B&R Experience Designer for Italy, Christina Cain, shares her selection of the best hotels in Rome.
Home of the country’s largest international airport, almost every journey you take to Italy will include a stop in Rome, and if it doesn’t—it should. The Eternal City is the type of place where you could use a few extra sets of eyes, with head-turning marvels around every corner.
No matter your taste or budget, the city is brimming with accommodation options for everyone, from super-luxe 5-star hotels to charming boutique properties. Here are the top ones I’ve visited during my recent research trip to Italy.
The Best 5-star Hotels in Rome
Hotel de la Ville
This hotel sits on a quiet yet centrally located road. Rooms are spacious with a classy design, and the lobby and common spaces are tastefully appointed.
Hotel de la Ville is part of the Rocco Forte portfolio, a luxury brand that I work with throughout Italy. They often take over historical buildings and transform them into elegant, luxurious and comfortable hotels with top-notch service.
Palazzo Manfredi
This luxurious hotel is all about the views. Sitting directly in front of the Colosseum, most of the rooms give way to breathtaking snapshots of Rome’s most iconic monument.
Large windows (some floor to ceiling) and the furniture placement allow the sight of the Colosseum to be the masterpiece upon entering. The hotel also boasts an excellent Michelin Star restaurant with an open terrace and recently opened an outdoor bar. Even if you don’t end up staying, definitely make a stop at the bar to soak up the sights!
JK Place Roma
Pure modern class, the JK Place Roma offers just the right mix of antique furniture with bold colours in their spacious suites, which feature both a sitting area and bedroom. Expect carpeted rooms with marble edgings, wooden walls and frames and poster beds. Classic and deluxe rooms offer small balconies. You’ll find this hotel just south of Villa Borghese and east of the river.
Hotel Vilon
Hotel Vilon is the restoration of a house annexed to Palazzo Borghese, the former homestead of one of Italy’s noble families. It’s hidden away from the city bustle on a quiet road but still in a great location. Sophisticated Art Deco interior design and timeless architecture lend to the property’s unique character and charm.
Holy Deer San Lorenzo City Lodge
Located right next to the Church of Sant’Agnese and overlooking the romantic Via dell’Anima and Piazza Navona, Holy Deer San Lorenzo is as luxurious as it gets right in the heart of Rome. With its Baroque frescoes, glitzy gold accents and an ornate spiral staircase, the master bedroom was designed for Pope Innocent X and has been refurbished as one of the most elaborate stays in the entire city. The hotel’s music room, library and study adds a distinct 17th c. charm that’s intertwined with 21st c. modern luxury—pure extravagance.
The Best Boutique Hotels in Rome
Margutta 19
Sitting on a charming road in the heart of Rome, opt for this small, luxury boutique hotel if you’re looking for spacious suites and an abundant breakfast buffet without breaking the bank. Margutta 19 is a steal for the amount of space and elegant style. The Garden suites offer more privacy while still having the convenience of being in the main building. Although their Margutta 54 and courtyard studios often have a lower price tag, take note that they are not situated in the main building (they are just up the road) and don’t have 24/7 reception like the other rooms do.
The First Roma Arte
A small, boutique hotel near palazzo del Popolo showcasing contemporary artwork. Find simple and causal décor peppered with modern art throughout the rooms and common spaces.
