The best Rome hotels – 8 boutique stays in the Italian capital - Livingetc.com

The Italian capital of Rome has been a source of fascination for centuries and as our round-up of the best Rome hotels showcases, we don't think there's anywhere more charming for a culture-soaked getaway. Whether it's a romantic weekend to gaze at the ceiling at the Sistine Chapel or hiring a Vespa and whizzing around the historic lanes with friends, there's a side of Rome to suit everyone.

From its great monuments - the Colosseum, St Peter's Basilica, and the Pantheon - to the beauty of its cobblestone backstreets and historic sidewalk cafés, the city is a sumptuous feast for the senses. And where you choose to spend the night should reflect this historic beauty, so we've explored the best hotels in Rome, from the well-known haunts offered by our favorite chains, to the hidden gems that are filled with chic interior inspiration as well as being a comfy spot to rest your head.

Wrap around red sofas and eclectic accessories in the lounge area at The Hoxton Rome

(Image credit: Hoxton Hotel Rome)

1. The Hoxton Hotel, Parioli

The hipster Shoreditch hotel does Rome in true Hoxton style

Specifications

Book: £137 for a large double bedroom

Address: Largo Benedetto Marcello, 220, 00198 Roma RM, Italy

Reasons to buy

+15 minute drive from Fiumicino Airport+High-end style under £150+Interconnected rooms available

Reasons to avoid

-It's not the most central location, a 30-minute walk from Rome's main attractions-Located on a busy main arterial road

The Hoxton Rome, the 10th hotel in The Hoxton portfolio, is located in the affluent area of Parioli. It's the brand's first foray in Italy and boasts interiors by Fettle Design referencing vintage Italian cinema. Guests are welcomed into a large modernist lobby flowing with natural light and a curved coffee bar and café - a destination for both locals and travelers.

A great base for seeing the city the hotel is easy walking distance of the big sights of Rome and beautiful Villa Borghese gardens. 192 bedrooms are spread across six different room categories, all with comfortable beds, parquet floors, and modern bathrooms.

A wood panelled bedroom with luxurious details at The Hoxton Rome

(Image credit: Hoxton Hotel Rome)

The rooms come in six sizes – from 'Shoebox' to 'Biggy' and draw inspiration from the nostalgic interiors of classic Italian cinema featuring rich timber wall paneling, bespoke statement headboards, and an eclectic mix of furniture, while some larger guest rooms also feature Murano glass chandeliers reclaimed from the building.

The bar at The Hoxton Rome

(Image credit: Hoxton Hotel Rome)

The hotel's café and aperitivo bar Cugino is run in collaboration with local restaurant and micro-bakery Marigold. During the day, Cugino serves pastries, breakfast, brunch, and lunch, and transforms into a cocktail spot in the evenings, with a cocktail menu curated by Simone de Luca (previously of Soho House).


An ornate bedroom with a canopy bed at Residenza Napoleone III

(Image credit: Residenza Napoleone III)

2. Residenza Napoleone III, Centro

A luxury bed and breakfast in a 16th Century Palazzo

Specifications

Book: Double rooms from £574

Address: Via della Fontanella di Borghese, 56, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Reasons to buy

+Silent air-conditioning to ensure a good night's sleep+Stunning views of Rome from the Roof Garden Suite

Reasons to avoid

-The Napoleone Suite's bathroom and kitchenette are less spacious

Like stepping deliciously back in time, Residenza Napoleone III located within the 16th century Palazzo Ruspoli on Rome's legendary Via Condotti. It offers three spacious, opulent, and elegantly decorated apartments which have been restored to their original 1830s splendor. Decorated in silk wallpaper and tapestries, oil paintings, and draped canopy beds each apartment is updated with modern amenities like Bulgari bath products, iPod docks, and Nespresso machines.

It is the perfect place spot for honeymoons, romantic stays, family trips, or for those seeking a truly unique experience in Rome.

A dressing room with antique artwork at Residenza Napoleone III

(Image credit: Residenza Napoleone III)

The apartments can be mixed and matched according to requirements and sleep up to nine people in total. The main Napoleone III suite consists of three large, lavishly opulent sitting rooms – and an enormous bedroom. To make a three or four-bedroom apartment, families can choose to add the 'Cosy Blue Room' to the package, which is accessed via a wooden staircase.

The rooms are equipped with kitchenettes but a fresh, organic breakfast is on offer served on Bulgari silverware. All guests receive a welcome pack with fresh fruit and a bottle of Chianti produced on the Ruspoli family's Tuscan estate.

