When one considers that Rome is the 11th most popular city on the planet to visit, it’s no wonder there’s a bewildering number of hotels and guesthouses to choose from. Thankfully for you, we’ve left no stone – or should we say sheet – unturned in our search for the best places for you to take your post-sightseeing and, dare we say, partying rest.
For the budget-conscious – Hotel Lodi
Talk to guests of the Hotel Lodi and the first thing you’ll always hear is praise for the staff. You’ll hear how they provide a warm welcome upon your arrival, how they conscientiously clean the hotel and how they’ll fall over themselves to give you advice about the city. It’s these and other simple, yet increasingly rare, qualities that’ll speak to the traveller on a budget. While a little further from the city centre than its direct rivals, those extra five minutes to the Metro will pay dividends in the end.
For fans of the whimsical – Guesthouse Arco De’tolomei
Atop an ancient Roman palazzo lies this whimsical B&B. Owner Marco has transformed his family residence into six warm, traditional and stylish rooms. Furnished throughout with the family’s precious antiques, parquet floors and silk linen, this Trastevere gem positively drips with romance. In a remarkably serene area, given its proximity to Campo di Fiori and the Colosseum, Arco De’tolemei offers the ideal retreat after a long day spent walking the streets of Rome. Soak up the sunset and a cocktail on the leafy terrace while recharging your batteries for the night ahead.
For fans of the homely Casa Howard Guesthouses
Two highly individual guesthouses, both a short walk from the Spanish Steps, will enchant even the least style conscious traveller. Across the two locations are 10 themed and highly memorable rooms. The Via di Capo le Case location channels the feel of an English country house, whilst the Via Sistina house offers rooms with extreme personalities – the zebra room has to be seen to be believed. Sure, some of the quarters can be cramped. And not all rooms have their own bathroom. But the charm exuded from these old buildings will soon banish such thoughts from your mind.
For fans of the romantic – Buono Notte Garibaldi
Owner and artist Luisa Longo originally intended to make this beautiful traditional Roman house her studio. Thank goodness her plans changed. The three colour-themed rooms of this quirky Trastevere guesthouse open out onto a magical central terrace where guests can be found quaffing aperitivos as the sun goes down. From the moment one sets foot in the bedrooms it’s clear that they’ve received the touch of an artist – Longo decorated them herself. Colourful and tranquil, Buono Notte Garibaldi is the perfect hideaway for lovers who’ve snuck away for a romantic weekend. Where possible, book far in advance.
For the trendy with deep pockets – Hotel Art
Nestled amongst the antique shops on the picturesque Via Margutta lies Hotel Art, one of the coolest and most unique places to stay in Rome. Artistic heritage in the form of vaulted frescoed ceilings collide head-on with contemporary bursts of blues, oranges and yellows, all set against spaceship-inspired furnishings formed in brilliant white. While walking the nearby Spanish Steps and Via del Corso you’ll feel like you’re passing through scenes of a drama set in ancient times. This sense of dramatic will remain with you upon your return to Hotel Art, albeit with a feeling that you’ve fast-forwarded one of two millennia. Be warned, the cost of a room here will be counted in hundreds, rather than tens of Euros. But why not treat yourself. After all, you’ll have saved plenty on your flights with Cheapflights.
(Image: angel on Trevi Fountain – gnuckx)
