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Our expert writers are often hosted free of charge to gain the first-hand experience they need to review.
Rome impresses with its blockbuster ancient ruins and treasured art museums. But look beyond the glamor and you’ll discover the friendlier heart of the Eternal City, beating to the rhythm of family-run trattorias, independent workshops, old-school coffee bars and pocket-sized squares. The city’s hotel scene mimics this contrast; Although historic grand dames are the center of attention, connoisseurs book the havens of Rome’s new wave of understated chic boutique hotels nestled inside Renaissance townhouses and behind Baroque squares. Browse the best boutique hotels in Rome here and experience the perfect combination of Rome’s historical gravitas and human-scale hospitality.
How do we examine
Every hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, who are often hosted free of charge. They stay at least one night, test at least one meal, and try other experiences the hotel has to offer.
Rome’s best boutique hotels at a glance
A short belt from the Spanish Steps, this 14-room retreat is one of the city’s chicest luxury options, exuding panache with Michele Bonan’s tasteful contemporary-retro design scheme. It’s a lovely and very special place: think of it as a first-class residence rather than a hotel. When they say suites, they mean suites: Even the entry-level ‘superior’ rooms are spacious. The attentive service courtesy of a dedicated ‘lifestyle team’ is second to none, as is the quality of the guest-only rooftop bar.
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From the moment you arrive, you feel the boutique and personalized feel of The H’All Tailor Suite. The elegant white building appears to be a residential building, in keeping with owners Riccardo and Ramona’s mission to make you feel at home. Hence the name: Everything here is about a personal experience. Artworks from the Mucciaccia contemporary art gallery in Rome adorn the walls of each of the 14 uniquely furnished rooms, blending perfectly with the minimalist and stylish design pieces and furniture. The famous All’Oro restaurant also has luxurious and colorful interiors.
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Architect and designer Giampiero Panepinto has created a series of delightfully stylish yet wryly playful spaces, mixing references ranging from Rococo to 19th-century decadence to mid-century modern. It is aimed entirely at sophisticated, independent travellers, and almost any request can be met, from private tours of Rome for children to yoga and massages. Spanning a small, intimate, plant-covered outdoor courtyard, the club bar/restaurant makes you want to pop into a vintage Valentino and sip a Negroni.
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In a corner of Rome where a string of chic boutique hotels has blossomed, Elizabeth is perhaps the most distinguished actress. Like many Roman boutique hotels, it is a modern venue set inside a historic palace; It features elegant interiors that combine a subtle color palette with mid-century décor and custom flourishes such as bespoke lighting and Colosseum-inspired accent tables. But what makes this boutique hotel stand out is its remarkable collection of contemporary Italian art, curated by one of Rome’s most prestigious galleries.
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If you want to rule like a modern Roman family, your address is Villa Laetitia. Purchased by sister Anna of the Fendi clan, the Liberty-era villa is a Belle Epoque hour, a secluded urban retreat and a delightful balance of artisanal hospitality, high design and epicurean care. The 21 rooms of the luxury villa are located both in the villa and in its completely restored garden from the 1910s. Family and friends are the main themes in each room; The main villa’s Adele room is a minimalist homage to the original Fendi matriarch Adele, with 1910s wooden furniture.
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This is the Italian dream, especially when that dream means a keen style mind and normcore chic. Each CasaCau ‘Interior’, as the apartments are called, are airy open spaces with contemporary furnishings and artworks that belie the palazzo’s Baroque façade. There is an open-space format eat-in kitchen and a bedroom/living room with a king-size bed. In the morning, Italian pastries are delivered to your door along with a newspaper. CasaCau’s guests are also offered gourmet experiences at the group’s two Michelin-starred restaurants.
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This is one of Rome’s most stylish boutique hotels: warm, sweet, elegant and original. Based on the understated, highly polished Dolce Vita retro look, the design is as impressive in the bedrooms as it is in the downstairs common areas. The ground floor looks a bit like a stylish contemporary gentlemen’s club, especially the stylish little lounge/library, and the 23 double rooms and seven suites feature palisander-lined dressing entrances, marble bathrooms and rosewood four-poster beds. The service here is refreshingly informal without being imperfectly casual. Minibar is free.
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From the moment you step through the humble doors of the 20-room jewel, you are greeted as if you were visiting royalty. With its autumnal color palette, the rooms feel a little Parisian at times, but details like the reproduction of classical busts or the playful Palladian wallpaper in the Executive rooms help ground the Eternal City. The Colosseum Suite has a large, scenic Jacuzzi tub and a small private gym, but if you prefer something fancier, opt for the Junior Suite. Its cuisine matches the view from the rooftop Aroma restaurant, which has romantic Colosseum views, and the bar next door is a great spot for sunset.
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Martis Palace takes its name from the Roman god Mars. It was once a Renaissance palace and monastery belonging to the noble Massimo family. The building’s period features have been carefully brought into the 21st century, with huge glass doors opening to 600-year-old granite columns and holy water fountains. With a bold design, the rooms are huge; Bright floral bedspreads and accent fabrics look chic, as do Rothko-style two-tone wallpaper and curtains. Martis Palace’s sister hotel has a spa available to guests staying there.
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On one of the city’s most elegant shopping streets, connecting the Spanish Steps to Piazza del Popolo, this collection of 24 stylish serviced apartments spread across two nearby townhouses is at the epicenter of Roman grandeur. A great option for independent, mid-budget travelers who want a great location and nice design without paying high prices. In the annex, just opposite the main town house at number 181, is the hotel’s beautiful top-floor terrace bar (outdoors in summer), where a continental buffet breakfast is served in the morning and mixed evening cocktails are served from 6 to 9 p.m.
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Not just for hipsters in the city, this charming, full-service attractive hotel has finally brought the village Monti area the stylish accommodation option it’s been waiting for. You have to ring the bell to gain entry to this tall, pale cream-colored townhouse, which owners Sara Ferrajoli and Vincenzo Mirisola di Torresanto, with the help of architect Antonio Girardi, transformed into an utterly charming urban retreat with a cool retro style. Feel – looks as much like Paris or London as Rome. Adult color schemes, 1950s-style seating, and vintage light fixtures set the tone for a great insider address for the internet-connected independent traveler.
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Absolutely fascinating. This is the most important impression left behind by staying at this charming, friendly three-star hotel located just opposite the Forum in the fun district of Monti. Rooms are five-star rather than three-star: black, white and houndstooth basics are offset by colorful artwork and throw pillows, and art books are used as statement accents. Design elements such as Dedar and Gervasoni furniture pieces, stylish pendant lighting, top-shelf Italian beds and bedding, and Emperador marble bathrooms with custom-made natural bath products add a luxurious feel to the rooms.
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Hotel Monte Cenci is located in a side street on the edge of Rome’s Jewish quarter, one of the city’s oldest districts. Modern rooms meet with quaint balconies overlooking romantic Rome, in an extraordinary meeting of comfort and charm. The service experience begins before check-in, with an invitation to the selected pillow type, a Honeymoon welcome, and even a request for a yoga mat in your room. The property is crowned with a charming rooftop bar, which transforms into a cozy winter garden during the colder months.
Contributions by Nicola Ferlei Brown, Erica Firpo, Lee Marshall, Maria Pasquale and Rebecca Winke