The Best Art and Culture Hotels to Book in Rome, Italy

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.

A renovated 19th-century building on a quiet street in the historic centre of Rome, the First hotel is close to Piazza del Popolo, MAXXI (National Museum of the 21st Century), and Villa Borghese. This art hotel houses its own library and an enormous amount of artworks in every room, all by local artists. The hotel is also home to the Michelin-starred restaurant Acquolina, and keeping with the local custom, it has its own impressive roof garden. Offering enchanting views over the city of Rome, this atmospheric dining setting presents a unique experience in the Italian capital.

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.

The Hassler Roma has been acclaimed as one of the most prestigious art hotels in Rome since its opening in 1893. Conveniently located at the top of the Spanish Steps, the hotel sits next to the magnificent 16th-century Trinità dei Monti church and close to the Villa Borghese gardens. Over the last 100 years a staggering list of famous signatures have been collected in the hotel’s ‘golden book’, from royalty to celebrities, writers, artists and musicians. The hotel is owned by Roberto E. Wirth, a passionate collector of art and fine wines, and fifth generation of the famous Swiss hotelier family who became co-owners of the hotel with the Hasslers in the 1920s. Each room is filled with many artworks and antiques from his collection, including 19th-century mirrors, tapestries and appliqués. In addition, the classical colours of Rome – ochre and Pompeian red – are carried thematically throughout the hotel.

During the Dolce Vita period, the Via Veneto was renowned as the meeting place of artists, writers and actors. This is one of the most famous and expensive streets in Rome and home to the Regina Hotel Baglioni. The hotel is surrounded by the distinct art and history of Rome, and is within easy walking distance of the Galleria Borghese museum, the Spanish Steps and Via Condotti. Regina Hotel Baglioni was once the home of Queen Margherita of Savoy while she awaited the completion of her residence, Villa Margherita, which presently houses the American Embassy. In recognition of her stay, the hotel owner was granted permission to add Regina to the hotel name in 1911.

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 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.

The Hotel de Russie is situated between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo on the Via del Babuino. This unique luxury hotel houses an extensive terraced garden designed by Giuseppe Valadier. It is named the Secret Garden, as it is hidden behind the building which overlooks Via del Babuino. This beautiful setting is home to the Le Jardin de Russie restaurant run by the celebrated chef Fulvio Pierangelini. The hotel also has one of the best health clubs and spas in Rome, offering a hydro pool, hot tub, sauna, Turkish steam bath, beauty treatments and gym. Alternatively, you can pamper yourself with the free Irene Forte toiletries in your marble bathroom.

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, 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.