- Georgina D'Angelo
The Best Place to Stay in Rome for First Timers
Updated: 3 days ago
Are you planning a vacation to Rome? I'm here to help you plan the trip of your dreams! I fell in love with Rome, Italy and I want to help you find the magic of this city too. There is an endless amount of activities to do, sites to see, restaurants to eat at , and...places to stay.
So, you might be wondering where to stay in Rome for first timers. We'll take a look at the best hotels and coolest Airbnbs in Rome in this article. Every area of this city is unique and offers a slightly different experience, so finding the best can be hard!
Accommodation can be stressful to find when traveling as it really makes or breaks a vacation. You do not want to leave this task for last as many places fill up quickly and you'll be left with very few options.
I've stayed in several places in Rome and narrowed it down to my favorite, the ones I'll always recommend to travelers. So let's dive into the best areas in Rome for first timers and the best hotels and Airbnbs in those areas.
Before You Book Your Stay in Rome
To help make your trip to Rome the best possible, here are some helpful travel tips. Rome is an incredible city full of rich history, breathtaking monuments, and absolutely amazing food. Enjoy your stay and have fun exploring Italy's capital!
Know Before You Go: Understand Italy's customs a little better with these first trip to Italy suggestions.
What to Do: Plan your visit with the best things to do in Rome.
Transportation: Get around Rome or travel around Italy by train; it's cheap and reliable.
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The Best Place to Stay in Rome for First Timers
If you're visiting Rome for the first time, finding the best place to stay will help make your trip the best possible. But Rome is a very big city so how do you know where to look?
After enjoying multiple stays in Rome, I found the best areas to stay, as well as the best hotels and Airbnbs in those areas. Appio-Latino, Trastevere, Trevi, and Monti are the neighborhoods in Rome I suggest you stay in if you're visiting for the first time.
They all have budget to mid-tier accommodation options, and they're all safe and close to many popular monuments. I've stayed in all these areas in Rome with my partner or my parents and we had a great time in each.
Appio-Latino Area: This is on the southern end of Rome. Appio-Latino is slightly further from famous monuments like the Colosseum, but it's a nice quiet neighborhood with high-quality, cheaper accommodation options.
Trastevere Area: On the western side of Rome, across the River Tiber, you'll find Trastevere. This neighborhood is slightly closer to many monuments than Appio-Latino, but the prices are just ever so higher as well. Both Trastevere and Appio-Latino will make you feel like a local living in Rome; they're not very touristy.
Trevi Area: You guessed it, Trevi is where the Trevi Fountain is located in Rome. This neighborhood is in the northern part of the heart of Rome. If you stay in Trevi, you'll be very close to other sights as well like the Pantheon and Castel Sant'Angelo.
Monti Area: This neighborhood is located just south of Trevi. The Colosseum and Roman Forum both border the western side of Monti so they are within close proximity. Because Monti and Trevi are in the heart of Rome, they are more expensive. But if price isn't a worry, they're great options for first timers because of their locations.
3 Best Airbnbs in Rome For First Timers
Airbnbs are often a great choice for accommodation when traveling. In Rome, you can find Airbnbs that fit families, or cozy little apartments for a couple that are really cheap. Cook at "home" if your Airbnb has a kitchen, or feel like a local by renting a local's home.
Appio-Latino: Quiet & Charming Apartment
Average $59 USD per night
Located in the southern outskirts of Rome, this 1-bed, 1-bath Airbnb is perfect for one to two people. It has a kitchenette, living space, and an adorable private balcony. Here you'll find everything you might need for a stay in Rome, from coffee supplies to a hammock with incredible views. The neighborhood is quiet, and there are many restaurants and markets within walking distance.
Great for solo travelers or couples
Private balcony
Quiet neighborhood with a local feel
Trastevere: Family-Friendly Apartment
Average $249 USD per night
Are you visiting Rome with your family? This 2-bed, 1-bath apartment is a great place to stay with a group of up to 4 people. This Rome Airbnb is within walking distance of many famous monuments, tourist attractions, and delicious restaurants. If you're up for a stroll, head to the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, restaurants, and more.
