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10 of my Favorite Hotels in Rome: Train Station Edition

4 January 2025

10+ Hotels in Rome
(Near the Train Station)

Highlighting 10 of my favorite hotels near the Roma Termini, aka the busiest railway station in Italy


First off, let me say this with a bit of bold face emphasis…

Happy New Year to all of you!

You have to love New Years, right? A symbolic fresh start, metaphorical wiping of the slate. An entire year 2025, full of unlimited promise and possibility, right here in our hands…along with an endless barrage of resolutions, of course. 

New Years Resolutions. Ugh. They can be a bane of our existence sometimes I think. I just saw a commercial yesterday that there is actually a “holiday” for breaking them! January 10…National Quitters Day. I kid you not.  Second Friday of January. 

So with that in mind, maybe, juuuuust maybe, this blog post might help you in the fight against giving up. After all, I know a lot of people–including myself a few years ago–have resolutions related to traveling and exploring other countries and cultures. We all have a little bit of explorer in us, you know. (btw..I originally wrote “Dora the Explorer” but I didn’t want to slight the Carmen Sandiego crowd haha)

Last week I kicked off the first entry in a continuing series of Hotel Recommendations, covering Florence. Living in Florence, it was a sort of personal and familiar experience obviously. But for this second entry we’ll hop from central Italy to head almost directly south, a 3 hour or so drive, down to the Lazio region and Italy’s capital city of Rome. 

Now, this isn’t exactly going to shock you, but Rome…is BIG. Like 3 million people inside the city, nearly 5 million in the metropolitan area, covering over 500 square miles…BIG. So big that it has an entire independent country inside its city limits, Vatican City. 

Needless to say, trying to whittle a list to 10 hotels for the entire city would be nearly impossible. So instead I am going to break up the city into several smaller posts, and based on specific neighborhoods, tourist spots, transportation hubs, etc. that I get asked about the most.

For this first Rome post I am going to cover the district around the Roma Termini rail station, which is the busiest station in the entire country and actually like 4th busiest in all of Europe. Rail is one of the best ways to travel and see the country, and it allows you a lot of freedom in traveling across all of Europe that you simply can’t get with a car rental.

If you haven’t checked it out, I also have an entire post dedicated Train Travel in Italy, and I’ve been told it has some helpful information for both first timers and veterans of traveling in Italy. 

So…here are my 10 (okay, maybe 11) hotel recommendations near the Rome train station, Roma Termini. Feel free to use any inspiration received while perusing to fulfill that pesky New Years Resolution too….and hopefully I’ll see you here soon!

Walking Map Florence Italy, from ontheworldmap(dot)com


($) The Most Budget Friendly

Great Location, Great Value


  • thebeehivelobby

  • thebeehiveroombunk

If “The Beehive” sounds like an awfully American type of name for a hostel, well, you’re sorta right. Run by an American couple (and their cat…but no I swear that’s not why I recommend the place!), its a unique endeavor that just always seems lively and social. In additional to being a hostel, there are also private rooms available–and at a third of what “traditional” hotels in the area usually charge. A big plus for younger, solo or group tours are the planned activities. 


$$ – $$$  Quality, Affordable Hotels

Accommodations w/o the Frills for Every Type of Traveler


  • bless&bfront

  • bless&broom

Though a nightmare to try and format in a headline, Bless & B G.H. — or Bless & B Guest Houses — is a bed & breakfast with only a handful of rooms. Located on a quiet street just 4 blocks west of the train station–and near a metro stop as well–you’d be hard pressed to find a better value. Pricing varies depending on the season and the demand, but I’d advise to book early–there’s not more than half a dozen or so rooms. 

There’s tons and tons to do nearby. I recommend checking out the Basilica of St. Mary Major and the surrounding sights. 


  • hoteldiocfront

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Inside a 19th century building, Hotel Diocleziano is strategically placed right in the center of the mass transportation madness yet somehow feels miles away from the commotion. Its small, but its clean and comfortable, which in my book means A-plus grade usually. Staff is one of the highest rated in Rome, and I’d absolutely regret not pointing out that the bed…well the bed might be the most comfortable one I’ve ever slept upon. It was like floating on a cloud. No, Seriously. 


  • 47stepsbalcony

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My curiosity got the best of me, so I went down some online rabbit holes. But I finally know how 47 Steps –well, 47 Steps Guest House, but that’s not as fun– got its name. And I was somehow amused and disappointed at the same time, as it doesn’t have anything to do with the rich history of Rome, or even the short distance to the train station or busses. You see. this hotel is on the 2nd floor…actually to be precise, 1.5th floor. Exactly 47 steps up. I kid you not. For that they deserve a spot on the list. Oh, that and they are probably the #1 hotel for those traveling through Rome via train and stopping overnight. I should probably add that too.


