You’ll probably run out of time before you run out of things to see and do in Rome. Given its fascinating history, Italy’s capital city has a mind-boggling array of attractions. Historical monuments are almost everywhere you look, but it’s not just history that makes this city so interesting. Visitors descend on Rome to lap up the dolce vita lifestyle and indulge in its delectable cuisine, all without breaking the bank. It’s hardly surprising then that you’ll find a large number of cheap hotels in Rome Italy that far exceed expectations. They’re not in short supply either. You’ll find plenty of cheap hotels in Rome city center and other parts of the city that are ideal for budget travelers.
With so much to see and do in Rome, the city receives a staggering number of visitors throughout the year. As such, hotels are in abundance. Whether you’re interested in the best hotel pools in Rome or the best hotels in Rome, you won’t be short of accommodation.
Table of contents
- Eitch Borromini Palazzo Pamphilj
- Albergo del Senato
- Boutique Hotel Campo de’Fiori
- HiSuiteROME
- Hotel Celio
- Residenze Agrileto
- Nerva Boutique Hotel
- Relais Le Clarisse
- B&B Suites Trastevere
- The Corner Townhouse
- Roma Luxus Hotel
- Top Affordable Bars in Rome
- Top Affordable Restaurants in Rome
- Free Things To Do in Rome
Eitch Borromini Palazzo Pamphilj
11
Want to feel like royalty and stay in a former palace without breaking the bank? Then head to Eitch Borromini Palazzo Pamphilj, sitting at the top of one of Rome’s most beautiful squares. The location just above Piazza Navona provides you with numerous dining and sightseeing options. If you’re looking for unique cheap hotels in Rome city center, this is one of them.
The Palazzo Pamphili, which is part of, was once the 17th-century residence of Pope Innocent the X, designed by architect Francesco Borromini. In fact, the building that houses the hotel was the Collegio, built to offer young members of the Pamphlij family the opportunity of priestly training. Remnants of the building’s past can be seen in the guest rooms’ soaring ceilings and terracotta floors. Bright and spacious guest rooms feel elegant and comfortable. The Deluxe category rooms are especially interesting as they have their own stories intertwined with the palace’s history. Some feature original paneling, superb floral frescoes, and others have secret passages.
Apart from the interesting guest rooms, another beautiful space at the hotel is the Terrazza Borromini on the 4th floor. The restaurant is an excellent place to enjoy classic delicacies while looking out onto the square. However, the hotel’s crown jewel is undoubtedly the rooftop bar ‘La Grande Bellezza’ on the sixth floor. It offers a 360 panoramic view of the domed skyline. Given its popularity, entry to the rooftop is only by reservation.
Check Rates on:
Albergo del Senato
10
Albergo del Senato is an excellent hotel to consider for someone searching for cheap hotels in Rome city center. The hotel enjoys a fantastic location in the same square as the Pantheon offering little or no competition in terms of views of this iconic monument. It’s also a short walk to the Trevi Fountain or the famous Spanish Steps from the hotel.
While the hotel’s biggest draw is its impressive location, the decor and ambiance also hit the high notes. The hotel’s building dates back to the 19th century, and many elements of its past linger. You’ll find vintage decor and antiques embellishing most spaces as well as vaulted ceilings. All 56 guest rooms have been recently renovated to provide guests modern comforts in an old-world setting. Book the rooms at the top for exclusive views of the Pantheon. Better still, if you’re in a mood to splurge, book one of the two Penthouse Suites on the 6th floor that come with their private terrace.
Services at the hotel include a multilingual 24-hour reception desk and concierge. There’s also a rooftop bar open from May to October that’s exclusively for guests.
Check Rates on:
Boutique Hotel Campo de’Fiori
9
Oozing luxurious, old-world charm, the Boutique Hotel Campo de’ Fiori hardly feels like one of the cheap hotels in Rome Italy. It’s a cut above the rest with its elegance and attention to detail. The hotel is just around the corner from the bustling Campo de’ Fiori square, which hosts the city’s most popular outdoor market. This location is also close to other historical sights such as the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. The hotel is worth considering if you’re looking for cheap hotels in Rome city center.
