in Rome and doing a day trip to Florence, or basing ourselves in Florence and doing a day trip to Rome? If not, which place should I take off my list? “I loved the panoramic view over Rome from the rooftop bar,” gushed one reader. With 2.5 days you’ll have enough time to cover these places, and then some. It’s just off Via Vittorio Veneto and walkable to both Villa Borghese, Rome’s most famous park, and Piazza di Spagna, home of the Spanish Steps. The hub of the action is Via del Pigneto, scene of a lively daily market, but you’ll also find bars and restaurants in many of the surrounding streets. That said, it’s well placed for the Colosseum and Forums, and there’s plenty of life in the nearby Monti neighbourhood. For example, fly into Venice and the fly out of Naples. If you plan on shopping, the summer sales generally start on the first Saturday of the month. Art-forward, non-traditional boutique hotel with an organic cafe, a stylish bar with a nightly aperitivo featuring signature cocktails, and weekly DJ sets. Once the private estate of a 17th-century prince, Rome’s most famous park is a great place to slow down and enjoy a relaxed wander. So we really have to make some beach time happen. You’ll also have no problem with museums and tours, as it’s business as usual for the city’s tourist sites. The Vatican area is an excellent place to stay. Consider overnighting at Sperlonga as it takes some effort to get to (try the Hotel Corallo in the historic centre). Clubs and nightlife are nearby. With its colorful buildings, picturesque streets and vibrant piazzas, Trastevere is one of Rome’s best-looking neighborhoods. The atmosphere quietens at night, although you’ll still find pockets of life. Down by what was Rome’s slaughterhouse but is now a contemporary arts complex, Checchino dal 1887 is a historic restaurant specializing in neighbourhood staples such as oxtail and sweetbreads. I didn’t see Hotel Artemide in Rome listed as a top on your lists, but it seems very highly rated on Trip Advisor. Enjoying a superb central location, the hotel’s traditional rooms are crowned by a panoramic rooftop terrace that’s perfect for early evening drinks. The Inn at the Roman Forum is slightly out of the main historic center, in a quiet back lane. Another classic day trip is Tivoli. Rome’s traditional cuisine developed here, and still today it’s an excellent spot for classic Roman cooking. Best Hotels in Central Rome: Definitions can vary, but all the best hotels listed below have (what I consider) a central Rome location. We have only 2 nights in Rome and really want to make the most of them. (It seemed lively while I was there but I remember one turn I took off the main street and it felt a little sketchy.) How best to get to our hotel – train, bus, or taxi? See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2020. Credit: Restaurant. Restaurant-wise, there are plenty of tourist traps around the Vatican but the nearby Prati neighbourhood (around Via Cola di Rienzo on a map) has some great restaurants and cafes – try Sciascia Caffè for some of the best coffee in town. Looking for relaxed, beer or wine bar with a local feel (but a little touristy is OK too). Want central but not chaotic. Named after the trident shape formed by the three roads that converge on Piazza del Popolo (Via di Ripetta, Via del Corso and Via del Babuino), this is a posh, touristy part of town. Well, we like to go sightseeing, go shopping, eat at good restaurants, so where should we stay and do in each place? More a luxury guesthouse than a traditional hotel, this discreet hideaway offers 14 suites in the heart of Rome’s swish shopping district. The graffiti-splayed former abattoir now houses the MACRO contemporary art gallery at the bottom of Via Galvani. The area is made for leisurely strolling and there are many captivating streets to explore, such as Via del Governo Vecchio, a handsome cobbled lane lined with fashion boutiques and vintage shops. Whether you're traveling solo or planning a family vacation, here are the 50 best places to visit in 2020. #3 Best Value of 7,691 places to stay in Rome. I read your column and appreciate your expertise in all areas. – realizing time is limited. East of Termini, San Lorenzo is a studenty area full of bars and underground clubs. (All five properties are located in the center of Rome and within walking distance of attractions like the Villa Borghese.) It’s also conveniently situated near Termini train station and Repubblica metro stop. Your best bets for the full range of prices, romantic settings and Italian delicacies reside in Trastevere and Centro Storico, a neighbourhood with favourites like Agata e Romeo and Le Sans Souci. Rooms are modern and understated, there’s a beautiful garden bar, and the hotel’s spa is one of the best in Rome. Show Prices. Both the Hotel De Russie (No. Students and trend-conscious drinkers meet at popular bars such as Fafiuché and Ai Tre Scalini, whilst tourists and in-the-know diners flock to the many excellent restaurants. Here you can visit the pope’s summer palace, the Palazzo Apostolico. If that appeals, consider Arco del Lauro, an excellent B&B in a centuries-old palazzo on a cobbled back lane. Located on quiet Elia Beach it’s 25 minutes from town by bus (hotel has a free shuttle bus). Which is the most luxurious and “special”? Hotel phone: +39 06 699340 Single tickets cover one metro trip and then as many bus or tram journeys as you want within the 100-minute time limit. Conversely, there’s no connecting road between the five minuscule village that make up the Cinque Terre. For somewhere more relaxed, the Rome Marriott would be a good bet. On line B, Colosseo serves the Colosseum. My other tip is to try to fly into and out of different cities. Some of the city’s top clubs are here, set in abandoned factories and warehouses, and a large student population ensures there’s always a buzz. A stately mansion set in the middle of Rome, this is an oasis of old-fashioned charm and calm. I want to stay in the City Center/Jewish Ghetto at the end of June. Neighbourhoods you’re likely to be looking at will be fine. Cancel free on most hotels. Here you’ll find the Colosseum, gleaming after a multi-million euro clean-up, the Forums, and the Palatine, where Romulus and Remus supposedly founded the city in 753 BC. The other day we would like to go to a beach. The elder statesman of Rome’s hotel scene, the Hassler continues to impress. 