According to legend, Rome was founded by Romulus, son of the Roman god of war, in 753BC. The city and its surrounding hills, however, are amongst the oldest continuously inhabited places on earth. Perched on the banks of the River Tiber, modern-day Rome remains a city steeped in history. Astonishing landmarks — from the Colosseum to the Pantheon, the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel to the Spanish Steps — continue to dazzle visitors from across the globe. The city is lauded, too, for its exceptional food and drink scene, its upscale boutiques, and its plethora of sophisticated hotels. Whether you’re dreaming of a lavish honeymoon or looking forward to touring Italy with family and friends, our guide to the best boutique hotels in Rome is the perfect starting point.
Monti Show the map
12 rooms 
Monti Show the map
15 rooms 
Spagna Show the map
7 rooms 
Navona Show the map
7 rooms 
Colosseum Show the map
19 rooms 
Spagna Show the map
24 rooms 
Spagna Show the map
29 rooms 
Pantheon Show the map
29 rooms 
Spagna Show the map
4 rooms 
Trevi Show the map
11 rooms 
Pantheon Show the map
6 rooms 
Spagna Show the map
5 rooms 
Spagna Show the map
6 rooms 
Navona Show the map
10 rooms 
Spagna Show the map
5 rooms 
Aventino Show the map
11 rooms 
Spagna Show the map
30 rooms 
Spagna Show the map
14 rooms 
Rome Show the map
36 rooms 
Spagna Show the map
33 rooms 
Pantheon Show the map
12 rooms 
Monti Show the map
25 rooms 
Spagna Show the map
5 rooms 
Spagna Show the map
7 rooms 
Spagna Show the map
34 rooms The mere mention of Rome conjures up visions of crumbling stone marvels, ancient squares, and beautifully painted sites of worship. Chic gourmet restaurants, designer boutiques, star-studded events and sumptuous places to stay abound, too.
Immerse yourself in Rome’s ancient past at the Roman Forum, the Pantheon and the Colosseum. Vast squares, lined with thrumming cafés and boutiques, are ideal for a coffee or a gelato in the sunshine. We’d recommend Piazza Navona, the beautiful-but-crowded Piazza de Trevi with its legendary fountain, and elegant Piazza del Popolo. Don’t miss the nearby Spanish Steps, nor Villa Borghese, with its manicured gardens and impressive art collection.
Rome is bursting with museums. Art aficionados will be fascinated by the Capitoline Museums, the frescoed Castel Sant’Angelo and the Baroque Palazzo Barberini in particular. You’ll find independent galleries in Monti and Campo Marzio, as well as stylish boutiques showcasing Italian designers. Speak to the team at your hotel for top-notch event recommendations, as well as insights into the neighbourhood’s best restaurants and bars. There’s always something new to discover in Rome!
Just across the Tiber, tours of the Vatican are marvellous. Peer into Saint Peter’s Basilica, wander through the Vatican Museums, and admire Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel in the Apostolic Palace. This is one of the most-visited sites in the world, and just one of the Eternal City’s many wonders.
First-time travellers will want to stay in Rome’s Centro Storico. There are many distinctive neighbourhoods — called ‘rioni’ — in this part of the city. The area around the Pantheon and Tor di Nona is particularly popular, with live music and chic bars as well as historic sites. Expect fewer public transport links and a busy atmosphere.
There are wonderful hotels in the streets around the Spanish Steps and upscale Campo Marzio, too. Again, don’t be surprised if this area is bustling and loud during the summer months.
Closer to the Tiber River, the pastel-lined streets of Monti feel appealingly creative, with hip cafés, galleries and boutiques. This was a less wealthy part of the city, though it now boasts some terrific hotels.
Seekers of a more tranquil residential experience will adore Aventine Hill. This is also the best area in Rome to park if you’re travelling by car.
Cross the Tiber River for yet more green spaces and fewer crowds. A couple of our favourite family-friendly hotels are in colourful Trastevere, which offers great traditional restaurants, bars and cafés. Bridges connect this neighbourhood to the city centre, and you’re well-placed for visiting Vatican City.
Rome brims with beautiful boutique hotels, often clustered close to particular landmarks such as Piazza del Popolo, the Trevi Fountain and the Villa Borghese Gardens. Many such hotels are housed in converted mansions or private palaces, once home to prosperous Italian families. Some have since been bought and transformed into five-star spots by hotel groups, others are independently run by the families who have owned them for generations. In either case, visitors can expect striking period features, including high ceilings, big windows and stone or polished wooden floors. The best boutique hotels have individually decorated guest rooms with sink-into beds, opulent textiles and gorgeous city views. Amenities often include rooftop bars, sumptuous spas, chic restaurants and inviting shared lounges with extensive art collections. Rome has long been popular with discerning travellers, and it’s easy to understand why!
Italy