It’s all about old-school elegance at the hotel, from the ground floor lobby to the guest rooms. A marble fireplace, rich velvet and silk furnishings, gold accents, and gilt mirrors vie for your attention. There are 23 rooms at the hotel that range from small Standards to more spacious Deluxe rooms. If you’re with your special someone and in a mood to go slightly over your budget, book one of the two Superior Deluxe rooms on the top floor. Pretty balconies adorned with flowers, luxurious decor, and velvet canopied beds in these rooms are sure to make it a memorable stay. Apart from the charming decor of the rooms, the ensuite black and gold bathrooms with enclosed showers are clear standouts.
Begin your day with a sumptuous breakfast (included in the rate) at the gorgeous breakfast lounge, or spend a few hours relaxing on the comfortable sofas on the panoramic terrace.
Check Rates on:
HiSuiteROME
8
Given that Rome is a budget travelers delight, you’ll find plenty of cheap hotels in Rome city center and other parts of the city. Most of the cheap hotels in Rome Italy enjoy a central location like the HiSuiteRome. The aparthotel sits between Castel Sant’Angelo and Piazza Navona, which are an easy walk. As with most central locations in Rome, the area is bursting with restaurants, shops, and bars.
With the kind of accommodation on offer, this property is ideal for families looking for more space. You can choose from a spacious hotel room, a duplex suite, or one to two-bedroom apartments. All rooms are ensuite with amenities like Nespresso coffee makers, kettles with a range of teas, LCD screens, docking stations, refrigerators, and free WiFi. There’s also a daily cleaning service.
Other services you can expect are same-day laundry, free use of bicycles, and multilingual babysitting services.
Check Rates on:
Hotel Celio
7
Hotel Celio is an affordable hotel close to the city’s attractions but far enough from the noise. It’s an easy 10-minute walk to trendy Monti and the Colosseo metro stop from here. However, the immediate neighborhood feels like a step back in time with its historical Roman vibe. Two of the city’s iconic churches, the Santi Quattro Coronati from the fourth century and the 12th century San Clemente are also nearby.
The interiors do feel a bit overwhelming at first with all that’s going on. It’s a bit much to take in, from shirred Austrian shades to faux Roman busts, mosaics, and lavish oil paintings. However, when your eyes have got accustomed to everything on display, it grows on you. Not surprisingly, the guest rooms also showcase a similar decor, albeit a more toned-down version. The rooms named after Roman emperors do have an upscale vibe, though.
As one of the cheap hotels in Rome Italy, the hotel has surprisingly good amenities. A furnished rooftop terrace with a small fitness room, sun loungers, and a children’s pool. You’ll also find a private screening room downstairs and a gorgeous mosaic hammam. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also one of the top gay-friendly hotels in Rome!
Check Rates on:
Residenze Agrileto
6
Another of the cheap hotels in Rome city center that is a bang for your buck is the Residenze Agrileto. Sitting on the border of Monti, it’s an easy stroll to the Colosseum and Imperial Roman Forum from the hotel. Though the hotel enjoys an excellent, central location, it’s a little removed from the noise in the area, ensuring a good night’s sleep.
Given the size of the hotel, it’s surprisingly big on amenities. For one, the tiny Argiletum Wellness & Spa on the underground level has quite a few treatments on offer. It also features a sauna, Turkish bath, and hydro-massage plunge pool. Besides this, the organic, peacock-themed Humus Bistrot and the rooftop terrace with a Jacuzzi are also excellent places to hang out.
When it comes to guest rooms, you can look forward to tastefully decorated, spacious accommodations. The 20 stylish rooms range from spacious suites to slightly smaller superior rooms. Although they seem a little sparse, they’re comfortable with standard amenities. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms with either a stone bathtub or a hydro-massage shower.
Check Rates on:
Nerva Boutique Hotel
5
Cheap hotels in Rome, city center, don’t come as good as the Nerva Boutique Hotel. It stands out among the cheap hotels in Rome Italy, for its excellent service and attention to detail. Add to this a stellar location and excellent accommodation, and you’ve got yourself a really good deal. Located in the trendy Monti neighborhood between the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia, it puts you within easy walking distance of Rome’s iconic sights.
