Top 20 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Rome 2023

I have been lucky enough to travel to numerous beautiful locations in my life so far but none of them can ever quite match up to Rome, which is, in my opinion, the most vibrant, beautiful and exquisitely cultural city in the world.

It has everything; layers of history, amazing nightlife, heavenly cuisine, sunshine, sea and some of the quirkiest folks I have had the pleasure of spending time with. It is not surprising then that the unique character of this ancient city extends to its hotels.

From my few years living in this extraordinary city and my many trips back since I’ve been able to scope out some of the best places to stay. From chic and stylish boutiques hip and modern, here are our favourite cool and unusual hotels in Rome, Italy (in no particular order)...

1. Spagna Royal Suite – a stylish, quirky and very Instagrammable upscale boutique hotel located near the Trevi Fountain

The 4-star exceptionally rated and centrally located The Spagna Royal Suite (a 7-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain) is high-end luxury boutique through and through, with each space designed for ultimate relaxation and comfort.

From the innovative bed up, bed down system in the junior suite to the opulent old-world luxury of the presidential, guests can enjoy at the very least a rain shower in an exquisitely decorated and luxuriously comfortable space. Upgraded rooms add four-poster or circular beds, saunas and/or balconies.

From that baseline guests may find themselves taking a Turkish bath, bathing in a fun red glittery shoe or lying back in a whirlpool tub watching their favourite shows on the mirror TV! Plush chairs, painted ceilings, in-room fitness walls, vertical gardens, Bang and Olufsen speakers …this fun and trendy Rome hotel has it all, so if you really want to treat yourself then look no further!

• To book, check prices or availability for the Spagna Royal Suite

2. Hotel Isa – for a stylish vintage-chic Roman Holiday located in the historic centre of Rome 

The 4-star exceptionally rated Hotel Isa (a 7-minute walk from Lepanto metro station) is an imaginative blend of the old and the new situated in a beautiful grand building close to the Vatican. It possesses an old-school elegance where you’ll probably feel like you’re Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday.

Rooms at this wonderful place are either modern or classical in design with some having the monochrome aesthetic of an old photograph and others focusing on a warm tranquillity. Many of the striking rooms also have gorgeous curved balconies wrapped in climbing plants and some feature balconies and/or Jacuzzis.

With the hot sunny Rome weather, the beautiful communal roof garden is the perfect place to enjoy views of St Peters whilst sipping on an Aperol Spritz. Staff are welcoming and helpful, happy to ensure guests enjoy a comfortable and unique stay in Italy’s popular capital! 

• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Isa Rome

3. Mama Shelter – a cool, fun and fashionable design hotel perfect for partying Millenials and Gen Zs

You can see the Eternal City’s enduring sense of style and good living at this design hotel just steps away from the Vatican. You’ll love the playful take on classical luxury, with mosaic floors, decorated ceilings and quirky decor and the friendly staff who make you feel right at home. It’s close to the Metro, so you can get around the city easily.

At the hotel, you can relax at the spa with its indoor swimming pool, sauna, hammam and fitness centre, and enjoy the Mediterranean and international cuisine at the three restaurants, with seasonal rooftop seating.

The rooms are a mix of comfort and chic design, comfortable chairs with vibrant prints, and office space for when you need to get serious. You can get breakfast at the bar, and drinks and gelato all day.

• To book, check prices or availability for the Mama Shelter Rome

4. G Rough – a gorgeously unconventional hip boutique hotel located in Piazza Navona which mixes fantasy and baroque 

The concept of this hip Rome boutique guest house is an unconventional luxury. The artfully designed interior at the deliciously quirky 5-star exceptionally rated G Rough blends shabby chic 20th Century vintage with classical stone floors, frescoes, and beams.

With luxury always at the forefront, it offers either Avant-garde suites or apartments – many with balconies or terraces in the historical Piazza Navona, right in the epicentre of the ‘Centro Storico’.

