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Cheap Hotels in Rome: The 15 Best Budget Hotels in the City Center
Let’s be real — Rome is one of those cities where you could easily blow your entire travel budget before you even make it to the Trevi Fountain.
But here’s the good news: finding a great cheap hotel in Rome’s city center is absolutely doable, and we’ve done all the legwork for you.
We’re Sebastian and Allie, and we’ve spent a lot of time stomping around Rome’s cobblestone streets, testing cafés, geeking out over ancient ruins, and — yes — checking into a lot of hotels.
What makes a budget hotel in Rome actually worth it? Great location, clean rooms, friendly staff, and that sweet spot of value where you don’t feel like you sacrificed too much for the price tag.
- Updated on
Cheap Hotels in Rome – Our Top 3 Picks
Hotel Patria
- Unbeatable Price
- Breakfast available
- Location: 0.7 mi to the city center
Hotel Santa Prisca
- Quiet top location on Aventine Hill
- Circus Maximus within walking distance
- Location: 1.2 mi to the city center
Boutique Hotel Galatea
- Boutique rooms at a great price
- Breakfast available
- Location: 0.6 mi to the city center
Rome is one of the most walkable cities in Europe, which means staying close to the center can literally save you hours every single day. No metro, no bus, just you and 2,000 years of history right outside your door.
The budget hotels in Rome on this list put you within striking distance of the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and pretty much everything else on your must-see list.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple on a romantic city break, or just someone who’d rather spend their money on pasta and gelato than on a fancy hotel room — this list is for you.
We prioritized walkability, value for money, and places where guests are genuinely happy. Let’s get into it.
Best 2-Star Budget Hotels in Rome — Great Location, Unbeatable Price
Astoria Golden Gate - from €105/night
Stars
Rating: 9.1 (Exceptional)
Nearby:
Colosseum: 1.4 mi
Roman Forum: 1.2 mi
Trevi Fountain: 1.4 mi
Spanish Steps: 1.4 mi
Pantheon: 1.7 mi
Vatican City: 3.2 mi
If you’re hunting for one of the most affordable hotels in Rome where the location actually makes sense, the Astoria Golden Gate is a total winner.
Sitting about 1.2 miles from the historic center, right next to Roma Termini train station, this 2-star hotel gives you a serious strategic advantage.
Here’s the insider tip: Termini is the beating heart of Rome’s public transit system. From here, Metro Line A shoots you to the Spanish Steps or toward the Vatican in minutes, while Line B drops you off right at the Colosseum.
It’s like having the entire city at your fingertips. The rooms are tidy and no-frills — exactly what you need for a city trip when you’re out exploring all day anyway.
Breakfast is available at an extra charge, though you honestly don’t need it: Termini is surrounded by excellent bars and cafés where the locals actually eat.
Hotel Santa Prisca - from € 102/ night
Stars:
Rating: 8.9 (Fabulous)
Nearby:
Colosseum: 1.0 mi
Roman Forum: 1.1 mi
Trevi Fountain: 1.8 mi
Spanish Steps: 2.2 mi
Pantheon: 1.6 mi
Vatican City: 2.5 mi
If you want to experience Rome at its most peaceful — without retreating to some boring suburban hotel — the Hotel Santa Prisca is a genuine hidden gem.
It sits on the Aventine Hill, one of Rome’s legendary Seven Hills, and one of the greenest, most residential corners of the city. No tour groups, no selfie sticks, just quiet streets and Roman locals going about their day.
The Circus Maximus — yes, that Circus Maximus, where chariot races once drew 300,000 spectators — is just a short walk away.
And from the nearby Rose Garden, on a clear day, you get one of the most stunning panoramic views over the city that most tourists never even find.
The city center is about 1.2 miles away with solid bus connections. Rooms are simple but well-kept, and breakfast can be added on for a small fee.
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Hotel Santa Prassede - from €137/night
Stars:
Rating: 9.5 (Exceptional)
Nearby:
Colosseum: 0.7 mi
Roman Forum: 0.7 mi
Trevi Fountain: 1.1 mi
Spanish Steps: 1.2 mi
Pantheon: 1.4 mi
Vatican City: 2.9 mi
A 9.5 rating on a budget hotel? That’s basically unheard of, and it tells you everything you need to know about the Santa Prassede.
Tucked right in the neighborhood surrounding the magnificent Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore — one of the four great papal basilicas of Rome and a jaw-dropping piece of architecture in its own right — this hotel is only 0.9 miles from the city center.
For a 2-star property, that location is remarkable. You’re also just a few minutes‘ walk from the Termini metro station, and from there, Line B takes you straight to the Roman Forum.
