Where to Stay

The 'Eternal City' holds a fascination for young people, tourists, businessmen, pilgrims and anyone in search of history, art, culture, business and entertainment. This means that Rome's tourist season remains uninterrupted all year round and despite the ample choice of hotels, it is not always easy to find a room at the last minute, so make sure to book at least a couple of weeks in advance.

The majority of the luxury and five-star hotels can be found in the centro storico (historic centre). Naturally, they are as elegant and refined as their ancient surroundings, but with an efficiency and courtesy that is modern and unobtrusive. There are several excellent hotels on fashionable Via Veneto including the Ambasciatori Palace, the Hotel Majestic, the Westin Excelsior and the Eden. All of these hotels served as sets in Federico Fellini's film La Dolce Vita. The exclusive Bernini Bristol looks onto the attractive Tritone fountain, while the Hassler Villa Medici, at the top of the Trinita' dei Monti steps, is a constant destination for the international jet-set. Unforgettable for their luxury and sheer class are the Parco dei Principi, the De La Ville, the Grand Hotel Plaza (with its warm turn-of-the century feel), and the Grand Hotel de la Minerve at the Pantheon. If you need tranquillity but appreciate nature and greenery, then you may prefer the Lord Byron, which is also particularly suited to the needs of businessmen and women. Generally classed in the four-star category are the small but very elegant hotels, often housed in old palaces, with well-kept and welcoming common rooms. Some even have balconies with views of the city, or well-tended gardens that are pleasant to relax in during the summer. Of particular note amongst the 'four stars' are the Valadier in Piazza del Popolo, the D'Inghilterra and the Dei Borgognoni near the lively Piazza di Spagna.

The most popular three-star hotels are those that are situated around Campo dei Fiori (the district of the young and the wealthy), full of charming little piazzas with interesting nooks and crannies. Here you will find the Hotel Teatro di Pompeo and the Albergo del Sole. At Aventino (an oasis of peace amongst gardens, cloisters and attractive churches) you will find the comfortable Domus Aventina. If you are fascinated by ancient Rome, then the Bolivar and the Richmond (with their unique views over the imperial forums), will make your stay even more magical.

Many of the traditional pensioni (bed and breakfasts), are privately run and manage to maintain a simple and friendly atmosphere. This makes them preferable to the big hotels, especially for prolonged stays. There are lots of pensioni to be found around the main railway station, Stazione Termini, like the Grifo. In Trastevere, the capital's most lively and colourful area, you will find La Cisterna.