Breakfast on the charming terrace at Residenza Napoleone III

(Image credit: Residenza Napoleone III)

Separate from the main suite, the Roof Garden Suite which can sleep up to three people is an intimate refuge surrounded by greenery and 360-degree views over the domes and rooftops of central Rome.


The eclectic hotel lounge area with Neon love sign at Mama Roma

(Image credit: Mama Shelter Rome)

3. Mama Shelter, Prati

A high energy stay with plenty of playful touches

Specifications

Book: From £120

Address: Via Luigi Rizzo, 20, 00136 Roma, Italy

Reasons to buy

+Boasts a must-experience modern version of Roman baths+Close proximity to three metros+Family friendly

Reasons to avoid

-Maximalist interiors not for the faint hearted!-Breakfast not included

Located in the Prati district on the banks of the River Tiber, this 217-property from the Mama Shelter group, a family-founded company disrupting the hotel scene with its eccentric, fun, and accessible approach to hospitality.

The hotel features a bold and energetic design throughout with Neon signs, mosaic floors, maximalist textiles, and walls adorned with geometric artwork by graphic artist Beniloys. The hotel is also home to the brand's first-ever spa, complete with an indoor swimming pool, sauna, hammam, and fitness center.

An eclectic double bedroom at A playful white bathroom with yellow borders at Mama Shelter Rome

(Image credit: Mama Shelter Rome)

Spread over six floors, Mama Roma's guest rooms have been conceived by the group's in-house design team, Mama Design Studio. All rooms boast a king-size bed, a 55" smart TV, and organic bath products from the French cosmetic brand Absolution. Mama Shelter's signature masks of cartoon characters such as Spiderman and Darth Vader hang on bedside lampshades, bringing the brand's playful character to the private quarters.

The colourful spa and pool at Mama Shelter Rome

(Image credit: Mama Shelter Rome)

Traditional Roman cuisine makes up the varied menu of the Mama Roma restaurants, including delicious wood oven pizzas and Mama's international signature dishes. The hotel also boasts a magnificent rooftop an island bar and glorious views of the city and St. Peter's dome.  


The striking dining room with blue toile wallpaper at Hotel de la Ville

(Image credit: Hotel de la Ville, Rome)

4. Rocco Forte Hotel De La Ville, Centro

Trompe L'Oeil interiors and secret courtyards in the heart of the city

Specifications

Book: Double rooms from £430

Address: Via Sistina, 69 Rome, Lazio, 00187 Italy

Reasons to buy

+Ideally situated near iconic monuments and piazzas+Incredible spa with a plunge pool, steam room, and sauna+Boasts an enchanting courtyard, a hidden retreat away from the bustling city

Reasons to avoid

-Holiday periods are very busy book well in advance-Street-facing rooms have more noise from urban traffic-Luxury comes with a price tag

Boasting a fantastic location at the top of the Spanish Steps and with dazzling interiors by designer Tommaso Ziffer and Olga Polizzi, Hotel De La Ville is the latest opening in the expanding empire of Rocco Forte Hotels.

An extravagant yet contemporary Grand Tour theme informs the decor of the hotel's 100-plus rooms and suites which comprise of three renovated historic palazzi joined to make one larger complex. This lends ample space for a number of indoor and open-air lounges, bars, and eateries, an enormous spa, impeccably fitted out gym and a vast enclosed courtyard with space for dining and lounging.

A grand seating area with yellow walls and black and white frescos

(Image credit: Hotel De La Ville, Rome)

The elegant rooms and suites offer views of Via Sistina or the hotel courtyard many with private balconies, while each bathroom has a walk-in shower complete with state-of-the-art speakers and Irene Forte Skincare amenities.

The rooms weave together the extravagant style of the 18th Century with a contemporary touch. Handmade wallpaper from designers Rubelli and Dedar and rich Italian fabrics and tapestries from Zardi & Zardi sit alongside antique-inspired elements created using new technologies like digitally printed mosaics and laser-cut wall coverings.

A smart monochrome dining room at the hotel

(Image credit: Hotel De La Ville, Rome)

The culinary offering at Hotel de la Ville is overseen by Michelin-starred chef Fulvio Pierangelini, who has created a delicious Mediterranean menu at the main restaurant, overlooking the hotel's elegant courtyard. In the Lobby Lounge & Bistro, traditional Italian fare is on offer, while at the Rooftop Bar guests can enjoy inventive cocktails alongside incredible views.


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