  • bestwesternfront

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The Best Western Royal Santina is exactly what you would expect from an established, popular hotel chain catering to overnight travelers and vacationers alike. And I mean that as a compliment, of course. The aesthetic is very modern, vibrant, energizing even, and unlike many of the hotels in this area it has on-site dining, certainly a plus for those weary from travel. Tons of space, a fitness center, a bar. What else could you want?


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The Sophie Terrace Hotel is aptly named and offers some majestic sight lines on that beautiful terrace. Its a 3-star hotel with a reputation for 4-star service & staff…at 2-star prices. I’m prone to sarcasm sometimes, but just check out the “Value for Money” rating they received compared to their peers–it really is one of the most affordable 3-star hotels in all of Rome. While it lacks some of the amenities these other hotels offer, if all you need is a “room with a view”, well, you won’t find a better deal.





$$$ – $$$$ Mid-Range & Up 

Distinct Features, Amazing Amenities & Everything Else You Might Want…For a Price


  • hivedining

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  • hivepool

The Hive Hotel differs from many of the hotels I’ve listed in this post in that its about a 10 minute walk from the train station, in a neighborhood called Monte. I won’t lie…the street itself didn’t seem to be the cleanest, and it gave me reservations about what I was gonna walk into…but those faded pretty quickly. If the amazing fitness center & spa didn’t win me over, the rooftop bar sure as hell did. The view, the ambiance, its just a perfect way to bid farewell to the eternal city before departing on a morning train.


  • radissonfront

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If you are familiar with Radisson Hotels, a more upscale chain, then you know exactly what you’ll get with your stay at Palazzo Montemartini RomePersonally, I’ve never been disappointed after staying in a Radisson Collection hotel, and it wasn’t different here. Spa, restaurant, rooftop bar…all across the street from the trains? What more could you need? Other than maybe the two heated mini pools complete with massage jets, all found in the spa. Okay I need those. 


  • unahotelsview

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UNAHOTELS Deco Roma is a part of a chain of hotels throughout Italy and well known to frequent visitors and/or locals. It’s located mere feet from the northern entrance into the station. Everything you’d expect from a 4-Star Hotel (Reminder to check out my blog discussing the Hotel Rating system in Italy!) without costing you an outlandish amount. Dining, and a bar, on-site…but the noteworthy draw of this hotel is the elegant wine bar and its primo selection of vino.


  • nhcollectionfront

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I love NH Collection hotels, and the Palazzo Cinquecento is no different. Set in Piazza del Cinquecento Square, it’s so close to the train station that you’d think it was a part of it (thanks in part to its sheer grandiose size and silhouette). It’s 5-Star accommodations, so the hallmarks are all there–the on-site restaurant, fitness center, terrace, rooftop bar, all of it.  If you are a “foodie”, though, there is one thing that sets this hotel apart from all others: the breakfast. Amazing, diverse…just wow. 


Wait…Was that 10 Already?!
Okay, let’s make it 11 Instead

There’s One 5-Star Hotel I Can’t End This Blog Without Mentioning


  • anantarabuilding

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Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel – A Leading Hotel of the World…well, so much for modesty, huh? But if you got it, flaunt it, I suppose haha. But in all seriousness…this hotel is an experience in its own right. A 5-Star Hotel on steroids. Located in Piazza della Repubblica, it sits in a grand, marble building from the 1800’s, and from the moment you even set sight on the hotel you know its just one of those rare “bucket list” type of places. Whether its the numerous fashion boutiques, panoramic rooftop terrace, the seasonal plunge pool or one of the FIVE restaurants on-site, conveniently forgetting about your train departure never sounded so good. 



Keep on the lookout  for another edition of Hotel Recommendations, where you will find some of my favorite and most preferred hotels throughout Italy.

Thanks for reading, and hope to see you here in Italy soon!

Check out the Florence Edition of Hotel Recommendations

Check out my Guide to Train Travel in Italy

And, as always, don’t forget to bookmark Welcome Pickups for all your transportation needs upon arrival!



Be Sure to Check Out My Custom Amazon Recommendations Specific to this Blog! Personally Selected Items to Help Keep Your IDs, Passports, Travel Documents & More Safe During Your Travels!

You can also check out all the rest of my Amazon recommendations!

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16 Hotels in Florence for Every Budget

20 December 2024

16 Hotels in Florence
(for every type of budget!)

Finding accommodations for every type of traveler, from the best value hostels to the most extravagant hotels (and everything else in-between)


For the first part of an extensive blog series covering hotel recommendations, it’s natural for me to start with Florence, Italy. As I’ve surely mentioned a time or two, I live in Florence–so I’ve visited many of these hotels and stayed in several.

