8 of the best Roman hotels

Steeped in history and filled with cultural treasures, Rome needs little introduction. The Italian capital is one of the most visited destinations in the world: a place of ruins, palazzi and piazzas. Yet, for a long time, its hotel scene couldn’t quite match the city’s grandeur. Besides a few trusted names, many of the Eternal City’s accommodations felt a bit stale.  

Not so today. The past few years have seen a new breed of hip, design-centric hotels opening across the city, all as attention-worthy as the sights. From elevated abodes to impeccably stylish hideaways, here’s our curated selection of the best hotels in Rome for every type of traveller.

For a luxe retreat with a side of wellness

Six Senses Rome

Six Senses is a name you’d usually associate with resort destinations like Fiji or Thailand. The Roman branch is the sustainable wellness brand’s first urban hotel – a light-drenched retreat set in a former palazzo near the Pantheon. Architecture aficionados will love the sleek design – think interiors decorated with muted travertine crossed with a jungle of greenery in the common areas – while R&R enthusiasts will appreciate the well-appointed spa. With a yoga studio, indoor plunge pools and beautiful treatment rooms, this is the spot to unwind – Rome’s most gorgeous city sanctuary for both body and mind. 

For fashion types and style-savvy travellers

Bulgari Hotel Roma  

Another newcomer to Rome’s hotel scene, Bulgari Hotel Roma is where well-heeled shopaholics stay – thanks, in part, to its proximity to Via Condotti and Piazza di Spagna, the city’s main hotspots for luxury shopping.

Sitting across from the Mausoleum of Augustus, the hotel occupies the former headquarters of the Italian social security agency. Once inside, you’ll be welcomed by impeccable interiors and museum-worthy art pieces that pay homage to Roman art and Italy’s craftsmanship, from a marble sculpture of emperor Augustus dating to 1 B.C. to handblown Murano lamps and handmade tiles from Friuli. The 110 rooms are equally as curated, with custom mosaic roundels and other comforts.

For hip groups of friends

W Rome  

With its high-energy atmosphere and love of a good party, the W brand has long been a favourite among the young and fashionable, and its Roman outpost shares that same vibe.  

The hotel, housed in a gorgeous palazzo, strikes the perfect balance of elevated and exuberant, with details like monogrammed pillows and marble bathrooms juxtaposed against bold artworks and statement decor. The common areas – a stylish rooftop with one of Rome’s best plunge pools and a greenery-filled courtyard – are the places to see and be seen so pull up a chair and grab an aperitivo.

For a fun, colourful vacation

Mama Shelter  

If you’re into characterful design and playful aesthetics, Mama Shelter is the hotel for you. Located near the upscale neighbourhood of Prati, the property is as eclectic as it gets. Guests can expect funky prints, a loud and colourful palette, and plenty of pop references. There are also cheeky nods to Rome’s past in the form of faux-ancient decor plus ping pong tables and bocce balls scattered throughout the common areas, in case you feel inclined to play.

Rooms are more toned down when it comes to hues and design details, while co-working spaces, a slew of different dining options and a delightfully flamboyant spa, Mama Bath, ensure you’ve got everything you need for an unforgettable stay.

For a boutique experience

Casa Monti  

One of Rome’s oldest and most beautiful districts, Monti is filled with artisan workshops and elegant ateliers. It also counts the city’s most exquisite boutique hideaway among its gems – Casa Monti. This 26-room, 10-suite property feels more like an artist’s residence than a traditional hotel, thanks to a clever mix of antiques, commissioned artworks and beautifully curated materials. Whimsical and welcoming are the keywords here, with rooms that are tastefully appointed and bright. Common areas feature botanical murals, while their small but mighty spa impresses guests with Susanne Kaufmann products.

For evergreen high-glam hospitality

Hotel de Russie

A stalwart of Roman hospitality, Hotel de Russie is the epitome of high-class hôtellerie and one of the city’s finest stays. Just steps away from Piazza del Popolo, this is the place to book if you’re after classic interiors and old-fashioned, five-star service, which starts with top-hatted doormen at the entrance and continues with razor-sharp attention to detail across the property.

The 120 rooms and suites are opulent but never stuffy, while the Stravinskij Bar and the Le Jardin restaurant nestled in the greenery-shrouded courtyard are two of the city’s most glamorous spots to unwind in after a long day.

For a retro-inspired Roman holiday

Hotel Locarno

Hotel Locarno has a lot going for it. It’s in a prime location, has reasonable rates and boasts a boutique vibe that feels like you’re visiting your most sophisticated friend. But the real winning card for this hotel might be its decor. Blending an Art Nouveau architectural style with Art Deco fixtures, the whole property wouldn’t be out of place on a classic Italian movie set, making it one of the Rome’s most inspired hotels. No two spaces are the same, and with bespoke experiences like mixology courses at the hotel’s famous bar or sightseeing in a vintage Fiat 500, you’ll really be transported to a different era.

For couples looking for an affordable, stylish stay 

The Fifteen Keys  

Another great gem if you’re seeking chic yet affordable accommodation in Rome, The Fifteen Keys is housed in a former townhouse and is pretty much the opposite, design-wise, of Hotel Locarno, but just as cool. While Hotel Locarno is baroque and extravagant, this property is dressed in a pared-back style, with each of its 15 rooms kitted out with sleek furnishings and modern pops of colour. Its great location in Monti, the romantic inner courtyard and perks like in-room massages make it an excellent choice for couples who like to mix an evening out with a relaxing night in.