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Visitors have flocked to Rome, the 'Eternal City', since the Middle Ages, when pilgrims journeyed to the centre of Catholicism. Later tourists have been captivated by the city's ancient sites (its rich heritage as headquarters of the Roman Empire) and the legacy of the great Renaissance artists.
For a major capital city, there are surprisingly few purpose-built hotels, but there is plenty of accommodation to suit all tastes. Most of the best places to stay in Rome are housed in old buildings: mansions, palazzi, villas. Take your pick.
But first decide on the location. Would you rather be near the Spanish Steps, a magnet for travellers, where you normally pay a premium for a room, but convenient for sight-seeing and shopping? Or around lively Campo di Fiori, with its market and cafes? Or across the Tiber in buzzing Trastevere? Or beyond the centre, where arguably you get the best places to stay in Rome if you're on a budget?
If Baroque flamboyance and lavish drapery are your thing head for the San Anselmo in the smart Aventine district.
The Hotel de Russie, part of Rocco Forte's empire, is a contemporary city hotel in a great location with a glorious garden.
Five star luxury at the Eden includes a rooftop garden and a long history of celebrity guests.
The Casa Howard with a great location near the Spanish Steps is a stylishly designed second floor home-from-home guest house. It has five individually designed bedrooms and a "house genie", Edgar, to introduce you to the "honesty fridge".
Teatro di Pompeo is a simple friendly if slightly cramped B & B on the site of Pompey's Theatre.
For great value in a party location the Santa Maria di Trastevere offers spacious simple rooms and a courtyard for outdoor eating. Plus they offer complimentary pre dinner snacks every evening between 5 and 8 pm, and a number of bikes are available for guests to use.
Low key 1920s glamour with a lively bar are on offer at the Locarno. It's perfect for a weekend away if you're on a budget.
For old fashioned family-run simplicity in a quiet residential suburb try the Villa del Parco. It may be slightly off the beaten track, but it's an oasis in this frenetic city.
A surprisingly quiet place to stay in a central spot close to the Piazza Navona is the Due Torri. For a more homely feel with a charming garden go to Locanda Cairoli.
Browse through our list of the best places to stay in Rome and start to plan your stay. Please feel free to call or email a friendly guru for advice. Contact
Rome
Peaceful, romantic refuge in the smart hilltop Aventine district. Baroque flamboyance meets contemporary details to create a hotel with huge personality.
Rome
Top contemporary Rome hotel with a great location and lovely courtyard garden. Light, large, airy rooms, many with garden views. Luxury with style, great food and a spa and pool.
Rome
Five-star luxury and service to match. Traditionally furnished rooms, discreet luxury, good position with fine dining and spectacular roof terrace views.
Rome
Chic, comfortable hotel in the centre, with a charming garden. Close to the Piazza Navona, with the air of a private home.
Rome
Simple, friendly B&B on the site of Pompey's Theatre, steps from where Caesar met his end. Tidy if cramped, in an historic building dating from 16th century.
Rome (110 - 00161)
Handsome villa hotel in a residential suburb, away from the bustle. Simple old fashioned rooms, good for families - a calm oasis.
Rome (23 - 00186)
Surprisingly quiet, central hotel with bags of traditional charm. Elegant, close to the Piazza Navona.
Rome
Stylish home-from-home, filled with beautiful objets, art and antiques. Intimate and romantic, with a Turkish hammam. Great location near the Spanish Steps.
Rome
1920s hotel with an understated sophistication - full of character and in a great position. Lively bar, good crowd, perfect for a romantic weekend on a budget.
Rome
On the site of an old convent, complete with repro cloisters, in a vibrant area for nightlife. Large, simple rooms, good value with nice courtyard for eating out.