Rooms are comfortable and nicely put together — a solid value for money that you genuinely can’t take for granted at this price point in such a central location. Breakfast available at extra cost.
Rome's Gloria Hotel - from €153/night
Stars:
Rating: 9.3 (Exceptional)
Nearby:
Colosseum: 2.4 mi
Roman Forum: 2.1 mi
Trevi Fountain: 1.6 mi
Spanish Steps: 1.2 mi
Pantheon: 1.2 mi
Vatican City: 1.2 mi
Looking for a cheap hotel in Rome near the Vatican that doesn’t feel like a budget hotel? Rome’s Gloria delivers exactly that.
Located about 1.4 miles from the city center, it sits just outside the charming Prati neighborhood — one of the most livable areas in Rome and a favorite with locals.
Think wide boulevards, excellent restaurants, gelaterias, and zero tourist-trap vibes. St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums are easily reachable on foot or by bus, making this the ideal base if Vatican sightseeing is at the top of your Rome itinerary.
The rooms are clean and well-appointed — honestly punching above the 2-star weight class. One standout detail: some rooms include an in-room Jacuzzi, which is a pretty wild bonus at this price. Breakfast available as an add-on.
Best 3-Star Budget Hotels in Rome — Best Value for Money
Hotel Patria - from €82/night ⭐ Our Top Budget Pick!
Stars:
Rating: 8.5 (Very Good)
Nearby:
Colosseum: 1.1 mi
Roman Forum: 1.0 mi
Trevi Fountain: 0.7 mi
Spanish Steps: 0.9 mi
Pantheon: 1.2 mi
Vatican City: 2.7 mi
From $82 a night. Three stars. 0.7 miles from the city center. Honestly, it doesn’t get much better than the Hotel Patria if you want a budget hotel in Rome without sacrificing location or sleep quality.
This is our absolute number-one budget pick on this entire list — and we don’t say that lightly. When you’re staying this close to the center at this price, you’re saving both money and time every single day.
No long commutes, no transit costs stacking up — just roll out of bed and walk to the Trevi Fountain or the Roman Forum.
Rooms are clean and well-maintained, breakfast is available at an extra charge, and the overall value is simply unbeatable for hotels in Rome. Book early — this one fills up fast.
B&B Hotel Roma San Lorenzo - from €104/night
Stars:
Rating: 8.7 (Fabulous)
Nearby:
Colosseum: 1.9 mi
Roman Forum: 2.0 mi
Trevi Fountain: 2.4 mi
Spanish Steps: 2.5 mi
Pantheon: 2.7 mi
Vatican City: 4.2 mi
At 1.9 miles from the center, this one’s a little further out than the rest of our picks — but the tradeoff is that you get to stay in San Lorenzo, one of Rome’s most authentic and energetic neighborhoods.
This is where the locals actually eat, drink, and hang out, far from the tourist-polished streets of the historic core.
San Lorenzo has a gritty-cool university-town energy — cheap trattorias, independent wine bars, street art, and a buzzing nightlife scene that keeps things interesting well past midnight.
Tram Line 3 or a quick bus ride gets you to the Colosseum in about 20 minutes. Termini is also close. Rooms are modern and clean — reliable B&B Hotel quality without any nasty surprises. Breakfast available for a surcharge.
Eccelso Hotel - from €114/night
Stars:
Rating: 9.0 (Exceptional)
Nearby:
Colosseum: 2.3 mi
Roman Forum: 2.0 mi
Trevi Fountain: 1.6 mi
Spanish Steps: 1.5 mi
Pantheon: 1.3 mi
Vatican City: 0.8 mi
Once you understand how well-connected the area around Roma Termini is, you immediately see the appeal of the Eccelso Hotel. Situated about 1.4 miles from the city center, it has metro access that’s hard to beat.
Metro Line A puts you at the Piazza di Spagna or heading toward Vatican City in around 10 minutes; Line B drops you at the Colosseum. Basically, the whole city is yours.
What makes the Eccelso stand out from the crowd of Termini-area hotels is the room quality — modern, stylish, and surprisingly attractive for the price.
You’ll also find supermarkets, restaurants, and cafés of every price range right on your doorstep. For a cheap hotel in Rome that actually looks like a proper hotel, this one’s a winner. Breakfast available at an extra charge.
Bloom Hotel Rome - from €126/night
Stars:
Rating: 8.8 (Fabulous)
Nearby:
Colosseum: 2.6 mi
Roman Forum: 2.3 mi
Trevi Fountain: 1.9 mi
Spanish Steps: 2.1 mi
Pantheon: 1.6 mi
Vatican City: 0.9 mi
Some budget hotels in Rome feel like they’re apologizing for their price tag. Bloom Hotel Rome does the opposite — it leans into its fresh, contemporary design and makes zero excuses.