Many of the accommodations have stunning views out across the ancient rooftops and the delightful cosy terrace is a great place to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing.

The stylishly quirky Rome accommodation also offers a selection of unconventional travel itineraries for its guests and the opportunity to sample some fine artisan wines in the G Bar…a beautiful retro space downstairs which showcases the best contemporary artists in the city today.

• To book, check prices or availability for G Rough

5. Portrait Hotel – a beautiful upscale boutique hotel that offers a chic design and incredible views near the Spanish Steps in the high fashion district

Ultra-hip and ultra-cool this Rome hotel has been inspired by Salvatore Ferragamo, a famous shoe designer to the stars in the glittering 50s. Icons of Hollywood and Italian cinema from the period bedeck the walls along with Ferragamo’s unique shoe designs.

The ethos at 5-star exceptionally rated The Portrait Hotel is a bespoke upscale luxury for its guests in the heart of the eternal city.

Service is transformed from a work of art to a masterpiece with attentive staff catering to your every need from restaurant recommendations to ensuring you’re minibar is stocked with your favourite snacks and your en-suite kitchenette with all of your best hot drinks. Rooms reflect 50’s Glamour in every way and many offer views across the city.

The best place for a wraparound view is the rooftop terrace where guests can enjoy breakfast, aperitifs or afternoon tea or enjoy world-class dining in the privacy of their own room. Lovers of Luxury this is the place for you, you won’t be disappointed.

• To book, check prices or availability for Portrait Hotel

6. The Hoxton – this cool, hip and very creative eco-friendly hotel is a hot new hangout in Rome’s Historic Centre 

The Hoxton hotels are known for their elegant luxury and the newest offering in Rome showcases mid-century modern Italian design to perfection. From the cosy lobby with leather sofas and fireplace to the room design evoking retro images from classic Italian movies, the effortless sense of style will make you feel at home right away.

Located in the posh Parioli district, the hotel is a short taxi or tram ride away from the city centre and close to attractions like the Villa Borghese and Galleria Borghese, the MACRO (Museo Arte Contemporanea) and MAXXI ( Museo Nazionale delle Arti del XXI Secolo).

The rooms range in size from Shoebox and Cosy to Roomy and Biggy, and come with retro touches like Roberts radios, 60s telephones, and marble, velvet and wood accents. Some of the larger rooms have balconies as well.

The Cugino restaurant serves breakfast, coffee and small bites all day and cocktails in the evening, and the Beverly has California-style farm-to-table cuisine and drinks.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Hoxton Rome

7. Room Mate Filippo – a trendy, sophisticated and elegant new hotel set in the heart of Rome in the lively district of Via Veneto

When you’re serious about seeing Rome in all its glory, Room Mate Filippo puts you right in the middle of it all, next to the Spanish Steps, and close to Vía Condotti, Vía Veneto, the Trevi Fountain and the Barberini Metro stop.

Within, you’ll find contemporary splendor and style by famed interior designer Tomás Alía with clean, classic lines. The luxury factor in the guest rooms and suites is ramped up with plush velvet furnishings and marble bathrooms. Some have private balconies and terraces, and all have the option of having breakfast served in your room.

A buffet breakfast is also served until midday, so you don’t have to scramble out of bed early. There’s a lovely terrace, and a fitness center for guests. With all this, it’s no surprise that this lovely boutique hotel has won a Travelers’ Choice award for 2022.

• To book, check prices or availability for the Room Mate Filippo 

8. The First Musica – a contemporary and very beautiful new boutique hotel that offers an unforgettable experience minutes from the Spanish Steps

On the banks of the Tiber river, in the posh neighbourhood of Prati, you’ll find this new luxury boutique hotel which is perfectly in tune with its surroundings. The 29 rooms and suites are home to a private art collection, framed with views of the ancient city from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Situated on the famous Via del Corso, The First Musica is close to the Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo and other iconic sights of the historic city centre. The design of the spacious rooms and suites is highlighted with luxurious materials like plush fabrics, quality linens, and Calacatta marble with brass fittings in the bathrooms.

