Rome's Best Travel Routes

Curated routes. Authentic stories. The real city behind the postcards.

How to Choose Between Hotels, B&Bs & Apartments

Rome offers all kinds of accommodations, from grand hotels with rooftop terraces to tiny family-run guesthouses. Choosing depends on your style of travel, budget, and how much you value independence.

When selecting accommodation in Rome, aim for a hotel, B&B, or apartment that is conveniently located near a metro station, even if it’s not in the heart of the city. Staying near a metro stop ensures that you have easy access to the city’s extensive public transportation network, allowing you to reach popular landmarks, museums, and dining options with minimal hassle. While central locations are often more desirable, areas slightly outside the core city can offer more affordable options and a more local experience.

Common international services like booking.com or AIRBNB.com work well in Italy. Before booking, check the reviews and ratings of the accommodation to ensure it meets your expectations for comfort and cleanliness. It’s also helpful to ask your host or the accommodation staff for detailed directions and local tips. They may provide even you with a paper map or recommendations for nearby attractions, restaurants, and shops but be aware that most of them may have joint partnerships, so if you seek real quality, you may have to search for yourself. Booking in advance is essential, particularly during peak tourist seasons or major events, to secure your preferred accommodation and avoid last-minute inconveniences.

Hotels

  • Pros: professional service, daily cleaning, often central locations.
  • Cons: smaller rooms in historic buildings, higher prices.
  • Best for travelers who want comfort and security without worrying about logistics.

B&Bs (Bed & Breakfasts)

  • Pros: often run by locals, more personal touch, sometimes charming historic buildings.
  • Cons: quality varies greatly; always read reviews carefully.
  • Best for travelers who want authenticity and don’t mind less luxury.

Apartments (Airbnb or rentals)

  • Pros: space, kitchen to cook, often cheaper for groups or families.
  • Cons: less reliable service, sometimes far from main attractions, tricky check-ins.
  • Best for longer stays or travelers who like to feel “at home.”

⚠️ Watch out: Be cautious with illegal rentals—Rome has strict regulations, and unregistered apartments can leave you without support if problems arise. Always book through reputable platforms with verified hosts.

📝 Local Tip: If you want the best of both worlds, look for “affittacamere”—licensed guesthouses that offer private rooms with some hotel-like services but the friendliness of a B&B. Look for the Government number (CIN) in the name plate, it’s mandatory for every serious business in Italy.

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