In many ways Florence is a hidden gem of sorts–a beautiful city that gets pushed to the background of the picturesque Tuscan region it’s the capital of, too often languishing at the end of Italian tourist’s highlight lists, behind the heavyweights like Rome, Venice or Milan.

Beyond my familiarity, maybe beginning with Florence is merely a subconscious shout-out to my adopted home. After all, It’s tough to be impartial when it comes to a city you live in and love. Either way, this Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, situated along the historic Arno River, is a city all visitors to Italy must see for themselves.

Forbes has named Florence one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Not surprising, really. After all, Firenze, the city’s name in Italian, has etymology that traces to mean “Conveying Good Luck”, and Florence from Latin means “To Blossom” — kind of a perfect combination of descriptors from the earliest visitors to this little slice of paradise under the Tuscan sun. 

Walking Map Florence Italy, from ontheworldmap(dot)com


($) The Most Budget Friendly

Room Shares for as Little as $20/Night


  • ostellobelloflorence

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Ostello Bello Firenze is a hostel located right in the city center, a great location with easy access to all the sights and sounds of Florence. For single travelers or small groups of friends it’s an unique way to experience the city, as they plan daily activities that promote socializing. With games galore and a bar/lounge on street level it makes for a fun and festive atmosphere, with no shortage of opportunities to meet both locals and international tourists alike. Bonus for a staff that goes above and beyond, insuring clean facilities and a safe environment. A friend of mine told me it reminded her of a cruise ship, the way it was a melting pot of people who all were there for similar reasons, looking to see the city and have fun. I kinda like that analogy. 


  • yellowsquare1

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YellowSquare Florence is also a hostel, although located about a 10 to 15 minute walk from the city center. YellowSquare operates several hostels throughout the country, and are generally well regarded. If Ostello Bello is the “Singles Cruise”, YellowSquare may be the “Romantic Getaway” as couples seem to prefer this hostel–but you’ll find plenty of activities, including a nightclub, here as well for travelers of all types. A great thing about YellowSquare Florence is that all rooms include a private bathroom complete with shower and hairdryer, things not to be taken for granted when you book a stay in a hostel. Florence airport is also just a little over 4 miles away.


($$) Quality, Inexpensive Hotels

Affordable Options with Perfect Locations ($100-150) 


  • HotelPittiPalace

  • HotelPittiPalaceRoom

B&B Hotel Firenze Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio, other than being a mouthful to say to a cab driver…or of course the better option of Welcome Pickups…might have an argument for “Best Hotel Location in Florence”, if such an award existed. It really is in a perfect spot. Features rooms that look out over the scenic Arno River, a 360 degree, panoramic roof terrace (with a rooftop bar, I might add) and…well…location, location, location. As in, sits in a 13th century tower right smack dab next to the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge. While the rooms and amenities aren’t luxurious, you can’t put a price on the views at Hotel Pitti Palace


  • LaCasaDeiTintori2

  • LaCasaDeiTintori3

Sitting inside an over 400 years-old building, La Casa dei Tintori is a family run B&B that’s less than a mile from the city center. The aesthetics of the B&B are, for Americans like me, reminiscent of the charming, country B&B’s prevalent in the American south and heartland–and yet at the same time everything about the place is unmistakably Italian. And you know that whole “southern hospitality” B&B thing? Just read the reviews on Booking.com…this Riccardo, man, he’s one popular host.


  • HomEdoFront

  • HomEdoRoom

HomEdo B&B–yes, I actually did type type that correctly haha–is a cute B&B right down the street from the Duomo. The rooms are some of the most spacious ones you’ll find in an older city like Florence, and the beautiful sunrise envelopes the open floor plans. Host Stefano goes out of his way to ensure you have everything you need, and his reputation grows as satisfied tourists depart each day.  


($$$) Mid-Range Hotels 

Perfect for Families & Extended Stays, $150-300+


  • PalazzoMartelliniRM

  • PalazzoMartelliniFRONT

Palazzo Martellini Residenza d’Epoca sits on the south side of the Arno River (majority of the hotels in Florence and this post lie north). That shouldn’t dissuade you, especially if you fancy yourself a foodie, as it sits near some of the most amazing eateries in Florence while offering a little less congestion of the more touristy districts. In the older, craftsman inspired district of Otrarno, this charming boutique is perfect for couples and seniors that prefer picturesque sunsets, quieter evenings while maintaining easy accessibility to the hotspots of Florence.


  • HotelKraftPOOL

  • HotelKraftROOM

Hotel Kraft is another option for those seeking a somewhat quieter visit, sitting near the US Embassy and still just a 10 minute walk to the city center. The residential neighborhood is perfect for a stroll, though Hotel Kraft is most known for its rooftop. The pool’s crystal clear water shimmering from the blue hue of lights, combined with an iconic scenic backdrop, is the things that postcards are made of. Or really awesome Instagram photos that will make all your friends jealous. 