The Olivia restaurant serves breakfast and an Italian gourmet menu, and a spa and swimming pool are set to be opened in 2023. The ALTO rooftop cocktail bar has stunning views, delicious small bites, and live music.

• To book, check prices or availability for The First Musica

9. Hotel Vilòn – an ultra-chic elegant boutique hotel housed in a 16th-century building in Rome’s historic centre

This 5-star boutique hotel is located in the heart of the city, on a quiet narrow street between the Spanish Steps and the Tiber river. The 16-century mansion was part of the Palazzo Borghese and the renovation by Paolo Bonfini blends past and present in an elegant vision of upscale luxury.

There are just 18 rooms and unique suites, many with private terraces with views of the Borghese Palace “secret gardens”. Plush fabrics, artwork and comfortable beds and seating come with luxurious extras like in-room dining and unpacking and packing services.

There’s a courtyard garden, and the Adelaide cocktail bar and restaurant with cocktails and a Mediterranean menu in a setting that recalls the chic designs of Via di Monserrato.

• To book, check prices or availability for the Hotel Vilòn Rome

10. Nerva Boutique Hotel – a trendy Mediterranean design hotel with a cool retro vibe perfect for Millennials and Gen Z’s

This little unusual Rome accommodation gem is a lovely blend of ancient Rome and Mediterranean vintage chic with an authentic home-from-home atmosphere. Light, bright, very cool, housed in a vintage building and centrally located only 5 mins from the Colosseum, the exceptionally rated Nerva Boutique Hotel makes a refreshing change to large sterile chain hotels.

From the friendly staff to the carefully thought-out interior to the delicious homemade breakfast this cool gem of a Rome hotel is all about the personal touch and it pulls it off magnificently!

The bright clear spaces, contemporary artworks and warm colour palette of the soft furnishings all combine for a perfect, authentic and comfortable stay. If you like a more cosy environment then this hotel might be your perfect match!

• To book, check prices or availability for Nerva Boutique Hotel

11. Hotel Pulitzer – a beautiful elegant boutique hotel with a rooftop hot tub which mixes classic Italian style with a modern edge

The crisp, cool design of the 4-star exceptionally rated Hotel Pulitzer will suit visitors to Rome who enjoy a sense of space, geometry and clean lines.

This aesthetic is echoed in the hotel’s location which is a short metro trip out of the centre towards Fiumicino airport. The EUR district was Mussolini’s masterpiece designed to echo the lines of ancient Rome in the austere and imposing fascist style. It is now the centre of business for the city and an interesting place to stay, especially for fans of 20th Century Architecture.

Guests at the wonderfully trendy Rome hotel can enjoy a soak in the rooftop jacuzzi, a relax in the light, bright and arty rooms, fitness in the hotel’s wellness centre and tasty cuisine served up in the on-site restaurant. This is an affordable alternative to the historical centre with plenty of its own discoveries to be made.

• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Pulitzer Rome

12. MOVIE MOVIE HOTEL – a large, cool and modern themed hotel with an industrial chic design located near the Cinecittà Studios film studios

For fans of Italian cinema, the Movie Movie Hotel located just down the street from the famous Cinecittà Studios would be the perfect place to stay.

Not only are the hotel design and decor movie-themed, you can tour the studios where famed directors like Federico Fellini, Sergio Leone and Roberto Rossellini produced their masterpieces.

At the hotel, you’ll find movie-star levels of luxury with ergonomic design, very comfortable beds and pillows, stocked refrigerators and balconies. The room decor takes some cheeky cues from movie sets, with track lighting, glamorous mirrors with make-up lights and directors’ chairs, plus practical necessities like workspaces, USB ports and other tech.

