Where to stay in Rome: 10 luxury hotels, historic villas and residences!

Where to stay in Rome: 10 luxury hotels, historic villas and residences!

Rome is one of the most breathtaking cities in the world. I discovered this firsthand a few years ago when I spent an unforgettable week here. I enjoyed leisurely strolls through the autumnal city, and in the evenings, I would savor the sunset at a restaurant with a glass of wine, taking in the mesmerizing views of the city.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I have a great passion for finding beautiful and interesting hotels. In Rome, I stayed in stunning Airbnb apartments (which I talked about: Airbnb 10 Apartments in Rome under €150. Soon in English). However, in this compilation, I will share my hotel discoveries and favorites with you. All of these hotels are truly luxurious and unique, and many of them offer reasonable prices! They include hotels that are part of the Relais & Châteaux and Small Luxury Hotels networks, as well as hotels located in estates and palaces, and hotels with amazing city views.

This list could easily include 20 or 30 hotels, believe me, Rome offers plenty of 5-star options for such a post. However, I wanted to limit it to 10!

And as I always say, “Every hotel has a story, and I strive to tell it.” So, let me share these stories with you!


1. Rocco Forte Hotel De Russie

Rocco is one of the most famous and coziest hotels in Rome. It is chosen by many Hollywood, Russian, and Italian stars, including Chiara Ferragni. The hotel is located on Via del Babuino, just 50 meters from Piazza del Popolo, which can be admired without even leaving the hotel. It features a peaceful garden and the refined Italian restaurant, Le Jardin De Russie. And let’s not forget about the Stranvinskij Bar, where you can try interesting exotic cocktails or savor a glass of wine. The hotel is incredibly beautiful and intriguing. After exploring the enchanting city of Rome, guests can relax in the spa, which includes a sauna, Turkish bath, and a saltwater hydro-massage pool. And of course, there’s no shortage of massages and cosmetic procedures to indulge in.


2. Palazzo Manfredi – Relais & Chateaux

Palazzo Manfredi, part of my favorite hotel network Relais & Châteaux, is a true charming corner located in the heart of the former Roman Empire. As you may have already guessed from the name, Palazzo Manfredi is an authentic 17th-century palace. It offers some of the best views of the Colosseum, the Forum, and Nero’s “Golden House.” Manfredi is built on the ruins of Ludus Magnus, the Great Roman Gladiator School, which is why great attention has been given to art during the decoration of the palace. As a result, the palace is adorned with contemporary paintings and 16th-century artworks. Palazzo Manfredi is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle. And what’s a 5-star hotel without a splendid restaurant! Aroma is a restaurant where culinary pleasures are no less impressive than the panoramas of Ancient Rome.


3. BIO Hotel Raphaël – Relais & Châteaux

The second hotel in the Relais & Châteaux network located in Rome is the Hotel Raphaël. I’m confident that this hotel will captivate you from the first moment, just as it did with me. The main facade of the hotel is covered in wild grapevines… It’s stunning! Raphaël is a hotel that immerses you in a world of tranquility and relaxation while being just steps away from the Pantheon and St. Peter’s Cathedral. It’s the perfect starting point to experience the elegance of Rome.

The hotel building itself is like a museum and treasure trove, with sculptures, paintings, lithographs, antique objects, a unique collection of ceramics by Pablo Picasso, and Maya art. And let’s not forget about the enchanting Bramante Terrace, where you can enjoy the natural organic cuisine of the Mater Terrae restaurant (after all, the hotel is named “bio” for a reason), featuring a wide variety of vegetarian dishes.

For enthusiasts of modernity and originality, there are two new floors that were designed by the renowned American architect Richard Meier.


4. J.K. Place Roma

J.K. Place Roma is recognized as one of the most beloved hotels in Rome by tourists, and I’m not surprised at all. Partly due to its excellent location. The Spanish Steps and the Pantheon are just ten minutes away. And partly due to the incredible attention to detail. The rooms feature exquisite designs, a splendid breakfast, and, of course, all the amenities you would expect from a 5-star hotel for a comfortable stay.

All the rooms are designed by the renowned architect Michele Bonan and adorned with rosewood furniture, elegant textiles, and handmade beds. The marble-adorned bathrooms feature bidets and spacious glass-enclosed showers. To end a perfect day, you can visit the hotel’s exquisite restaurant, which offers Italian and international cuisine prepared from fresh ingredients.