Perfect for families with kids
Close to many attractions
The host will help with airport transportation
Trastevere: Comfortable, First Floor Apartment
Average $97 USD per night
This is a first-floor apartment which is a rare find in Rome. It is 1-bed, 1.5-bath, and also has a comfortable pull-out couch. We stayed here comfortably with four people and had plenty of space. There is a full kitchen too, which is great to use if you want to save money on food.
This is the perfect place to stay if you want to enjoy Rome like a local. It's in a fairly popular area, but you'll be closer to family-run restaurants and local markets rather than bustling tourist attractions.
Local feel in a quiet area
First-floor which is rare
Comfortable and chic decor
3 Best Hotels in Rome, Italy
If you prefer hotels, take a look at the best hotels in Rome below and decide between budget and luxury. Rome hosts some incredible luxury hotels with room service, breakfast, and more, but there are also some great budget hotels deals to be found if you want to save money.
Trevi: H10 Palazzo Galla
Average $270 USD per night
If you're looking for a luxury hotel in the heart of Rome, take a look at the H10 Palazzo Galla. With a view of Palazzo Venezia, you will be able to reach many famous Roman monuments on foot in just minutes. Here, you will also enjoy having breakfast included, a rooftop terrace, free wifi, and air conditioning, which is a huge bonus in Rome.
The H10 Palazzo Galla prides itself with exceptional service and friendly, helpful staff. They also offer a shuttle to the airport if you need; this is at an extra cost. If you want to explore further than walking distance, there are also multiple bus stops very close by which can take you all over Rome.
Monti: Casa Santa Sofia
Average $130 USD per night
If you want to stay at a classy hotel, then Casa Santa Sofia is for you! This luxury hotel offers air conditioning, free wifi, and a great location. Casa Santa Sofia is very close to the Colosseum and other famous Roman monuments.
While breakfast is not included with all the rooms, it can be purchased at a very affordable cost and is well worth the money. Or go try a local Italian cafe if you prefer! If you're wanting to stay in Rome with style but without breaking the bank, then this is a great hotel for you.
Monti: Hotel Touring
Average $95 USD per night
This is a great deal for a hotel if you're looking to save money. And the best part? It's close to many popular attractions in the heart of Rome. Breakfast is available at an extra cost, but there are also many restaurants and cafes within walking distance of this budget hotel in Rome.
There is air conditioning and free wifi available too, which is always a nice bonus. You can walk to Roma Termini, the main train station in Rome, in under 5 minutes, which is super useful for getting to other Italian cities or to the Leonardo Da Vinci Airport. If you want to save money on your stay in Rome but still have an enjoyable time, then Hotel Touring is for you!
What to do in Rome for 3 days?
You've found the best place to stay in Rome for first timers, so it's time to plan your daily activities. Three days is a great amount of time to visit Rome. You'll be able to check out the best parts of the city with this 3-day Rome itinerary, and hopefully have time to visit another city or two on your Italy trip.
Is Rome sketchy at night?
It's best to be cautious in any city at night, especially if you're not familiar with your surroundings. Rome is a safe city, and as a woman, I felt safe in Appio-Latino, Trastevere, Monti, and Trevi, the best areas to stay in Rome.
I traveled with either my partner or my older parents and found these areas to be quiet and safe. It's best not to venture outside at night in Rome if you're alone unless you're very familiar with doing this. Just remember to stay aware and keep your belongings close to you.
Recap: Best Places to Stay in Rome For First Timers
This list of the best hotels and Airbnbs in Rome will help you find the best place for you to stay while enjoying your trip to Rome. Finding the right accommodation will make your trip even better. Explore the city by day and have the hotel best suited for you to relax in at night.
Now you know the best place to stay in Italy for first timers, it’s time for you to pack your bags and live La Dolce Vita. Soak up the Italian sun, and sip wine on charming, ancient streets.
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