Best Historical Hotels in Rome

Grand Hotel Plaza, located on Via del Corso and a short walk from men’s leather and clothing outlets in the Campo Marzio area. The beauty of this hotel, aside from its prized location, is that it boasts a number of terraces. And not just in many of the rooms and suites, but the Terrazza dei Limoni (with its pretty lemon trees) is the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by.

Experience La Dolce Vita in the Eternal City. The new Ambasciatori Palace is InterContinental’s latest lifestyle resort, a grand, early 20th-century building once used to house visiting ambassadors. Found on Via Veneto, it exudes elevated Italian elegance, along with international influences, such as its Scarpetta NYC restaurant. Charlies’ rooftop is the place to hang out long into the night, with live music, DJ sets and mixology along with epic views, plus there’s the Anite Lounge & Bar in the lobby. With accessible rooms, a nanny service, notary services and fitness trainers onsite, this hotel tends to your every need.

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 Radisson Collection has expanded its presence in Italy with the opening of the Radisson Collection Hotel, Roma Antica. This luxurious establishment is located in Rome’s historic centre, close to landmarks like the Altare della Patria and the Pantheon, offering guests a blend of historical charm and modern elegance. Built around the restored Palazzo Lares Permarini, the hotel boasts 89 rooms designed with Carrara marble bathrooms, Fornasetti wallpaper, and refined furnishings. It features panoramic terraces, a Turkish bath, fitness centre, and is pet-friendly. The hotel’s development uncovered archaeological remnants of the Porticus Minucia, which are now accessible to guests, blending Rome’s rich past with a present-day luxury hotel experience. The on-site restaurant, Modius, and the rooftop bar, Modius on the Roof – Terrazza, offer guests a taste of Roman cuisine that uses high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, all enjoyed whilst taking breathtaking city views.

Hotel Ponte Sisto a short walk from the bakeries around the famed Campo de Fiori market and some of the still family-run artisan food shops and neighbourhood markets of the Trastevere and Testaccio districts. In what was a former monastery, some of the rooms here feature balconies and even whirlpool tubs and the lovely garden courtyard or rooftop terrace is the perfect place to relax.

For an independent hotel stay when in Rome the Palazzo Ripetta couldn’t be a finer choice. This 78-bedroom property is part of the Relais and Chateaux portfolio and presents an inimitable style of Italian hospitality combined with historic and artistic elegance. The interiors were designed by Fausta Gaetani, using a mix of muted tones and jewel-coloured accents and pieces that evoke period sensibilities, but through a modern bold lens. Salone Bernini (which includes a cloister space), the Piazzetta, the Etere Rooftop and the garden provide places for guests to wine and dine in style, with food by the hotel’s Executive Chef Marco Ciccotelli. Palazzo Ripetta is just a few moments’ stroll from both the iconic Piazza del Popolo and river Tiber.

Built in 1874 and fully renovated in 2022, the Sina Bernini Bristol stands proudly overlooking the Piazza Barberini and its ornate Triton Fountain. This period grandeur continues inside, with Murano chandeliers, frescoes, silk textiles, travertine marble, damask and brocade. 166 bedrooms have a generous spread of bright colours — notably those in the contemporary Signature category. Relax at the WellBe spa and thermal suite, or over a slow meal at The Flair, the rooftop restaurant with dishes by Chef Alessandro Caputo. A second dining room is found on the first floor, enjoying views over the piazza.

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.

Enchanting, eclectic, arty and sophisticated, this hotel makes your city break in the Eternal City, something quite unique. The design features geometric lines, retro patterning, indulgent fabrics and lots of contemporary artwork. There are three dining establishments onsite; the Dandy Cafè, El Porteño Gourmet and Terrazza Flores. Bedrooms and suites are available, with plenty of home comforts. Suites also provide a private living room and kitchenette. Umiltà 36  is just steps from the Trevi Fountain and looks out over the pretty rooftops of Rome on one side, the hotel’s classic courtyard on the other.

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.