There’s a fitness centre for guests, and the lounge serves a continental breakfast, lunch, snacks and cocktails. The hotel is close to the Rome Ciampino Airport and the Cinecittà Metro Station is just out the front door.

• To book, check prices or availability for the MOVIE MOVIE HOTEL

13. Hotel Art by The Spanish Steps – an art-filled boutique hotel with quirky details set in a converted chapel very near the Spanish Steps

This uniquely beautiful fun and chic Rome hotel is a perfectly curated example of Italian culture and taste. The minimalist entrance at the 4-star exceptionally rated Hotel Art opens out to a spectacular hall housed within a deconsecrated chapel.

The vaulted ceilings and sky at night frescos are now complemented by some more contemporary design ideas such as the reception ‘eggs’. The 46 rooms are split across 4 wings, each with its own colour and set off by an innovative coloured lighting design by Enzo Catellani.

The chic rooms each have an exquisitely executed copy of an old masterpiece on the wall and these nods to the classic Italian painters and architects continue throughout the hotel, which spares no detail. Enjoy an aperitif at the marble-topped bar or relax in the peaceful enclosed courtyard before stepping out into the heart of the city to explore.

Rooms and Suites are equipped with all modern amenities, some have whirlpool tubs and pets are welcome, check out the hotel website for special offers and packages.

• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Art by the Spanish Steps

14. Hotel Scenario – a sleek, chic and sexy intimate boutique hotel located in the Pantheon district 

Hotel Scenario sets the stage for your stay in Rome in a 17th-century palazzo, near the Pantheon and famous sites like the Piazza Navona,  Trevi Fountain, Piazza Venezia and Trinità dei Monti.

The interior design by Studio MORQ preserves original features like frescoes, marble columns, stone staircases and wooden beams.

The 12 individually-designed rooms combine minimalism with luxury, with beige and silver decor, air conditioning, minibar and artisanal furniture. A continental breakfast is served every morning in the courtyard.

There’s a spa and rooftop terrace, and across the courtyard, you’ll find the Archivolto restaurant by chef Giorgio Baldari, where the former stables have been transformed into a space for tasting the best in contemporary Italian cuisine. 

• To book, check prices or availability for the Hotel Scenario

15. Hotel Locarno – one of the best hotels to stay for a romantic and authentic Rome experience

The historic Hotel Locarno has been welcoming guests since 1925 and is itself a piece of history, connected with the worlds of Italian art, film and music. Designed in the grand style with graciously proportioned rooms, large arched windows and parquet wood flooring, it has all modern comforts like excellent air conditioning and hot water pressure.

In the rooms, luxurious drapes, antique furniture, plush fabrics, crisp linens and fresh flowers create an elegant ambience. Some rooms have balconies and there are a number of individually-designed suites that can be best described as palatial.

Breakfast is served in the courtyard, and guests can relax at the champagne bar at the rooftop Terrazza Locarno, with views of the Trinità dei Monti skyline. The “anytime-anywhere” dining options are overseen by Chef Domenico Smargiassi, and guests can enjoy the gourmet Italian classics in any of the bars and dining rooms.

All of this plus the location in central Rome has won acclaim from generations of travelers, the latest being the 2022 Travelers’ Choice Tripadvisor award.

• To book, check prices or availability for the Hotel Locarno

16. Babuino 181 – a hidden modern retreat with upscale and fashionable design details located on Via del Babuino

This beautiful light, upscale and spacious hotel in Rome offers a perfect blend of luxury and home comforts.

The marble tubs, Frette bedding and classic/contemporary interior design at 4-star exceptionally rated Babuino 181 are complemented by professional and attentive staff that will ensure your every need is met. The location is perfect for fashionistas and families alike as Via Babuino runs between Piazza Del Popolo and Piazza Espagna in the historical centre and is lined by all the top designer stores from Gucci to Bulgari and everything in between.

