Are you ready to explore the Italian capital? Finding the best accommodation in Rome will help you make the most of your trip! Stay comfortable, save money, and be close to some of Rome’s best sights.
Take a look at the best budget hotels in Rome and great budget guest houses. While each area of this city is unique and offers a slightly different experience, after staying in several places in Rome, I narrowed it down to the neighborhoods I’ll always recommend.
Let’s dive into the best neighborhood to stay in Rome and the best budget hotels in Rome, especially for first time visitors. If you can save money on accommodations and still have a great time, it’s a win-win!
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The Best Budget Hotels in Rome, Italy
Here are the best budget hotels in Rome; their descriptions are below. These budget hotels make for the best places to stay in Rome for first time visitors.
You’ll find guest houses included in this list as they are generally less expensive than hotels in Rome. The average budget is just an average; the total cost can differ depending on other fees.
If you’re looking for a super-budget hotel in Rome, take a look at Hostelworld! You can find the highest rated, cleanest, cheapest hosels in Rome here. Some even offer private rooms for a lower cost than a hotel.
Hotels: Find the best hotel deals on this booking site.
Guest Houses: Stay like a local in a Rome guest house or apartment.
Hostels: For the cheapest stays, look at Rome hostels here.
⭐️ 1. Quiet & Charming Apartment
Average Budget: $59 USD per night
Located in the southern outskirts of Rome, this 1-bed, 1-bath guest house is perfect for one to two people. It has a kitchenette, living space, and an adorable private balcony.
Here you’ll find everything you might need for a stay in Rome, from coffee supplies to a hammock with incredible views. The neighborhood is quiet, and there are many restaurants and markets within walking distance.
Great for solo travelers or couples
Private balcony
Quiet neighborhood with a local feel
⭐️ 2. Apartment San Giovanni
Average Budget: $116 USD per night
This one bedroom apartment is perfect for couples or small families traveling to Rome on a budget. As one of the cheapest accommodations in Rome, Apartment San Giovanni offers a cute balcony, renovated furnishings, and a full kitchen at a great price.
Fully equipped kitchen
Private balcony & newly renovated
Very cheap option, but slightly far away from city center
3. Comfortable, First Floor Apartment
Average Budget: $97 USD per night
As one of the best hotels in Trastevere Rome, this first-floor apartment is a rare find. It is 1-bed, 1.5-bath, and also has a comfortable pull-out couch. We stayed here comfortably with four people and had plenty of space. There is a full kitchen too, which is great to use if you want to save money on food.
This is the perfect place to stay if you want to enjoy Rome like a local. It’s in a fairly popular area, but you’ll be closer to family-run restaurants and local markets rather than bustling tourist attractions.
Local feel in a quiet area
On the ground floor
Comfortable and chic decor
4. Hotel Touring
Average Budget: $95 USD per night
This is a great deal for a hotel if you’re looking to save money. And the best part? It’s close to many popular attractions in the heart of Rome. Breakfast is available at an extra cost, but there are also many restaurants and cafes within walking distance of this budget hotel in Rome.
You can walk to Roma Termini, the main train station in Rome, in under 5 minutes, which is super useful for getting to other Italian cities or to the Leonardo Da Vinci Airport.
Very close to the main train station
Super budget-friendly
Basic rooms, good location
⭐️ 5. Vatican Apartment
Average Budget: $120 USD per night
While this studio apartment is small, it offers guests everything you need to stay comfortable. You can fit up to four people with the sofa bed and loft full bed. This Vatican apartment is also in a quiet area and within walking distance of the Vatican, a must-see in Rome.
Walking distance to the Vatican
Located in a quiet neighborhood
Unique & fun studio apartment
6. Salus Inn
Average Budget: $161 USD per night
A guest house located in the center of Rome, Salus Inn is very close to the train station and within walking distance of famous sights like the Colosseum. You can fit up to four people in the Salus Inn rooms with the four twin beds.
Pretty street views from your room
Walking distance to many sights
Close to the train station
Great location
7. Vintage Apartment
Average Budget: $131 USD per night
If you’re looking for an authentic Italian stay on a budget, this vintage apartment is the place for you. With a fun Italian style, the Vintage Apartment is perfect for couples visiting Rome on a budget. Those up for walking can easily reach the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain on foot.
