Rome is a city where time and progress sometimes appear frozen due to the abundance of historical buildings. The old palazzos in Rome that were originally built for nobles and aristocrats are now the new luxury boutique hotel accommodation in the Italian capital. Check out our selection of the best boutique hotels in Rome.
Best Areas to Stay in Rome
You could easily spend three days or three months in Rome! Classical ruins and early Christian places of worship stand next to – or sometimes lie beneath – Renaissance palazzos and Baroque fountains.
Rome suits the independent traveler looking for a stylish and small place to stay with slews of character and bags of charm down to a tee. There are many Luxury Hotels in Largo Angelicum, in the Monti district, the beating heart of Rome. It’s an excellent location, where you can lose yourself, discovering among the vintage and artisan shops.
A walking distance crossroads between the Colosseum, Roman Forum and the joyful Roman nightlife is Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland). This area is an ideal place to enjoy your weekend in Rome and a convenient place for getting around the historical sites on foot or on public transport.
When to visit Rome
If you want decent weather, you should aim to visit Rome between April and September when it is warmest. However, it is also mild enough to visit Rome in winter. Remember that the Vatican will get extremely busy around religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter. You may or may not want to avoid those times depending on whether you are taking a religious pilgrimage at a Holy time or not.
But what are the best boutique hotels in Rome?
Nerva Boutique Hotel Rome
If you are looking for something good value for money, check out the Nerva Boutique Hotel Rome. It’s truly Italian experience from the decor to the fresh breakfast ingredients. The decor consists of bold bursts of colour with carefully chosen and complimenting artwork.
Nerva Boutique Hotel Rome is located in the heart of Rome’s Historical Centre, between the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia. It’s easy to walk to all of the historical attractions. A chauffeur drive Mercedes is on hand should you need a driver to whisk you away to some of the sites in style!
Liberty Boutique Hotel Rome
The Liberty Boutique Hotel Rome is an upmarket hotel with sleek rooms and a fabulous rooftop bar.
Set in a grand building, Liberty Boutique Hotel is a 9-minute walk from Termini train station, 3 km from The Colosseum and 5 km from the Trevi Fountain.
A little further out than some of the other boutique hotels that we have recommended, but it has the added advantage of being in a quieter neighbourhood.
Babuino 181 Luxury Suites
For high end Luxury, go for the Babuino 181 Luxury Suites, located just 1km away from the Trevi fountain. You get free WiFi with your room and pets are allowed, so you can bring your dog. Breakfast is available for an additional fee. The rooftop terrace features a cocktail bar and amazing city views.
Palazzo Navona Hotel
The Palazzo Navona Hotel is in the heart of Rome, with views of historic architecture from the roof terrace.
The hotel is clean and modern, with outstanding staff hospitality. It’s just a few steps from one of the the most fascinating places of Baroque Rome.
The Fifteen Keys Boutique Hotel Rome
The Fifteen Keys Hotel boasts minimalism and block colour, with a hint of Italian 1950’s glamour. It’s a converted 5 story palazzo which has now become 15 elegant hotel rooms.
Suite Sistina
The Romantic Suite Sistina is perfect for a couples getaway due to it’s romantic touches including in-room jacuzzis, silk sheets and circular beds.
You can arrange breakfast in bed and couples massages. It’s located just a stones throw from the Spanish steps and so perfect for historical sightseeing.
The Kolbe Hotel
The Kolbe Hotel has over 70 functional rooms, many housed in a 15th Century Convent. Other rooms overlook the olive garden and internal courtyard. The Kolbe celebrates Roman history through it’s decor, including exposed original arches and a Roman centurion costume in the lobby!
G-Rough Rome
G-Rough Rome, near Piazza Navona is a 17th Century Palazzo that has been stripped back to expose original features, which has then been combined with spacious and luxurious design. This boutique Italian hotel is kitted out with gorgeous Italian pieces from the 1930s to the 1950s, as well as high tech essential for a luxury stay (iPod docks, Wide Screen TV, Wi-Fi and coffee-makers).
The gold ornate bathrooms are certainly a highlight of any stay at the G-Rough.
Gabriele & Guendalina Salini wanted G-Rough to be perceived as a widespread art gallery. Head to the gallery on the 5th floor, which used to be used as a meeting place for Gabriele and his local artist and artisan friends. Gabriele (known as G-Rough himself!) prefers G-Rough to be seen as a house or home rather than a hotel.
G-Rough is pet friendly and welcomes pooches. Upgrade for extra space with a kitchenette or furnished balcony.
Portrait Roma
For pure 5* luxury in Rome, stay at Portrait Roma. This plush all-suite Italian hotel is just 3-minutes walk from a metro station and around 13 minutes’ walk from the shops and cafes at Piazza Navona.
The suites offer all the high tech that you need for a luxury stay, including flat screen TV, Wi-Fi and Blue Tooth speakers. You won’t be short of room, with your kitchenette, seating area and furnished terrace. If you are lucky enough to bag the penthouse, you will also have your own private fitness suite and sauna.
The complimentary breakfast is served in your room, or on a rooftop lounge that has astounding city views. It’s owned by the Ferragamo family, and so high end fashion is not out of reach!
Tasting Italian Cuisine in Rome
There are also, great neighbourhood trattorias, quirky shops, and a buzzing aperitivo scene in the Italian capital. Typical and delicious restaurants and small luxury Hotels are located in Trastevere area and also near Vaticano. In this area many restaurants offer a set menu with a traditional Italian main course (pasta) Tonnarelli cacio e pepe. If you like seafood and fish, go for seppie and piselli. If you prefer meat for your main, a delicious dish is “animelle fritte”. Very authentic restaurants are normally only able to offer seasonal ingredients in their dishes!
Further Reading
Read these articles on where to stay in Rome and what is the best place to stay in Rome for further information. If you are taking a European road trip, check out this variety of routes from London to Rome.
You might also like to read about 5 Star Hotels in Venice Italy and The Best Places to Stay in Sicily