Rome Accommodations

Finding lodging in Rome is not as daunting as it may seem, even though the tourist offices do not provide as extensive listings as those in other cities. Options range from cheap hostels to four-star hotels and a slew of places in between. Low season starts around November and goes until early March, with the lowest rates coming at the Christmas holiday. High season starts mid-March, peaks during April and May, and doesn't let up until October.

At bigger hotel chains and hostels, the best way to book is generally online, where you can get specific prices and sometimes promotional deals. If you ask in person, these types of establishments will usually refer you to their website (and are reluctant even to give price ranges) unless you're talking exact dates. Expect the most standard and comprehensive services at hotels, with a price to match. Better hostels have kitchens, no curfew, and services geared to students, such as maps, internet access, tours, and even bars. Smaller pensioni,bed and breakfasts, and alberghi(the Italian word for hotels) are often located within a larger building of apartments and thus may be harder to find without prior knowledge. Such establishments often offer fewer rooms and services but more availability during high season, even at the last minute. Disregard the rule for hotels and hostels at these lodging houses and make reservations in person. These are often more convenient for the proprietors and may get you a lower rate. Discounts are often given for longer stays and for payments made in cash.

Convents are another great option for female travelers who can deal with the early curfew and usually bare-minimum facilities. They are often more willing to accommodate longer-term stays. Men and those not eager to deal with the particular oddities of convent life can find apartment agencies scattered throughout the city. Be aware, however, that they are usually only helpful for buying or renting in the very long term (one year or more). For periods of one to six months, consult Porta Portese newspaper, sold at all tabaccherie for €1 (also available online at www.portaportese.it) Other good online databases are Easystanza ( www.easystanza.it) and www.expatriates.com, an online community for foreigners in Rome. Also check out public places such as libraries, universities (John Cabot, American University in Rome and St. John's University), and even local cafes, which often post paper fliers advertising short-term rooms in shared apartments. In terms of convenience, residential feel, and cost, Trastevere (across the river), Testaccio/Ostiense, and San Giovanni (south of Termini) are ideal places to find your home away from home.

Termini is the best place, especially for travelers arriving by train, to find last-minute and conveniently-located accommodations. If you have not booked in advance, however, be wary of hotel scouts who will jump at the opportunity to advertise overpriced rooms late in the evening. Before booking, be sure to ask about services offered: some places charge for breakfast, A/C, internet, or, even worse, all three.

Hostels

Hostelworld.com. Compare hostels, B&Bs and budget accommodations across Rome, and book your stay in advance at Hostelworld.com. Many hostels are laid out dorm-style, often with large single-sex ...more

Other Types Of Accommodations

Hotel singles in Italy cost about US$40-80 (€25-50) per night, doubles US$ 60-140 (€40-90). In many lower budget establishments, you’ll typically share a hall bathroom; a private bathroom ...more

Ancient City

Home to some of the biggest monuments in Rome, the Ancient City is not the cheapest place to plant yourself during a visit to Italy's capital, though if you're willing to shell out at least €100 a night ...more

Centro Storico

The Centro Storico is not the cheapest place to stay, but hotels here often have a lot more character and offer better services than those found elsewhere. Reserve rooms well in advance and don't expect ...more

Piazza Di Spagna

Staying in the Piazza di Spagna area is a pricey affair, and though you might be getting newer accommodations and slightly better services, you'll be surrounded by more crowds than are present in the Ancient ...more

Vatican City

When it comes to hotels, the area immediately around the Vatican is as overpriced as the pizza and souvenirs. However, the quieter streets nearer the river and Prati offer many affordable options, mostly ...more

Termini And San Lorenzo

Termini abounds with hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, and pensioni. There's a roughly one-to-one ratio of extremely cheap to extremely overpriced options, so do research beforehand and try to book ...more