The Best Art and Culture Hotels to Book in Rome, Italy
The landscape of an ancient empire and a modern city of contrasts, Rome boasts an impressive number of high-end and boutique hotels. These historic hotels showcase the best art and culture of the city, exuding Rome’s unique atmosphere – and they’re bookable on Culture Trip.
Elizabeth Unique Hotel – for attention to detail
Boutique Hotel
Almost 3,000 years of history has brought a wealth of travellers to experience the art and culture of Rome, and the Elizabeth Unique Hotel is a celebration of just that. The hotel curator, Fabrizio Russo, has hand-picked works from the likes of Enrico Benetta and Veronica Montanino to adorn the walls of the Elizabeth, featuring everything from clever sculptures to colourful collages. A sculpture-painting of Burt Bacharach, whose name is also used for the hotel bar, is one particular highlight. If you can take your eyes off the gorgeous artwork, then take your pick of the 33 available rooms, ranging from sophisticated doubles to luxury suites. Opt for the big and bold Elizabeth Mansion, an entire holiday home for up to 16 guests, for an even more bespoke experience.
The First Roma Arte – for experiencing local traditions
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
Hotel Lunetta – for layers of history
Boutique Hotel
Located close to the Campo Dei Fiori, and a five-minute walk to the Piazza Navona, this historic hotel in Rome is housed in the building of an ancient hostel built on the remains of the walls of the Theatre of Pompeius, in Piazza del Paradiso. The theatre was built in 55BCE and was used until the 6th century CE. Today, the radial walls of the theatre are still visible through protective glass panels in the gorgeous spa. These walls were made in opus reticulatum, an ancient Roman building technique which creates a regular diagonal lattice aesthetic. This technique spread throughout Italy from the first century BCE and is also visible in the nearby Theatre of Marcellus from 17BCE.
Hassler Roma – for a hotel with pedigree
Hotel
Baglioni Hotel Regina – for a royal residence
Hotel
J.K. Place Roma – for an architect's pad
Boutique Hotel
Designed by architect Michele Bonan, the J.K. Place Roma is a historic hotel in Rome set in a grand old building that was formerly the home of the architectural school of the Sapienza University of Rome. The 17th-century exterior has been well preserved, and the rooms inside have canopied rosewood beds, a dark palette and wood-panelled walls, and bathrooms of Italian marble. The hotel is located in the heart of Rome, only a few minutes walking distance from the Spanish Steps and Via Condotti.
Aleph Rome – for a Roman holiday
Hotel
Aleph Hotel is bursting with vibrant colours and Italian design, particularly with the colour red. It differs to the many grand historical hotels seen in Rome, and is an experience all in itself. The theme running throughout the hotel is Dante’s Divine Comedy, or Heaven and Hell, designed by American interior architect Adam Tihany. The rooms feature wholly Italian design dating from the ’30s and ’40s, and the walls are decorated with large black-and-white prints of work produced by New York street photographer Bram Tihany, portraying daily life in Rome.
Hotel de Russie – for a romantic city break
Hotel, Villa
Portrait Roma – for a designer stay
Suite Hotel, Luxury
The Italian trend of hotels created by fashion designers came in May 2006 with the opening of Salvatore Ferragamo’s Portrait Suites. Housed in a 19th-century townhouse, its interior was designed by Michele Bonan. Black-and-white photos and memorabilia from Ferragamo’s archives decorate the rooms and hallways, and the elevator is uniquely lined with boar-skin leather. The rooftop lounge offers breathtaking views of the Spanish Steps and the Trinità dei Monti.
Hotel Campo de' Fiori – for a roof with a view
Hotel
Hotel Campo de’ Fiori, named after the famous plaza, has been situated in a classic Roma Baroque building since its opening in 1937. This hotel is unique and full of Italian character with its sought after tapestries, authentic lacunar ceilings, antique paintings and decorated walls. The top floor features a multi-level terrace offering 360º panoramic views of the city, and is walking distance from the major monuments of Rome. These include Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Piazza Venezia, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Castel Sant’Angelo and the Vatican City. Next to Piazza Campo de’ Fiori, visitors can also experience the morning market held here, known as the oldest market in Rome.
Sam Moakes contributed additional reporting to this article.
Looking for more beautiful hotels in Rome? Check out our guide to the best hotels in Rome, Italy, bookable with Culture Trip.