Best Boutique Hotels in Rome

Orient Express La Minerva showcases timeless hospitality with its first ultra-luxury hotel, set within a 17th-century palazzo in the heart of Rome. This landmark property marks a significant debut, for the iconic travel brand, that blends Roman heritage with sophisticated design. Restored by renowned architect and artist Hugo Toro, the interiors channel the elegance of the original Orient Express carriages through rich wood panelling, bespoke travel trunks, hand-painted ceilings, and a palette inspired by Rome’s skies and classical architecture.

Each of the 93 rooms and 36 suites has been individually crafted to reflect the property’s historic soul, with the Stendhal Suite paying tribute to one of the palazzo’s most distinguished former guests. The hotel’s public spaces are equally considered, with a series of lounges and corridors echoing the polished charm of the golden age of travel.

Culinary experiences include La Minerva Bar, set beneath a glass ceiling and flanked by marble columns and the original statue of the goddess Minerva; the Gigi Rigolatto rooftop restaurant, opening in May 2025, promises panoramic views across Rome alongside Riviera-inspired cuisine; and the upcoming Mimi Kakushi, an award-winning pan-Asian concept bringing the creative energy of 1920s Osaka to the Eternal City.

“Hospitality is an art and Portrait Roma has made it a masterpiece.” This is the level of excellence that Portrait Roma has been delivering for years as one of the Eternal City’s most stylish five-star establishments. Another of Michele Bonan striking designs, Portrait Roma epitomises luxury and elegance and is just a short walk from the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. The hotel is also one of only 10 in Italy, and 26 in the whole of Europe, to have been awarded a coveted five-star rating in Forbes Travel Guide. Breakfast and dining can be enjoyed on the rooftop terrace or for a more private occasion opt for white-linen room service. And to ensure guests make the most of their visit, a lifestyle assistant is on hand to tailor experiences and itineraies; from booking restaurants, experiences and activities to coordinating your private mini-bar they are on hand to help.

Imagine checking into a historic residence during your next visit to Rome, complete with elegant drawing rooms, regal bedrooms, a grand library, and genuine antique furnishings. Villa Spalletti Trivelli has all the bells and whistles to make you feel as though you were a guest at a stately home in the early 20th century, whilst simultaneously providing all the necessary modern amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. This five-star hotel doubles as an urban villa retreat and features a majestic Italian garden and relaxing spa to help guests unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

Housed in a 17th-century residence and named after Count Goffredo Manfredi – one of Rome’s most influential public figures – Palazzo Manfredi is the ultimate luxury getaway in the heart of the city. This five-star boutique hotel is so close to the world’s most famous amphitheatre that you can practically hear the gladiators of old from within your suite. Not only does the hotel offer spectacular views over Rome’s ancient sites, it is only a two-minute walk from Colosseo Metro Station, making travelling to and from the hotel a breeze. Inside, first-class hospitality, elegance and impeccable service combine and are evident throughout its palatial suites and rooms, bar and restaurant including the Michelin Starred Aroma led by Chef Giuseppe Di Iorio. Check in to the Palazzo Manfredi for a truly unforgettable experience. Palazzo Manifred is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group.

The Pavilions Rome, The First Arte, a boutique five-star hotel, has reopened after a comprehensive renovation by Studio Marincola, transforming the hotel’s lobby, bar, rooms, and suites. The renovation combines sophisticated hospitality with artistic flair, and showcases 200 new pieces of contemporary art, designed to immerse guests in Rome’s artistic heritage. Guest rooms present cream-coloured walls, natural oak floors, and indirect lighting to enhance privacy. Decorative elements like Levanto red marble tables and Canaletto walnut pieces, alongside large, geometrically patterned rugs and vibrant art, add warmth and elegance. The bathrooms have been updated with Emperor marble to further enhance the luxurious feel. The hotel acts as a living art gallery, each floor is dedicated to individual artists, with large installations in public areas and smaller artworks in rooms for private viewing. Key features include a ground floor with interconnected spaces displaying art, including Giovanni Albanese’s ‘Call Centre’ sculpture and Teodosio Magnoni’s ‘Corpo Lungo’ The rooftop garden and Acquaroof restaurant offer panoramic views of Rome, designed to mirror the city’s architecture, and is the perfect place to enjoy coffee at breakfast through to cocktails and sunset. The First Arte, along with The First Musica and The First Dolce, forms part of The First Roma by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts, offering a unique urban resort experience that merges la dolce vita with modern Roman culture.

You don’t get any more boutique or high end on Via del Corso than Corso 281 Luxury Suites. Located on the main thoroughfare of the city right in the heart of high street brand shopping, this 12 room property is positioned perfectly. With stunning designer interiors, Nespresso machines, and luxurious Bulgari amenities, each of the architecturally appointed rooms boasts views of Roman rooftops or the grand Piazza Venezia. An added comfort and touch is the smart device in each room to help you navigate the city like a true local.

A boutique hotel housed in a restored 14th-century palace, the H10 Palazzo Galla is steeped in history. Built in a classic Roman style, with modern amenities and elegant decor, the property is within walking distance of the city’s iconic attractions (the Trevi Fountain and Roman Forum are fewer than 500 metres away and can be seen from the rooftop). 43 bedrooms have a vintage flair and are equipped with coffee machines and bathrobes. The best views can be enjoyed from the sunny terrace, but there’s also a bar and lounge area and a restaurant that serves traditional Italian cuisine.

Those avoiding chain hotel brands will love this unique boutique gem and its personalised white-glove service. It’s found in a romantic Roman palazzo and was once home to the opera composer Gaetano Donizetti. Evoking a sense of drama and theatre, it has been lovingly restored to fuse its grander period aspects with a colourful contemporary style. Each room and suite is a work of art, containing curated furnishings and details. Maalot Rona’s Don Pasquale Restaurant & Bar (named after Donizetti’s famed 19th-century opera) is set in agarden, with food by Executive Chef Domenico Boschi. Although close to A-list sights like the Trevi Fountain and the Via Condotti shopping district this beautiful boutique hotel is a haven in the bustling city.

With an enviable address of Via del Corso, Palazzo Roma, is a historic 16th-century building that has been transformed into a luxurious hotel that fuses modern elegance and historical richness. Once the residence of various noble Tuscan families, this esteemed Roman heritage site now serves as a boutique hotel set across three floors. Its design celebrates the building’s aristocratic past with features like coffered ceilings, authentic frescoes, timeless marble elements, and a remarkable original marble staircase. Each of the 39 rooms and suites is a testament to the thoughtful preservation of the historical essence of the space that intertwines bespoke contemporary luxury. The hotel’s expansive reception areas and distinctive artwork, and dining can be enjoyed in the sophisticated atmosphere of Core Restaurant and the Palazzo Bar is the place for stylish drinks. All this combined with exemplary service and meticulous attention to detail, offer guests an exclusive retreat in the heart of Rome’s dynamic atmosphere.

Rome Glam Hotel sits right on the edge of the cool, boho Monti neighbourhood where young and local designers are dotted throughout. Its location makes it great for shopping and exploring this area as well as quick access to many of the museums in the centre including Palazzo delle Esposizioni and the Scuderie del Quirinale. Designer and boutique interiors plus a rooftop terrace is a bonus.