This vintage apartment is also pet friendly and even offers two bikes for guests to use for fun and cheap transportation.
Cozy, Italian vintage feel
Private kitchen
Bikes available for two guests
The Best Neighborhood to Stay in Rome
If you’re visiting Rome for the first time, finding the best place to stay on a budget will help make your trip the best possible. But Rome is a very big city so how do you know where to look?
After enjoying multiple stays in Rome, I found the best areas to stay, as well as the best hotels and Airbnbs in those areas. Appio-Latino, Trastevere, Trevi, and Monti are some of the best neighborhoods in Rome, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.
The Best Areas in Rome
The best areas in Rome all have budget to mid-tier accommodation options, and they’re all close to many popular monuments. I’ve stayed in all these areas in Rome with my partner or my parents and we had a great time in each.
These neighborhoods make for the best places to stay in Rome for first time visitors who are traveling on a budget. Enjoy staying like a local at the best affordable apartment rentals or stay at one of the best budget hotels in Rome.
Appio-Latino Area:
This is on the southern end of Rome. Appio-Latino is slightly further from famous monuments like the Colosseum, but it’s a nice quiet neighborhood with high-quality, cheaper accommodation options.
Trastevere Area:
On the western side of Rome, across the River Tiber, you’ll find Trastevere. This neighborhood is slightly closer to many monuments than Appio-Latino, but the prices are just ever so higher as well. Both Trastevere and Appio-Latino will make you feel like a local living in Rome; they’re not very touristy.
Foodies, this is the best area to stay in Rome! Enjoy local restaurants and cooking classes with the top experiences in Rome for food lovers. Even if you don’t stay in Trastevere, make sure you leave some time to explore it!
Trevi Area:
You guessed it, Trevi is where the Trevi Fountain is located in Rome. This neighborhood is in the northern part of the heart of Rome. If you stay in Trevi, you’ll be very close to other sights as well like the Pantheon and Castel Sant’Angelo.
Monti Area:
This neighborhood is located just south of Trevi. The Colosseum and Roman Forum both border the western side of Monti so they are within close proximity. Because Monti and Trevi are in the heart of Rome, they are more expensive. But if price isn’t a worry, they’re great options for first timers because of their locations.
Before You Book Your Stay in Rome
To help make your trip to Rome the best possible, here are some helpful travel tips. Rome is an incredible city full of rich history, breathtaking monuments, and absolutely amazing food. Enjoy your stay and have fun exploring Italy’s capital!
Know Before You Go: Understand Italy’s customs with the first trip to Italy suggestions.
What to Do: Plan your visit with the best things to do in Rome.
Transportation: Get around Rome or travel around Italy by train; it’s cheap and reliable.
What to do in Rome for 3 days?
You’ve found the best budget hotels in Rome, so it’s time to plan your daily activities. Three days is a great amount of time to visit Rome. You’ll be able to check out the best parts of the city with this 3-day Rome itinerary, and hopefully have time to visit another city or two on your Italy trip.
Only here for a quick stop? Check out my ultimate 1-day Rome itinerary for the sweet, condensed version.
Is Rome sketchy at night?
It’s best to be cautious in any city at night, especially if you’re not familiar with your surroundings. Rome is a safe city, and as a woman, I felt safe in Appio-Latino, Trastevere, Monti, and Trevi, some of the best neighborhoods to stay in Rome.
I’ve traveled here with both my partner and my older parents and found these areas to be quiet and safe. It’s best not to venture outside really late at night in Rome if you’re alone unless you’re very familiar with doing this. Just remember to stay aware and keep your belongings close to you.
Recap: Best Places to Stay in Rome For First Timers on a Budget
This list of the best budget hotels in Rome, including comfy guest houses, will help you find the best place for you to stay while enjoying your trip to Rome. Finding the right accommodation will make your trip even better. Explore the city by day and have the hotel or guest house best suited for you to relax in at night.
Now you know the best places to stay in Italy for first time visitors on a budget, it’s time for you to pack your bags and live La Dolce Vita. Soak up the Italian sun, and sip wine on charming, ancient streets.
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