Some guest rooms are bi-level and many have balconies or terraces or gorgeous exposed-beam ceilings.S ip cocktails on the rooftop terrace or luxuriate in your handcrafted mosaic tub in the air-conditioned suites and rooms. The perfect place to experience a taste of  ‘La Dolce Vita!’

• To book, check prices or availability for Babuino 181

17. Villa Laetitia – a unique upscale hotel located in a grand 1911 villa owned by the House of Fendi

The exceptionally rated Villa Laetitia is a historical residence designed by Armando Brasini and lovingly restored to its current glory by the Fendi Venturini Family.

Located a 9-minute walk from the Lepanto metro station, each of the boutique rooms has a unique style combining beautiful artwork, photography and Vintage furniture with luxury and unrivalled service.

Rooms occupy the top 2 floors of the villa and also the garden house meaning guests can choose to overlook the ancient Tiber River and Della Vittoria district or can retreat to the verdant and extensive grounds, in either case, the hotel prides itself on offering guests true family hospitality in all its services.

Guests at this wonderfully unusual Rome accommodation can enjoy a refined gastronomic experience accompanied by fine wines in Enoteca La Torre beneath the arches in the cellar or light dishes beneath the original frescoes in the Piccolo Bar.

All in all this uniquely beautiful Rome hotel provides luxury, comfort, warmth, and wonder and is one of Rome’s hidden gems not to be overlooked.

• To book, check prices or availability for Villa Laetitia Rome

18. Mario De Fiori 37 – a chic upscale boutique hotel housed in a 17th-century townhouse located near the famous Spanish Steps

Run by RLS, the same company who runs Babuino this small, trendy boutique Rome hotel offers nine luxury suites very close to The Spanish Steps, The Trevi Fountain and other city centre attractions.

With the same standard of contemporary luxury and elegance as Babuino, the exceptionally rated Mario Di Fiori 37 is the perfect romantic retreat.

The unique Rome abode is housed in a 17th-century townhouse and decked out in original artwork and mixing antique-style furnishings with modern such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and iPod docks. All also feature minibars and Nespresso machines. Suites add separate living areas. Some quarters offer wood-beamed ceilings and/or canopy beds.

• To book, check prices or availability for Mario di Flori 37

19. Kolbe Hotel – modern meets historic in this hotel converted from a 15th-century convent in the charming medieval district 

Situated inside a 17th Century monastery the 4-star exceptionally rated Kolbe Hotel favours a whimsical romantic design that fits seamlessly into the high vaulted marble halls and beamed roofs of the original building.

With a mix of rooms offering different outlooks on the enchanting city. Every room at this hip and trendy Rome hotel has been thoughtfully decorated to the highest standards and many include lovely touches like sunken tubs and lots of natural light.

The hotel has an in-house restaurant which spreads out into an interior courtyard and garden terrace and offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city.

Kolbe is located in a great neighbourhood close to the Colosseum and Fori Imperiali which is safe, quiet and convenient. A great chic and quirky hotel in Rome for those who enjoy a bit of tranquillity after a busy day of sightseeing.

• To book, check prices or availability for Kolbe Hotel

20. San Anselmo – a charming, elegant and romantic stay in a stunning 19th-century villa with a garden

There are thirty-two rooms of Roman Opulence, each one being different from the next gives this luxurious boutique hotel an edge over its competitors.

There are three tiers of rooms at the 4-star exceptionally rated San Anselmo from economy to deluxe but all of them are very beautiful, sporting rich furnishings, brocade drapes and in some cases 4 poster beds. Guests at this beautifully unusual Rome hotel can luxuriate in a massage bath or shower in a classic marble or mosaic bathroom.

Sixteen rooms have balconies with fabulous views over the Otaviano district and St Peters and the hotel is just a short hop on the metro to the historical centre, close to Castel San Angelo and the Vatican, pleasantly separate from the crowds that can be overwhelming in Rome in peak season!

• To book, check prices or availability for San Anselmo Rome