Although Venice and Capri often come to mind when thinking of romantic Italian destinations, Rome is surely a solid contender. The Eternal City’s cobbled streets, majestic squares, awe-inspiring monuments and cozy restaurants provide the ideal setting for a couple’s getaway or honeymoon.
All that’s missing is the perfect hotel — which you can find in this carefully selected list of the best romantic hotels in Rome.
Singer Palace Hotel
This stylish boutique hotel, nestled on a quiet side street in the heart of Rome, offers clients access to top city sites, right from their doorstep. Beautifully transformed into a five-star hotel in 2018, the former headquarters of Singer Corporation (begun by sewing-machine tycoon Isaac Singer) is just a few minutes’ walk from Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
Its 30 individually decorated rooms and suites feature tasteful modern furniture, marble-clad bathrooms and artistic nods to both Singer and Roman heritage. The home-away-from-home feel of the rooms is further enhanced by the exceptionally welcoming staff and concierge services, which include the option of an advance call to help with trip planning.
After a day of exploring, guests can enjoy a well-deserved aperitivo on the hotel’s inviting rooftop terrace or a hand-in-hand evening stroll around the area’s magically lit streets.
Hotel Locarno
Originally opened in 1925, the iconic Hotel Locarno, located near Piazza del Popolo, was a popular meeting place of the showbiz crowd during Rome’s 1960s cinema heyday. The property's interiors were recently reimagined by blending elements of its Art Deco heritage with 21st-century chicness. Divided into thematic categories, the 49 rooms and suites evoke sumptuous Italian palaces and sensual boudoirs thanks to gilded moldings, crystal chandeliers, frescoed walls and clawfoot bathtubs.
The romantic ambience flows into the hotel’s outdoor spaces, including an enchanting secret garden and a rooftop terrace overlooking the domed churches of Piazza del Popolo.
Hassler Roma
Sitting regally above the Spanish steps and next to Trinita dei Monti church, the luxury Hassler Roma is owned and operated by the sixth generation of a dynasty of Swiss hoteliers. Throughout the hotel’s storied history, it has welcomed illustrious guests such as Princess Diana, Prince Rainier of Monaco, Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Classic and modern elegance reign throughout the hotel’s common areas and guestrooms. Clients can have high tea in the lavish Salone Eva, a refreshing drink in the verdant Palm Court garden, a classic cocktail in the swanky British-style Hassler Bar or a gastronomic meal in Imago, the onsite Michelin-star restaurant that boasts sweeping views over the city.
The hotel’s 87 individually decorated rooms and suites include everything from 249-square-foot rooms to spacious suites with elegant sitting rooms or private terraces. There's even the 3,552-square-foot Hassler Penthouse, complete with a grand piano and two panoramic marble terraces.
Though perhaps they’ll never want to leave the hotel, couples can take romantic strolls in the neighboring Villa Borghese Gardens or descend to Piazza di Spagna for some shopping along the glamorous Via dei Condotti street.
Hotel Vilon
Found in the posh, central Campo Marzio district, the boutique Hotel Vilon occupies a restored house annexed to historic Palazzo Borghese. Three top Italian architects and designers worked together to create the property's look, which marries timeless elegance with artistic flare. With a leafy courtyard restaurant and just 17 spacious rooms and suites, the intimate atmosphere is accentuated by large floral paintings, Art Deco furnishings and picturesque views over the private garden of Palazzo Borghese.
Couples can amble through the neighborhood’s small lanes filled with antique shops, art galleries and classy restaurants, or they can stroll the Lungotevere, Rome’s romantic riverside promenade, found only a block away.
Palazzo Manfredi
Clients might wake up to sensational views of the Colosseum at this luxurious hotel that directly faces Rome’s famous ancient monument. Palazzo Manfredi’s 12 rooms, two suites and seven Grand View suites are spread across a 17th-century palace and a recently renovated building next door. Rooms combine sleek contemporary furnishings, sculptures, geometric wallpaper and vintage images of Roman antiquities.
The stunning panorama view can be savored alongside a romantic meal at Aroma, the hotel’s top-floor, one Michelin-star restaurant, which features a menu of modern takes on classic Italian dishes.
Hotel San Anselmo
Tucked away in the affluent Aventine Hill neighborhood, southwest of Circus Maximus and the Colosseum, Hotel San Anselmo is a budget-friendly hidden gem. Facing a lovely square that's home to the Sant’Anselmo all’Aventino Benedictine church complex, the former private villa also has its own garden. Some of its 34 rooms have gilded panels, sparkling chandeliers and canopy beds, while others offer special amenities such as massage tubs or showers, private balconies and captivating views over the area’s rooftops.
Couples will love taking the short walk to Santa Maria del Priorato Church, where they can admire the famous “keyhole view” of St. Peter's Basilica. They might also enjoy taking in additional spectacular vistas from Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden). A slightly farther stroll or short taxi ride will lead lovebirds to the restaurants and shops of local districts Trastevere, Testaccio and Ostiense.