If you care about aesthetics and want to come back to a room that actually feels nice after a long day of sightseeing, this is your spot.
About 1.2 miles from the center with solid metro and bus connections, you’re about 15 minutes from the historic heart of the city. The Bloom also has a rooftop terrace, which is a serious bonus — and not something you typically find on a budget hotel.
Great pick for couples and solo travelers who want style without the luxury hotel price. Loads of restaurant options nearby for every budget. Breakfast available at a surcharge.
Salotto Monti - from €127/night
Stars:
Rating: 8.6 (Fabulous)
Nearby:
Colosseum: 0.6 mi
Roman Forum: 0.5 mi
Trevi Fountain: 0.4 mi
Spanish Steps: 0.7 mi
Pantheon: 0.7 mi
Vatican City: 2.2 mi
This is our secret weapon on this list. The Salotto Monti is, hands down, one of the best-kept secrets in Rome for budget travelers — and here’s why. First: the location.
Just 0.4 miles from the city center, right in the middle of the Monti neighborhood, Rome’s hippest and most charming district.
Think vintage boutiques, intimate wine bars, hidden trattorias, and a bohemian energy that feels miles away from the tourist crowds — even though you’re basically in the thick of it.
Second: the character. Salotto Monti has genuine boutique hotel vibes — individually decorated rooms, personal touches, and the feeling that someone with real taste put this place together. Walk to the Colosseum and Roman Forum in minutes.
The Trevi Fountain is less than half a mile away. Breakfast is included or add-on depending on your booking — worth checking carefully when you book.
Boutique Hotel Galatea – from €129/night
Stars:
Rating: 8.8 (Fabulous)
Nearby:
Colosseum: 0.7 mi
Roman Forum: 0.7 mi
Trevi Fountain: 0.6 mi
Spanish Steps: 0.7 mi
Pantheon: 0.9 mi
Vatican City: 2.5 mi
Personality and affordable prices in Rome’s city center? The Boutique Hotel Galatea proves it’s possible — and then some.
Tucked away on a quiet side street just 0.6 miles from the historic center, with excellent transit connections nearby, this little hotel punches well above its price class.
The rooms are individually designed with a genuine attention to detail — the kind of decorative flair you usually only find at much pricier boutique hotels.
What we love most about the Galatea is that it has the warmth and soul of a family-run inn without ever crossing into „overpriced“ territory.
If you’re searching for a cheap hotel in Rome that has real personality, the Galatea is one of the best answers on this list. Breakfast available at an extra charge.
Hotel Hiberia - from €131/night
Stars:
Rating: 8.9 (Fabulous)
Nearby:
Colosseum: 0.6 mi
Roman Forum: 0.4 mi
Trevi Fountain: 0.4 mi
Spanish Steps: 0.7 mi
Pantheon: 0.7 mi
Vatican City: 2.1 mi
The pitch for the Hotel Hiberia is simple: it sits just 0.2 miles from Rome’s historic city center. That’s barely a five-minute walk. You don’t need the metro, you don’t need a bus pass — you just need a good pair of shoes and a sense of adventure.
The Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and the labyrinthine streets of the old city are all reachable on foot without even trying. For a city trip to Rome, that kind of location saves you real money on transit and real time every single day.
Rooms are clean and comfortable — at this location, the price is more than fair. For anyone who wants the full Rome experience and needs a budget hotel in Rome’s city center, the Hiberia is almost impossible to beat. Breakfast available as an add-on.
Giuturna Boutique Hotel - from €146/night
Stars:
Rating: 8.6 (Fabulous)
Nearby:
Colosseum: 1.1 mi
Roman Forum: 0.9 mi
Trevi Fountain: 0.2 mi
Spanish Steps: 0.4 mi
Pantheon: 0.6 mi
Vatican City: 2.1 mi
Quiet side streets, real neighborhood atmosphere, and only 0.5 miles from the city center — the Giuturna Boutique Hotel occupies a location that a lot of travelers underestimate.
Positioned between the Aventine Hill and the Circus Maximus, it’s just far enough from the tourist chaos to feel like a local, but close enough to everything that nothing feels out of reach.
The rooms are stylish and individually designed — packed with personal touches that put it firmly in a different league from faceless budget chain hotels.
A bus stop right in front of the hotel has you downtown in just a few minutes. If you want a cheap hotel in Rome with real atmosphere and boutique character, the Giuturna earns its spot on this list. Breakfast available at a surcharge.
