Best Boutique Hotels in Rome

This upscale boutique hotel, with just 12 rooms, is housed in a gorgeous historic mansion less than 10 minutes from the Trevi Fountain. Despite its small size, the hotel goes above and beyond with the amenities, offering a gym, spa, lovely outdoor garden, excellent free breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. The rooms blend elegant decor (antique furniture and artwork, patterned bedspreads, crown moldings) with modern technology (iPod docks, flat-screen TVs). The luxurious, large marble bathrooms are the highlight -- all have separate showers and tubs. Many of the rooms overlook the hotel's private courtyard. Its upscale vibe, quiet atmosphere, beautiful rooms, gorgeous common areas, and high-end amenities put Villa Spalletti at the top of our list.

Yes, four-pearl Artemide's prices are higher than those of its nearby competitors. With the higher rates, though, comes a renovated spa, complete with indoor pools, sauna, and massage room. There's a large free breakfast, a popular rooftop barand restaurant, and free minibars in the stylish rooms. This property is also smack in the middle of central Rome, within walking distance of the Piazza Della Repubblica and Termini Station, making this hotel convenient and decidedly upscale.

The three-pearl Deko Rome is a modest boutique hotel in one of the most elegant neighborhoods in Rome, close to Via Veneto. Housed on the second floor of a 20th century Palazzo-style building, the hotel has a minimalist interior with a few Pop Art touches. Its six simple rooms, modern in furnishings, have views of the street or a courtyard and an iPad. The Deko's greatest luxury is spontaneous gestures from the owners -- an espresso upon arrival, free breakfast, or the occasional bottle of Prosecco -- that distinguish their place from the grander hotels in the area. 

The 41-room Barocco is an upscale hotel on the Piazza Barberini. The spacious, upscale rooms have decor in shades of champagne and cream; some have great piazza views. While the hotel is lacking in common space and features (such as spa or fitness facilities), it offers a picturesque piazza location within walking distance of the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. The extensive breakfast buffet includes pastries, yogurts, fruit, and meats. 

The aptly named Hotel Campo De' Fiori is an upscale property located on (you guessed it) the Campo de Fiori, a plaza that functions as an open-air market during the day and a bustling party scene in the evenings. The Piazza Navona and Pantheon are within a 10-minute walk, but most other famous landmarks are farther (about 20 minutes); the hotel can arrange taxis and public transportation is easily accessible. Free breakfast is truly gourmet with espresso, croissants, and chocolate -- but thebasement-level dining room feels a bit claustrophobic. The multi-tiered roof terrace features panoramic views of the city. 

This luxury boutique hotel stands out for its incredible views -- guests can take in the nearby Colosseum from the rooftop restaurant and lounge, as well as from their rooms (these view rooms cost a bit more). The 16 rooms themselves are quite spacious for European standards and have modern decor, flat-screen TVs and dim lighting (that's almost too sexy to be practical). The rooftop restaurant, Aroma, offers fine dining and spectacular views -- and serves a free American-style buffet breakfast daily.

Split between two buildings, the 24-room Babuino 181 is an upscale boutique ideal for the discerning traveler. The rooms are modern and well-furnished, with high-end amenities such as Nespresso coffee machines, iPod docks, comfortable mattresses, and soft bedding. The spacious bathrooms have large glass walk-in showers and separate soaking tubs. There’s also a popular rooftop terrace breakfast room and cocktail lounge for guests. Even with the hefty price tag, the sheer space of the rooms makes this a top option for its tier.

The First Luxury Art Hotel is a 29-room boutique in the historic center of Rome near the Spanish Steps. The property has an elegant, modern design with contemporary art and top-notch technology. Rooms and suites have ample space, iPod docks, Nespresso machines, and big marble bathrooms. The hotel's restaurant has a Michelin-starred chef and the rooftop cocktail garden has 360-degree views of Rome, but some guests note the hotel is difficult to find.

The 34-room Hotel San Anselmo is a romantic boutique hotel just south of Rome's historic center, in the serene Aventine Hill neighborhood. Rooms are decorated in a Baroque-meets-modern style, with antique furnishings, artsy modern accents, and all the requisite conveniences. Some rooms have spacious marble bathrooms with jetted showers or tubs as well as terraces with scenic views, while others are quite small. An extensive breakfast buffet is included, as are Wi-Fi and parking, and there's a lobby bar.

The 61-room Fortyseven is an upscale boutique that offers solid returns for the price. Housed in a historic building restored in the mid-2000s, the property has a modern aesthetic. Rooms are spacious and bright with impressive views, comfortable hypoallergenic bedding, and bathrooms with large walk-in showers. Circus, the rooftop restaurant, is a major draw for guests and locals alike with its sweeping scenes and Italian dishes.

Although its 30 rooms are somewhat small, the four-pearl Hotel Lunetta is one of Rome’s most historic and charming hotels. Situated in the historic center, it offers tremendous views from the small rooftop bar, and an underground spa with a foundation that dates back to 55 B.C. Guest rooms have hardwood floors and exposed beams, and stocked minibars. An ample breakfast buffet is included in the price of a room. The hotel is ideal for romantic tourists with money to spare, who don't mind compact rooms, and who appreciate staying within ancient walls more than they do amenities like lobby lounges and full-service restaurants found in other upscale properties.

The five-pearl Aldrovandi Villa Brogheseis is an opulent experience in a quiet, upscale residential neighborhood just outside the city center. The well-preserved 19th century building is loaded with rich period details. And its 103 rooms are spacious and offer simple yet elegant decor and marble bathrooms. The lush, relaxing garden area, new La Mer spa, and fine-dining restaurant add luxury. Free parking and free shuttle to the Spanish Steps add value. But, the neighborhood is not a good match for guests who love to walk Rome’s streets to browse shops, visit restaurants, and explore landmarks.

The Hotel Indigo Rome - St. George is a luxury boutique hotel in a fabulous location: on a cobblestone street in Old Rome, within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and some of Rome's most popular sights. Rooms were redecorated in 2014 and now have vibrant colors, iconic Italian accents, and iPod docks. Spa access and Wi-Fi are included in the rates. Luxe extras include a wine bar, and traditional Italian restaurant, and an on-site spa with a huge hot tub. 

Hotel Britannia is an upscale hotel in a convenient location near the Piazza della Repubblica and within walking distance to several of the city’s famous historic sights. The hotel has a dark, cozy bar and 33 homey rooms with free minibars and flat-screen TVs. Standard rooms are small (and not a good fit for families), but the hotel wins in the breakfast category, providing a free breakfast with a wide variety of food that exceeds other hotels’ offerings.