3. As well as old-school luxury and all the five-star trappings, it boasts a spectacular location at the top of the Spanish Steps, and a Michelin-starred restaurant, Imàgo. Free Wifi. As one of the countries hit first and hardest by the coronavirus, Italy has exercised caution as it gradually resumes activity after lockdown. Hi SantoriniDave, my sister and I are going to take our mum on a family holiday to Rome, thinking of spending 7 nights there. – Do you think this is a good choice for honeymooners? It gets extremely hot at Pompeii, particularly in the early afternoon, and there’s very little shade on site. For somewhere more down to earth, try Da Francesco, a popular trattoria-pizzeria in the atmospheric streets west of Piazza Navona. Another lively spot is Via del Portico d’Ottavia, the main drag in the atmospheric Jewish Ghetto. The forums and Colosseum are an easy walk away. Best Rome Hotels on Tripadvisor: Find 57 594 traveller reviews, 32,385 candid photos, and prices for hotels in Rome, Italy. We are in our late 30s and though we have both been to Italy before we have not spent any significant time in Rome. The Myconian Ambassador is the most luxurious of those 3. We have a walking tour planned on our one full day. Show Prices. Are there any good hotels near or in the Rome (Fiumicino) airport? Rooms are individually decorated with a mix of contemporary décor and original fittings, and there’s a lovely panoramic terrace. Whilst still prime tourist territory, this extensive area is less frenetic than many other parts of town. Thanks J. We know Pompeii is a full day trip but don’t mind that if it’s worth the effort. What would be your top 3 hotels? Courtesy of Hotel Hassler, Credit: Both are spectacular stretches of coastline. One day we’ll do the major attractions of Rome. An elegant boutique hotel offering stylish rooms, a quiet back street location, and its own ancient ruins – it sits over a 1st century BC tunnel. A modern design hotel near Piazza Navona, it has pretty much everything on its doorstep – sights, restaurants, bars, shops – and the surrounding area is atmospheric and lively. Whatever time you go, make sure to take bottle water and wear comfy shoes – the cobbled streets are very uneven and you’ll be doing a lot of walking. If you do have a 3rd full day then a day trip to Florence might be worth it (it’s an easy 90 minute trip by highspeed train and the train station in Florence is very central). The main difference is scale. It will be my wife, two sons (ages 10 and 12), and myself. Hotels that are so unique and beautiful that you do not want to leave your room. 2) Does one have a better location than others for seeing the sights? So we need a good inexpensive hotel near the station. Its interiors are classic with an abundance of glass chandeliers, artworks, period furniture and acres of polished marble. Near the Colosseum, the Hotel Lancelot is a friendly family-run three-star on a quiet street. I was looking at Casa De’ Fiori in Jewish Ghetto, or Hotel San Hotel San Francesco, Relais Le Clarisse, Trilussa in Travestere. That said, the nearby Monti neighborhood (within easy walking distance) is a trendy area with a bohemian village-vibe and a good selection of restaurants, bars, and cafes. We only have 3 days for this part of the trip (also spending time in Milan, Florence, and Rome) so not sure if that lends itself to one or the other. Once you’ve crossed the bridge, look left and there, at the end of Via della Conciliazione, is St Peter’s Basilica. If that doesn’t appeal, there are magical views to be had from the piazza outside. 2) Book tickets to the Uffizi and Accademia in advance on firenzemusei.it – it’ll save you frustrating (and valuable) queueing time. one hour) and then walk to the beach. Boscolo Exedra Roma Marriott And few places are as romantic as Ravello on a warm summer’s evening. There are always crowds here but don’t let that put you off. 4) Would love to be close to good restaurants. – Is the area safe? For a hotel near Termini that’s a little more upmarket, try the Hotel Columbia. Rome’s Jewish community is one of Europe’s oldest and over the centuries it has developed its own characteristic style of cooking known as cucina abraico romana. Perks include 24-hour room service, turndown service, and welcome wine for stays of 3 nights or more. Alternatively, consider a taxi. We ranked the top 71 hotels in Rome City Centre based on an unbiased analysis of awards, expert recommendations, and user ratings. About us: We are in our 70s, don’t speak Italian, budget not an issue. The area’s upmarket streets are awash with designer boutiques and flagship stores selling everything from top of the range homeware to killer heels and diamond-encrusted watches. But I prefer the location of Hotel D.O.M. We want to do some walking tours in Rome and Athens as well. Hotel website. A friendly five-star just off Via Vittorio Veneto, the Eden is walking distance from the Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese park. It’s truly one of the highlights of Europe. Any ideas? The easiest way to your hotel would be by taxi. Hotel Hassler is wonderful. The ancient