  • HotelOrtoView

  • HotelOrtoRm

Hotel Orto de’ Medici is located in the city center, a 4-star hotel with an incredibly kind and helpful staff that are worthy of a 5th star. A 10 minute walk from the Duomo–one of the most visited sites in the world and featuring the Florence Cathedral. Features an awe-inspiring 16th century garden. Bonus points for being just a half mile from the Santa Maria Novella Train Station.


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Horto Convento is a boutique hotel that has a countryside feel to it, with a beautifully landscaped, enclosed property where luscious greenery abounds. Its location is part of the charm, steps from the Santo Spirito church, and just a 15 minute walk to the train station and short walk over the Ponte Vecchio bridge to the city center. It’s a great hotel for couples and newlyweds, sitting back from the nightlife yet close enough to engage in whatever Florence thrills suit you.


($$$$) A Few of the Best 4-Star Hotels 

Often $350+/night, These Hotels Stand Out


  • plazahotellucchesiFront

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  • PlazaHotelRiverView

Plaza Hotel Lucchesi is, in one word, Beautiful. It sits right on the waterfront, with balconies that feel like they jut out over the river, a very Venetian type of feel. Has a simply insane rooftop pool, overlooking views of the Duomo. The staff routinely receives some of the highest grades/ratings in the city, a hotel trait I can absolutely confirm. 

Of course what sets this place above the rest is the on-site restaurant. Some pretty amazing people working there, including the chef, Dario  🙂 


  • HotelCalimalaFront

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Hotel Calimala might be the highest-rated 4-star hotel in Florence. It just…I guess the biggest compliment I could offer is that it lives up to every expectation you might have when visiting a highly regarded hotel. The grounds are spotless, the staff and front-desk are quick to help and assist, the atmosphere and ambiance is of relaxed sophistication. The only thing I can’t get on board with, however, is the decor in some of the bathrooms. For that I have no words. Its not all the rooms, but its a lot of them, and they’re like some weird 60’s retro seizure-inducing acid trip of design.


  • portarossafront

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NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa is a 5 star hotel that, quite frankly, just delivers. The “NH” chain is one of my favorite, and I’ve never had a bad experience–or honestly even one that didn’t exceed my increasingly high expectations. The breakfast buffet is a feast all its own, the rooms have mini-bars and it even shares its construction within the 12th-century Monalda Tower. Its also a few hundred feet from the Uffizi, a place of ancient sculptures and paintings that is a must for every history and art aficionado. 



($$$$$) Bucket-List Luxury Accommodations 

At Upwards of $1k/night, Perfect for Once-In-A-Lifetime Type Trips


  • LaGemma

  • LaGemmaLounge

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Located one street over from Hotel Calimala, Hotel La Gemma is an exquisitely decorated 5-star hotel that is a favorite among honeymooners and newlyweds. It has an impressive multi-lingual staff that speak French and Spanish in addition to English and Italian, and, as you would expect from a 5-star hotel, it boasts a variety of upscale amenities and room features. There’s also a spa center, sauna and hot tub. You know, the types of things that make you never want to leave a place…and you might not want to, despite its desirable location in the middle of the action in Florence. 


  • Helvetia&Bristol Firenze1

  • Helvetia&Bristol FirenzeBar

  • Helvetia&Bristol FirenzeLounge

  • Helvetia&Bristol Firenzeroom

Helvetica & Bristol Firenze is as grandiose as you would expect with a name like that (I mean, even the Helvetica font is kinda fancy, no?). It sits in a 19th century palazzo, one block from Piazza della Repubblica,  and is just feet from the Via de Tornabuoni, a pedestrian street famous for its stylish high-fashion luxury boutiques and shops. Your Instagram Selfies will never be the same again. 


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The Palazzo Vecchietti might be the most unassuming 5-star luxury hotel ever created. Some times you hear people call something “steeped in history”. Well, wow…here you can take that literally. It sits in a 16th-century building designed by Giambologna, and the noble family that is namesake to the building is found in the literature of some guy named Dante Alighieri. You know, as in Dante! Everything about the hotel is elegant, almost feeling like it was just renovated and designed yesterday. Even its location, in one of the more exclusive shopping districts, is elegant and high class. Of course…book early, because there is limited number of rooms and, well, a whole lot of demand. 



Keep on the lookout  for another edition of Hotel Recommendations, where you will find some of my favorite and most preferred hotels throughout Italy.

Thanks for reading, and hope to see you here in Italy soon!


Be Sure to Check Out My Custom Amazon Recommendations Specific to this Blog! Personally Selected Items to Help Keep Your IDs, Passports, Travel Documents & More Safe During Your Travels!

You can also check out all the rest of my Amazon recommendations!

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