Some cities tax the superlatives; others go further and practically become superlatives themselves. Roman grandeur is real, and it’s there on every side street, every piazza, every monument, of this utterly beguiling destination, which has been doing the big city thing longer than pretty much anywhere else. What use is a paragraph to sum up anything close to the history and beauty Rome offers? Perhaps our only option is to name just a few of the things the Italian capital is famous for and let your mind do the rest: the Colosseum, the Pantheon, pizza, vespas, the Spanish Steps…
As with any major destination, there are hotels here to meet all tastes – and, indeed, all sub categories of all tastes. With that in mind, we’ve put together an eclectic selection of four star establishments, from large to small, from modern to traditional, from franchise to family run so that you can have the Roman holiday that’s right for you.
Where to book: Lowest rates should be available at either Booking.com or Hotels.com. If you are looking for the best deals on hotels in Rome, we recommend Hotels.com.
From €99/ night
Live like European royalty in this beautiful 19th Century building, with original parquet floors and charming traditional features. It’s just a short walk from the famous Colosseum, and perhaps most splendid of all, is connected to Rome Opera-House via a passage in its courtyard. Add in that every room has free WiFi, and all the other luxuries of modern travel, and you won’t be able to stop singing its praises.
From €66/ night
An oasis of luxury and calm right in Rome’s bustling heart, the Mondial shops an unpretentious elegance that can be exactly what you’re in need of after a hectic day trekking the streets of the Eternal City. With sound proofed rooms, all with satellite TV, and free WiFi in shared areas, it’s a great base for tourists and business travellers alike.
From €74/ night
Comfort is the watchword here. And there are practically no lengths to which the hotel won’t go to supply it. That’s right down to the massage function on all the beds, plus their memory-foam mattresses and pillows. All the rooms are air-conditioned too, which can be a real life-saver on those feverishly hot Roman summer days. And don’t get us started on how beautiful the 18th Century building it’s housed in is, or the rooftop bar!
From €75/ night
If modern is more your speed, then this is the hotel for you. Twentyone is a great antidote for when the staggering history of Rome all gets a bit too, well, staggering. With its cool stripped back interiors, all in a trendy black and white palate, this is a whole other side to La Dolce Vita, and just as splendid as the more traditional version. Modern conveniences such as WiFi, TVs, and air conditioning are standard, of course.
From €58/ night
In one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods of Rome, and looking out across the Villa Borghese, a stay here is to connect with the deep elegance of the city. An onsite fitness centre makes for a perfect way to burn the calories gained by too much Italian food, while the sauna allows you to unwind deliciously afterwards, and prepares you for dinner: to be taken on the hotel’s very own terrace area. All the other luxury standards are, naturally, available too: WiFi, TVs, plush beds etc.
From €68/ night
With high ceilinged, light filled rooms, decorated in the most beautiful of old-fashioned Italian ways, this hotel can feel at times like staying in a plush country manor, rather than in the heart of the city, just next door to Rome’s Termini train station. But all is not stuck in the past, there’s also an ultra-modern spa onsite, and the hotel’s cocktail bar, Apotheke, stays open until one in the morning and offers live music to keep guests entertained.
From €78/ night
It’s true that luxury hotels come in all shapes and sizes, and we admit that sometimes, it can feel like they’re trying too hard to push a particular vibe, when all they should really be concentrating on is the comfort of the guests. Such an accusation could not be levelled at Alpi, which seems to have gone out of its way to create an environment where comfort alone is paramount. A place where everything just works, where the city noise is blocked from your ears, and you can get some real, genuine rest in some of the most calming interiors in all of Rome. WiFi, en suites, and TVs are standard, and there’s also a roof terrace bar, to sup drinks on, and look out across the city.