ruins here are truly incredible, especially in spring when the wild flowers are out in full bloom. Your email address will not be published. It’s just off Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most famous squares, and the surrounding streets are atmospheric and full of restaurants, trattorias, and bars. It seems like every hotel is either budget or mid-range. Thanks! Are there good restaurants near the Vatican (or too touristy)? Harder to get to but worth the hassle is Sperlonga. I assume you mean Leonardo da Vinci airport (also known as Fiumicino) not the smaller Ciampino airport. A brilliant hotel in an attractive residential district. From a brief stay I had in Rome 2 years ago we’ve focused our search on Trastevere. Multi-ticket, day passes, week passes? A little way out of the center, this is a large five-star on the edge of Villa Borghese park. More interested in beauty than swimming and beaches. Hotel Raphael is a slightly more charming boutique hotel. As to what to see and do in Rome, I’d concentrate on three main areas: the Colosseum district; the Vatican; and the historic center. On our 2-day Rome itinerary, you will walk right through historic Rome. “ ... a cab for you- day or night-and they will pick you up right outside the hotel.But I think the strongest selling point of the hotel is the staff and accommodations.The hotel is a small elegant boutique property . The overall décor is traditional. Recommended stay: 3 to 5 full days. For night owls, the area is a nightlife hotspot and young party-goers swarm to the clubs on Via di Monte Testaccio. • Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com, Hotel phone: +39 06 4890 7934 And though travelers may not be able to return quite yet, the capital of Rome remains at the top of many must-visit lists. Rooms are individually styled but most come with parquet floors and traditional décor. Even with two days you’ll only be scratching the surface, but you’ll have enough time to see the big sites – the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain. See the full list: Rome Spa Resorts. I’d really appreciate it. BoutiqueHotel.me helps you find the best boutique hotels around the world. The 30-room enclave is located in Rome’s historic center, just off the Via Condotti, which puts the Trevi Fountain and glitzy boutiques of Via del Corso within a five-minute walk. First off, love your site! Earn free nights and get our Price Guarantee - booking has never been easier on Hotels.com! • Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com, Hotel phone: +39 06 854421 Hi Dave. For a place to stay, the Hotel Bramante is a lovely three-star near the Vatican walls. In the heart of the district, Piazza di Spagna buzzes throughout the day as tourists mill around the square and footsore visitors rest on the Spanish Steps. There’s the Antico Caffè Greco, the one-time haunt of Casanova and Goethe, and the Canova Tadolini, a cafe housed in the former studio of sculptor Antonio Canova. Overlooking the bus station on Piazza dei Cinquecento, the Museo Nazionale Romano: Palazzo Massimo alle Terme is one of my favorite museums in Rome. Great hotels. 5) is still a beacon of luxury at 126 years old. How do you buy subway/bus tickets? Over on the other side of Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, Via Giulia is another charming strip with its orange trees, private galleries, and discreet luxury hotels. Lastly, walking food tours are a great way to get off the beaten track in all of those places. And what highlights should we hit while in Rome? Again, you’ll find a great choice of restaurants and trattorias on your doorstep and plenty going on in the area. Required fields are marked *, Newsletter – Get all new and updated articles. Thanks. Occupying a grand 17th century palazzo near the Pantheon, the five-star Minerve is one of Rome’s longest-standing hotels. #26 Best Value of 91 Boutique Hotels in Rome “ My son and I stayed at this fabulous boutique style hotel , Where the hotel room was elegant and location perfect. Located right in the city center of Rome, this area contains a handful of the most popular sights: the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and Campo de Fiori. • Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com, Hotel phone: +39 06 478121 58,256 reviews. Lots of shops just out the door. We are in our late 20’s and are looking for a few days of tourist site seeing and then some relaxing days just hanging out and exploring. One of these is Alexanderplatz, Rome’s most famous jazz club, where big-name Italian and international musicians regularly perform. For cocktails and an A-list setting the Bar Stravinskij in the swank Hotel de Russie is hard to beat. Technically, the Vatican is a separate country – it has its own army (the Swiss Guards), its own official language (Latin), and its own king (the pope) – but in practice, it’s a neighborhood in northwest Rome. For a more relaxed drink, search out Sant’Eustachio, a cafe that serves some of the best coffee in town, or Barnum Cafe, a favorite of mine which does great cocktails. Rome is a safe city. Santorini: • Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com, Hotel phone: +39 06 4782 5204 Should we go in Rome or Naples (or both) for the best quality? Further out from the center, the Testaccio neighborhood is something of a nightlife hotspot. Much loved by rock stars – both Madonna and the Rolling Stones have stayed in recent years – it has classically styled interiors, a popular butler service, and a wonderful in-house spa. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities. Outside, the manicured gardens are a lovely place to relax. The critical time to avoid is between about 10am and 11am when the tour buses arrive and long queues form at the ticket office.