The upscale decor of the hotel immediately strikes you. A far cry from most hotels in this budget sector. The cafe and reception area stand out for their welcoming air, which spills over into the 20 guest rooms. Colorful artwork, mod pendant lights, and art books set the tone of the rooms, giving them a homely, tasteful vibe. Ensuite bathrooms are outfitted in Emperador marble with a crystal shower box. Families could book the Master Suite, the largest of the rooms, that’s split between two levels. It comes with a living room, a decorative fireplace, and a sleeping loft. There’s also a jetted tub in the bathroom.
Breakfast served in the cozy lounge area is a tasty spread of baked items and other breakfast essentials. Currently, work is underway for a new restaurant and bar. However, there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the area to cater to all tastes.
Check Rates on:
Relais Le Clarisse
4
Many cheap hotels in Rome Italy are housed in refurbished buildings that once served as homes or other interesting venues. Relais Le Clarisse occupies a 12th-century cloister that was once home to the Franciscan order of Le Clarisse. Its location in Trastevere is ideal for exploring Rome’s historic center or visiting Vatican city. At this location, you’re surrounded by medieval architecture.
Don’t expect too much from this hotel in terms of amenities. It’s the location that’s important here – the perfect place to distance yourself from the bustle of the city. A quaint, peaceful courtyard at the center of the property is especially popular with guests. The former herb garden of the monastery is a good place to spend a bit of time over a cup of coffee. Guest rooms are quiet and comfortable due to soundproof windows. They’re quite spacious too! Exposed beams, wrought iron beds, and vaulted ceilings in some rooms point to its history.
Higher-tiered rooms enjoy a complimentary breakfast, but those staying in the economy rooms can enjoy breakfast for an extra fee. Breakfast is a good spread and probably worth the additional fee. However, you’ll find plenty of cafes and restaurants in the surroundings if you prefer to dine out.
Check Rates on:
B&B Suites Trastevere
3
A few steps from the Porta Portese market near the historic center of the Trastevere district, you’ll find the B&B Suites Trastevere, a cozy, pet-friendly hotel. While the suites are in Trastevere, they’re not near the happening banks of the Tiber River. However, the tram eight’s stop is just outside the building. So within no time, you can be right in the midst of all the fun or sights.
What makes this B&B stand out among other cheap hotels in Rome Italy is the interesting decor. Rather than sticking to the B&B script of bland furniture and boring pastels, the owner has decorated his home in trompe l’oeil scenes of Roman landmarks. Each of the five guest rooms has a unique landmark that stretches from floor to ceiling. Is it Instagram-worthy? Without a doubt! Though the rooms are not exactly suites, they’re quite spacious. All come with ensuite bathrooms with either a bathtub or shower.
Breakfast includes savory and sweet condiments such as baked brioches, sandwiches, yogurt, soft drinks, and coffee, to name a few. It’s served at the communal table in the kitchen. A practical B&B shop located in the lobby includes a vending machine with a selection of fresh drinks and snacks.
Check Rates on:
The Corner Townhouse
2
A transformed Art Nouveau villa in the trendy San Saba neighborhood houses The Corner Townhouse, a boutique hotel that stands out among the cheap hotels in Rome Italy. Boasting a Michelin-starred restaurant and unique guest rooms, staying here is an experience in itself.
There are only ten rooms spread across three floors that are serviced by an elevator. Each room has its unique decor with pops of color and vintage balconies. Oak herringbone flooring, oversized armchairs, and austere fireplaces add to the coziness of each room that features a “pop liberty” design. All rooms come with a few extras, such as complimentary toiletries, flat-screen HDTVs, and home automation controls. Ensuite bathrooms in the smaller rooms feel compact, but some higher-end rooms come with a luxurious bathtub.