Viminale View Hotel - from €149/night
Stars:
Rating: 8.5 (Very Good)
Nearby:
Colosseum: 0.9 mi
Roman Forum: 0.8 mi
Trevi Fountain: 0.7 mi
Spanish Steps: 0.8 mi
Pantheon: 1.1 mi
Vatican City: 2.5 mi
The name is not messing around — the Viminale View Hotel actually delivers views over the Viminale Hill, one of Rome’s original Seven Hills. It’s a small but genuinely cool detail that you wouldn’t normally expect from an affordable Rome hotel.
The location is excellent: 0.7 miles from the city center, close to Roma Termini, with Metro Line B running to the Colosseum in about 10 minutes and Line A connecting you to the Spanish Steps.
Rooms are modern, clean, and well put-together. For a budget hotel in Rome with a bit of a unique twist and strong transit access, the Viminale View earns its place. Breakfast available at an extra charge.
Hotel Smeraldo - from €159/night
Stars:
Rating: 9.1 (Exceptional)
Nearby:
Colosseum: 1.2 mi
Roman Forum: 0.9 mi
Trevi Fountain: 0.9 mi
Spanish Steps: 1.1 mi
Pantheon: 0.4 mi
Vatican City: 1.6 mi
Imagine this: morning espresso at the Campo de‘ Fiori market, a lunchtime stroll to the Pantheon, and evening aperitivo at Piazza Navona — all without ever getting on a bus.
That’s the daily reality when you stay at the Hotel Smeraldo, and it might be the best argument we can make for any hotel on this list.
Sitting just 0.4 miles from the city center in the heart of one of Rome’s most atmospheric neighborhoods, the Smeraldo has a location that would usually cost a lot more.
Rooms are cozy, well-decorated, and feel more upscale than the price suggests. For couples looking for a cheap hotel in Rome with a perfect evening location — Campo de‘ Fiori at night is genuinely magical — this is a steal. Breakfast available at an extra charge.
Goldoni 47 - from €174/night
Stars:
Rating: 9.1 (Exceptional)
Nearby:
Colosseum: 1.3 mi
Roman Forum: 1.1 mi
Trevi Fountain: 0.5 mi
Spanish Steps: 0.2 mi
Pantheon: 0.4 mi
Vatican City: 1.6 mi
If you’re willing to nudge the budget up just a little, the Goldoni 47 pays you back with noticeably more style and quality.
Just 0.6 miles from the city center and within easy walking distance of the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon — the location alone would justify the price.
But the rooms take it to another level: high-quality finishes, modern design, and a polished attention to detail that’s unusual for this price bracket.
Some rooms even come with a private balcony, which is a serious upgrade. The surrounding neighborhood is lovely, with great cafés and restaurants that make it easy to dive into authentic Roman daily life.
If you want the best budget hotel in Rome with a genuinely upscale feel, Goldoni 47 is the answer. Breakfast available to book.
FAQ — Cheap Hotels in Rome
How much does a cheap hotel in Rome cost per night?
Cheap hotels in Rome typically range from about $80 to $180 per night, depending on the season and star rating. Two-star hotels often come in under $110, while solid 3-star budget hotels in a central location can be found from around $82 per night. Expect prices to climb significantly during peak season in July and August — booking early is always worth it.
Is breakfast usually included in budget hotels in Rome?
In most cheap hotels in Rome, breakfast is not included in the base rate and needs to be added on for an extra fee. One exception on this list may be the Salotto Monti, depending on your booking option. Honestly though? Skip it and grab a cornetto and cappuccino at the nearest café — it’s cheaper, faster, and way more Roman.
Which neighborhoods are best for cheap hotels in Rome?
If you want to stay on a budget without being far from the action, look at the Monti neighborhood and the area around the Esquilino (near Termini). Both are close to the Colosseum, well-connected by metro and bus, and packed with local restaurants and bars where you won’t be paying tourist prices.
Are there cheap hotels in Rome near the Vatican?
Yes! Rome’s Gloria Hotel (from $153/night) is located about 1.4 miles from the city center and is well-connected to the Vatican area. You can reach the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica comfortably by bus or metro in just a few minutes — making it a smart base if the Vatican is a priority on your trip.
What is the cheapest central hotel in Rome?
The cheapest 3-star hotel in a central Rome location on our list is the Hotel Patria, starting from just $82 per night at only 0.7 miles from the city center. The Hotel Hiberia (from $131) also offers exceptional value for its unbeatable location just 0.2 miles from the historic core.
Sebastian
Welcome to Rome-Tourist! I’m Sebastian — and Rome is, hands down, one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe. I’m a huge fan of the city’s incredible architecture, and I’m especially passionate about its fascinating history!
Allie
Hey everyone! I’m Allie — and honestly, the food alone is worth the trip to Rome. I’m also completely in love with the city’s relaxed, easygoing atmosphere. You’ll usually find me wandering the cobblestone streets of the Eternal City with a coffee in hand, soaking it all in.
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