Many first-time travelers to Rome panic over where to book their hotel. I get it, Rome is huge and confusing and especially if you have never been, it’s intimidating. Like for every big city, wondering about the safety, moving around, and distances is normal. This is why having an idea about where to stay in Rome first time is necessary.
Rome is quite the touristy destination, so well organized to welcome visitors from around the world. But if you get the wrong neighborhood, your holiday might not be as smooth as you would like it to be.
If you are looking for an area where to stay in Rome on your first trip to the city ever, I suggest, in fact, opting for more central areas. This way, you will have a better chance of finding English-speaking locals and staff in hotels and restaurants.
Let’s find out the best areas to stay in Rome for the first time and some of their best hotels.
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Where to book your hotel in Rome first time
Centro Storico
This is probably the most popular option when looking for the best area to stay in Rome first time. It’s right in the heart of everything, close to all the most famous landmarks from the Pantheon to the Spanish Steps to the Trevi Fountain, or at least the attractions first-time visitors would usually include in their itinerary.
Adding to that, it’s also well served by public transport, whether it’s buses, metro, and trams, the main train stations are easy to reach, it’s easy to find a taxi, and let’s face it, it won’t take long to find a place to eat.
Where to stay in Rome’s Centro Storico for the first time? Best hotels
- High-end. Hotel De Russie, St. Regis Roma, Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese, Harry’s Bar Trevi Hotel & Restaurant, Hotel Splendide Royal, Palazzo Ripetta, ROMEO Roma, The First Arte, Hotel Indigo Rome – St. George.
- Boutique/4-star. Palazzo Nainer, Lunetta Hotel, Ripetta Natural Suites, G55 Design Hotel.
- Mid-range. Relais Luxury Corso, The Spanish Suite – Piazza di Spagna, Suites Rome, SuiteSistina for Brave Lovers, Trevi Collection Hotel.
- B&B/guesthouse. Domus Giulia, MyNavona, Navona Comfort Rooms.
- Apartments. Babuino 79 Holiday Apartments, Puro Suite Frezza, Spagna Apartment – Alta Luxury Apartments.
Monti
This is a close contestant with the historic center because it’s the neighborhood next to the Colosseum and the main archaeological ruins. Plus, it’s also close to the Centro Storico.
Monti is quite touristy and really packed with apartments, B&Bs and hotels of all types. You will also find a large choice of restaurants and all kinds of eateries.
Even though the traffic is consistent, walking around Monti is pleasant because it’s a very ancient quarter, so you will be breathing history around every corner.
Where to stay in Rome’s Monti for the first time? Best hotels
- High-end. Palazzo Manfredi, Rhinoceros, Roma Luxus Hotel, Casa Monti Roma, NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali
- Boutique/4-star. Palm Suite, Hotel 77 Seventy-Seven – Maison D’Art Collection, Duca d’Alba Hotel – Chateaux & Hotels Collection
- Mid-range. Hotel Fori Imperiali, Hotel Centro Cavour Roma, Hotel Romano
- B&B/guesthouse. Cibele Bed&Breakfast, B&B La finestra sul Colosseo, Cardilli Luxury Rooms
- Apartments. Panoramic Apartment, Casa Monti.
If you are looking for a great Colosseum tour, check out my top selection of the best ones
Near the Vatican
The districts around the Vatican are fantastic for booking your hotel if it’s your first trip to Rome. I used the plural because there are actually three neighborhoods I would consider if you are not familiar with the city.
These are Aurelio, just behind the Vatican towards Stazione San Pietro train station, Prati, right on the other side towards the river, and Trionfale, next to the Vatican Museums. Everywhere here you will find plenty of hotels of all types and especially in the Prati area, great restaurants and great shops if you wish to do some window shopping or buy some gifts.
These neighborhoods are obviously perfect to reach the Vatican landmarks but from here, it’s also very easy to get to the historic center either on foot or using public transport. Between Trionfale and Prati areas, in fact, are three metro stops on the A line, Cipro, Ottaviano and Lepanto, while the Aurelio neighborhood is served by train (the aforementioned Stazione S. Pietro) and several buses.
Where to stay near the Vatican for the first time? Best hotels
- High-end. The First Musica.
- Boutique/4-star. Hotel della Conciliazione, Hotel Vespasiano, Orazio Palace Hotel, Le Meridien Visconti Roma.
- Mid-range. Eccelso Hotel, Hotel Relais dei Papi, Hotel Paolo II, Hotel S. Anna.
- B&B/guesthouse. B&B A Casa di Nancy, Room Inn Vatican, St. Peter Six Rooms & Suites, Pope’s Suites.
- Apartments. Roman Suite, San Pietro Happy Home, C M Civitas Leonina Luxury.
Do you wish to gain more knowledge and insight into the Vatican rather than just wandering around?
Discover these top Vatican tours!
Trastevere
Where to stay in Rome’s Trastevere for the first time? Best hotels
- High-end. Villa Agrippina – Gran Meliá
- Boutique/4-star. Horti 14 Borgo Trastevere Hotel, Loly Boutique Hotel Roma, Donna Camilla Savelli – VRetreats
- Mid-range. Residenza San Calisto, Hotel Santa Maria, Hotel San Francesco
- B&B/guesthouse. Paola A Trastevere, SuitInn19, Giuditta in Trastevere, Maison Romana Trastevere Suites, Villa Matissa
- Apartments. Casa in Trastevere, Loft Trastevere, Stranamore Apartments Trastevere.
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