On the hotel’s first floor, you’ll find the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant by celebrated chef Marco Martini. With the fantastic cuisine on offer here, you can be sure your tastebuds will be well satisfied. Before you head to the restaurant for dinner, you may want to indulge in a few cocktails at the lounge Garden or the bar. It’s the perfect place for an aperitif. Better still, if the weather’s good, head to the terrace, a green oasis hidden inside the hotel.
Check Rates on:
Roma Luxus Hotel
1
Sitting in the vibrant Monti area just up the street from the Colosseum, the Roma Luxus Hotel puts you close to many attractions. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the beautiful Trevi Fountain and just two minutes to Trajan’s Markets. You’ll also find quite a few eateries and cocktail bars in the area.
Housed in a former 18th-century palace, the recently renovated hotel oozes tasteful charm with bright colors. It’s worth considering if you’re looking for cheap hotels in Rome city center. The boutique hotel has nine different kinds of rooms that showcase a modern and creative style. Vivid colors, Italian design artisan furnishings with period details, and contemporary artworks are the hallmarks of each room. Rooms differ in size, starting with the smaller Smart Rooms and going up to larger suites. Some suites come with their private terrace. You’ll find a good range of amenities in all rooms for your comfort.
The breakfast buffet is a good mix of homemade, locally sourced items and freshly prepared hot dishes. On the garden terrace, you’ll find The Bistrot restaurant, where you can enjoy a wide variety of cocktails, a light lunch, or dinner. However, if you’d prefer to dine out, there are two popular eateries, Madre and Yugo, in the same complex. When you’re done with your day out in the city, you can book the small spa to unwind. It comes complete with a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, waterfall, and Jacuzzi hot tub.
Check Rates on:
Top Affordable Bars in Rome
- Bar San Calisto – One of the most affordable places to drink in Rome is at this bar just around the corner from Trastevere’s main square. With its outdoor seating and affordably priced drinks, the bar is quite popular in the area. You can also grab a bite here as the bar has a full bar menu.
- La Botticella – A short walk from the Pantheon building you’ll find another of Rome’s popular watering holes. It’s a favorite hangout with locals and tourists because of its friendly vibe. You can choose from eight Italian craft beers on tap, cocktails and other drinks. The space is especially lively if there’s a sporting event on since it has a big screen to project major events.
- Mr. Brown – This free spirited bar in Trastevere can get quite noisy by the end of the day but it has a great vibe. The drinks here may not be as cheap as the other bars on our list but they are affordable.
Top Affordable Restaurants in Rome
- Trapizzino – This highly popular Roman street food was introduced to the world by Stefano Callegari a decade ago. Consisting of fluffy pizza bianca stuffed with classic Italian and Roman dishes, it’s a great way to taste traditional cuisine at an affordable rate.
- Pinsere – Located a short walk from the Termini station, this pizza place is buzzing during lunch. You can choose from a wide range of toppings that are visible on the counter to make your own pinsa – a mini-pizza. One thing to note is the place is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
- Supplì – In the heart of Trastevere you’ll find this traditional Italian restaurant where you can relish a variety of dishes at an affordable price. From lasagna to stuffed pasta or countless variations of pizza and arancini, foodies will love this spot.
Free Things To Do in Rome
- St. Peter’s Basilica – Italy’s largest and most spectacular basilica is free to enter. However, you may have to stand in a queue to enter and also need to be properly attired. If you can bear with these small inconveniences, it’s definitely worth a visit. The interiors of the church are spread over 3.7 acres but that’s not all that will draw you here. Look out for Michelangelo’s Pietà, the only work the artist ever signed. Another beautiful masterpiece that will definitely capture your attention is Bernini’s famous baldachin over the papal altar.
- Trevi Fountain – Throw one coin over your shoulder into the fountain and you’ll definitely visit Rome again! This iconic fountain, however, is much more than the tradition of tossing in the coin with its baroque ensemble of mythical figures and wild horses. While it draws quite a crowd during the day, the evenings are a bit quieter.
- Villa Borghese – Rome’s most celebrated park is a delight with its many attractions. Located close to the Spanish Steps, these beautiful gardens date back to 1606. Within the gardens you’ll find many interesting landmarks. The best part, you don’t have to pay anything to enter.