5. Villa Spalletti Trivelli – Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Spalletti Trivelli Hotel occupies a stunning building of a historic villa located just 200 meters from the Quirinal Palace. Spalletti Trivelli is a luxurious hotel with a spa salon, a tranquil garden, and luxurious rooms that blend contemporary and traditional styles. The rooms and suites of the Spalletti Trivelli villa are furnished with elegant antique and modern furniture. A distinctive feature of the hotel is that all rooms, without exception, have a living area or a separate lounge. And, of course, the hotel boasts an excellent location. It’s just a 5-minute walk to the Trevi Fountain.


6. Palazzo Dama – Preferred Hotels & Resorts

Palazzo Dama is an incredibly beautiful and cozy hotel with an open-air pool and a garden adorned with lemon trees. The hotel is located just 200 meters away from some of the most visited places in Rome, Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps. The hotel features a multitude of antique design pieces that fit perfectly into the concept of Palazzo Dama. By the way, the hotel occupies an elegant Liberty-style villa, built near the banks of the Tiber River. Once, this villa was the residence of the distinguished Italian Malaspina family. It was here that marquises welcomed diplomats, aristocrats, and the cultural elite of past centuries. The name “Palazzo Dama” pays tribute to the noblewomen who enlivened its halls over the years. Specifically, the name is inspired by the most famous among these women – the refined and witty Marchesa Anna Maria Malaspina, who lived in the 18th century.


7. Hassler Roma

Hassler Roma is one of the most famous and legendary hotels in the city, situated at the top of the Spanish Steps. The breathtaking views from the hotel rooms truly leave no one indifferent! For hotel guests, there is a complimentary spa called Hassler’s Amorvero, complete with a sauna, Turkish bath, and fitness center. Both the restaurant and the fitness center offer panoramic views of the Roman rooftops. On the hotel’s 7th floor, you’ll find the Michelin-starred restaurant Imàgo, led by chef Andrea Antonini. But that’s not the only restaurant! The hotel also features the stylish Salone Eva restaurant and the Palm Court restaurant with ancient stone walls. The menus include dishes from classic Italian cuisine as well as signature international dishes. By the way, the hotel is owned by President and Managing Director Roberto E. Wirth, the fifth generation of the famous Swiss hotelier dynasty! The exceptional hospitality and attention to detail will make your stay at the hotel truly unforgettable.


8. Palazzo Montemartini Rome, A Radisson Collection Hotel

Indeed, Radisson Collection Hotel is one of the few network hotels that is truly noteworthy! And it’s not just any Radisson hotel; it’s a Radisson Collection Hotel. And for that reason alone, this hotel is worth your attention! The Radisson Collection Hotel is located in the heart of Rome, housed in the famous Palazzo Montemartini, a building dating back to 1881. The hotel perfectly combines modern design with touches of rich history. Of course, a hotel of this caliber wouldn’t be complete without a worthy restaurant, and this hotel delivers just that. Senses restaurant offers traditional Italian delicacies and international cuisine dishes.


9. Palazzo Naiadi, The Dedica Anthology, Autograph Collection

Set among legendary tourist attractions, Palazzo Naiadi (part of The Dedica Anthology, Autograph Collection) is an elegant oasis in the heart of Rome. Housed in a palazzo of white marble from the 1800s on the Piazza della Repubblica, the hotel will not go unnoticed. The hotel has a panoramic rooftop terrace with a seasonal mini-pool to make your stay even more special. The luxurious, bright lobby with high ceilings and marble, chic hotel restaurants, Fusion Spa. Spacious and elegant rooms decorated in a classic and modern style. The marble and mahogany bathrooms, complete with luxurious toiletries, will make your stay truly royal. By the way, some rooms are in the “Clementino” wing, the former papal granary.


10. Lifestyle Suites Rome

Who would have thought that anyone could look out of the window while lying in bed and admire the view of one of the most important historical buildings in the city, overlooking Piazza Navona? The boutique hotel “Lifestyle Suites Rome” is located in a building dating back to 1440, which has housed Spanish nobility visiting the capital of the Christian world for centuries. From the spacious terrace of the Lifestyle hotel, there is a view of Piazza Navona and the entire city! P.S. The hotel only accepts adult guests, which means that children are not allowed.


This was my selection of 10 luxurious hotels in Rome! But, of course, there are many more, and someday I will definitely share more. In the meantime, to everyone planning a trip to Rome, I wish you an amazing vacation.

All photos are taken from Booking.com

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