The Best Budget Rome Hotels of 2023

Spritzeria rooftop bar, Osteria Oliva

Housed in a couple of historic buildings in Monti, one of Rome’s most charming and bohemian neighborhoods, this small boutique hotel boasts a colorful, contemporary design, good dining and drinking options, and friendly staff. Rooms range in size from a tiny single to a spacious suite with a private terrace. The rooftop bar, Spritzeria, which specializes in — you guessed it — spritzes, is popular among locals so book a table in advance if you want to go. Breakfast is served up there for hotel guests in the morning.

24-hour reception, pet friendly, rooftop terrace

This hotel has been around since 1976 and gets top marks for its friendly, helpful staff that makes guests feel right at home. The owners recently redesigned the rooms with modern furniture and neutral colors, but the public spaces have yet to be renovated, so there’s a bit of a contrast between the more old-fashioned decor in the public spaces and the modern style of the rooms. For families, there’s a triple room and a quadruple room with a terrace. The location in Monti is perfect for sightseeing with kids, as the Colosseum is a short walk away and it’s easy to reach the rest of the main monuments by metro or taxi.

Cocktail bar, 24-hour reception

This chic new four-star hotel is a great base for couples who want to be in the heart of Trastevere, one of Rome’s most emblematic neighborhoods. Though the rooms are on the small side, they have a lovely design with herringbone floors, a white color scheme with some pops of color, and art inspired by ancient Roman sculptures. Guests appreciate the warm welcome from the friendly staff.

Beverly restaurant, Cugino cafe, L’Appartamento event space

A relative newcomer to Rome’s hotel scene, the Hoxton Rome represents the British brand’s first hotel on Italian soil. Located in the posh residential neighborhood of Parioli, it’s near the Villa Borghese gardens but a bit far from most of the city’s main attractions. The vintage-inspired design makes up for the less-than-stellar location, especially if you’re looking for a coworking spot. The chic lobby lounge has plenty of comfy seating, with delicious food available from the casual cafe or California-inspired Beverly restaurant.

Rooftop bar, Giardino d’Inverno restaurant, pizzeria, indoor pool, and sauna

French brand Mama Shelter’s first hotel in Italy is fun and funky, with a colorful, kitschy design and a trio of great restaurants and bars that draw a cool crowd. There are DJ sets, themed brunches, and all-you-can-eat pizza nights, but even if there’s nothing special going on, you’ll have fun playing ping pong in the pizzeria and sampling the tasty cocktails and dishes on the rooftop or Giardino d’Inverno. The hotel is sex-positive and LGBTQ+ friendly, with toys for sale in the lobby and free adult movies on TVs in the rooms—kind of ironic for a hotel whose rooftop has a view of the dome of St. Peter’s. 

Small lounge, outdoor space, self-catering kitchen

What this small hostel lacks in frills, it makes up for in soul. Run by an American couple, it’s a community-oriented place to stay, with comfortable common areas, a nightly aperitivo, and occasional events like cooking classes. During the pandemic, they started making authentic New York-style bagels, which are difficult to find in Rome. The staff is genuinely friendly and helpful. There are female-only dorms as well as a mixed-gender dorm and private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. The location is especially convenient if you’re transiting through Termini Station.

Etico Food restaurant, bar, breakfast room, meeting space, 24-hour reception

A certified B Corporation, this nonprofit hotel has a philanthropic mission to train and employ diversely abled people. Guests rave about the kind staff, colorful, modern design, and great location just a five-minute walk from Piazza del Popolo and the Flaminio metro station. Some rates include the buffet breakfast, so check when you book. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar that get good marks for the quality of the food and courteous service.