When I programmed my first weekend in Rome, I asked myself the question where to stay in Rome to visit the city on foot ?
Suddenly, I wondered about the different neighborhoods and the types of accommodation to favor in Rome:
- Are there dangerous neighborhoods for tourists?
- What are the best areas for a tourist stay in Rome?
- Which accommodation option to prefer: Hotel or Airbnb?
- Which hotel or rental to choose in Rome?
Where to stay in Rome to do everything on foot?
From my experience, I know that staying near tourist sites is more practical and saves time.
In fact, the strategy of saying that we are going to move away to find less expensive accommodation is not a good one. Indeed, outside the center, accommodation is cheaper but time is wasted in transport. Especially since transport is not free at Rome and they are the RVs of pickpockets ...
The ideal for me is to find accommodation in Rome that is closest to the sites to be visited. Indeed, I have made a route that allows visit Rome on foot in 1 day (all the must-see tourist sites).
So, the choice of accommodation in Rome is essential to start my tour of the hotel and do everything on foot!
Best neighborhoods in Rome for tourists
Another important criterion is the quality of the neighborhood that we will choose to stay in Rome. Indeed, even though Rome is not a dangerous city, there are a few places where it is better not to hang out at night. See my article: Neighborhoods to avoid in Rome.
Here are safest neighborhoods in Rome that are close to tourist sites :
- Historic Center (Centro Storico): Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Piazza della Repubblica
- Monti district and the surroundings of the Colosseum
- The neighborhoods along Via Veneto to Villa Borghese
- Districts around the Vatican (Prati or Borgo district)
See also Where to go shopping in Rome?
How to choose your accommodation in Rome?
After the geographical location and the safety of the neighborhood, here are my criteria that determine a good accommodation in Rome:
- the comfort and cleanliness of the hotel or rental,
- free WIFI,
- proximity to the metro for visits that would be further away.
Where to stay in Rome to visit - Hotel or Airbnb?
This is also an important question when considering spending a weekend or a short stay in Rome. Indeed, Airbnb is nice and interesting in terms of price for long stays and when there are several. But when you are a couple and looking for accommodation for 2 nights, Airbnb is not really interesting.
Advantages and disadvantages of an Airbnb in Rome
Seasonal rentals or Airbnb is a nice and attractive price option for long stays and when there are several. But when you are a couple and looking for accommodation for 2 nights, Airbnb is not really interesting.
The biggest drawback with Airbnb is having to shop for even breakfast. And who says shopping, says cooking, washing dishes, cleaning ... For a short weekend, I find going to a hotel much nicer!
You should also know that some owners require an arrival time and make an inbound and outbound inventory. It is restrictive and it wastes time.
Benefits of a hotel for a short stay in Rome
The stay at the hotel poses no constraints. These are the real holidays: No need to prepare meals, to clean, to bed ...
In addition, for the majority of hotels, you can arrive at any time and leave your luggage there before you even get your room (usually available in the afternoon). It is practical if you arrive early in the morning or and want to enjoy visiting without lugging your suitcases.
Finally, by booking a hotel through a reservation platform, you are guaranteed to have the room reserved. There will be no bad surprises.
On the other hand, if you want to cancel, on Booking.com most hotels have the FREE CANCELLATION option. This flexibility allows you to book the desired hotel well in advance.
Where to stay in Rome to visit on foot: Good plan
The Monti district, in the center of Rome, very close to the main tourist sites, is undoubtedly a good place to choose your hotel. This safe area is a convenient option for reaching the train station (1 metro stop) but also the Colosseum and the historic center. In addition, many restaurants and bars can be found in this area.
It is therefore an ideal point for tourists who want to visit Rome on foot and enjoy going out a little in the evening.
The advantages of this area are that the hotels are affordable in terms of price.
Here is the hotel I recommend in this area: Condominio Monti Boutique Hotel
Located 700 meters from the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum, it offers accommodation solutions for all budgets and even for families. Indeed, it has small, inexpensive rooms but also large family rooms in which you can have meals.
Best hotel in Rome
If you are looking for the must, I have a very high-end historic address to recommend: La Villa Spalletti Trivelli - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
In an elegant building decorated with historical furniture and works of art, this hotel offers comfort, luxury and a roof terrace with jacuzzi and spa!
And of course, its location is perfect for visiting Rome without taking public transport!
You hesitate between Rome, Venice or Florence?
here's how visit Venice in 1 day
or how visit Florence on foot !
