
Rome is so obviously romantic that on a trip with my children the eight year old asked if the word ‘romantic’ comes from the name of the city. It’s a really good question, what with the way the Tiber meanders relaxedly by graceful architecture, and the squares open out to reveal glorious fountains, or bustling markets. Or the languid way people dine here, in public spaces allowing for maximum enjoyment of the city’s beauty. And the collections of art and antiquity, though not romantic for all, are certainly a rich layer of beauty that makes Rome feel seductive and wise. The real challenge for our Hotel Gurus would be to find a hotel in Rome that’s not romantic or good for couples — there are so many choices! And the result is a list of gorgeous properties ideal for couples, whether you're searching for a beautiful special occasion hotel in Rome, a hotel that works for sightseeing as well as romance, or a romantic Roman bolthole.
For the Scrapbook

- It’s difficult to find a view to rival that of the rooftop terrace bar and restaurant of the Palazzo Manfredi, which directly overlooks the Colosseum and Forum. The hotel is converted from an elegant palace, and has just 16 rooms and suites, but they’re all spacious and beautifully designed to make the most of the building’s classical features and the view, while still feeling contemporary. The food is fantastic too.
For History Lovers

- The Hotel Locarno is a wonderful Art Nouveau charmer, just oozing character, and perfectly positioned close to the Tiber in chic Monti. The hotel has 83 spacious rooms and suites, with elegant historic features you’ll remember forever. The beautiful bar attracts a fun crowd, and the roof terrace offers a knockout cocktail wth a view.
- A grand hotel since 1889, the Hotel Majestic is ideally positioned just off the Piazza Barberini, and has 97 rooms crammed with original and luxurious details. The best rooms have private terraces and whirlpool baths, but they all have an air of opulence. There’s a spa and cocktail bar, a roof terrace and elegant restaurant.
For Classical Views

- The Hotel d'Inghilterra is another classic Roman hotel, once a favourite of the Hollywood elite, who flocked to the Cafe Romano with its Mediterranean fare and the Bond Bar for the perfect martini. The location, just below the Spanish Steps, is a constant reminder of the magical city you’re in, and you’re surrounded by chic boutique windows offering historic sights. The 88 rooms and suites are decorated with dashing silks and art and antiques.
- The Hotel Barocco is a luxurious hotel adorned with classical statues and illustrations, and overlooking the Piazza Barberini and Triton Fountain. The 37 rooms and suites have less of the Baroque to them, but certainly borrow from that scale and sense of dramatic style, with marble bathrooms, dramatically draped curtains and stone reliefs. Some of the suites have private terraces and saunas.
For Sightseeing

- Situated between the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, the Singer Palace is a 30 room hotel converted from an early 20th century palace. Rooms are stylish and comfortable, with modern Italian furniture and design pieces, and while all the suites are large, the best have a private terrace and separate living space.
- The Roma Luxus has been converted from an 18th century palace, just a few hundred metres away from the Forum and the Colosseum. There are 30 spacious rooms and suites today, individually decorated with design pieces, art, and chic Italian furnishings. Considering the age of the building, the rooms feel fresh, bold and contemporary, and the best have private terraces and hydromassage tubs big enough for two! There’s also a spa and glorious glasshouse of a restaurant.
- Close to the station, the Forum, the Colosseum and so many other highlights of Rome, The Fifteen Keys Hotel occupies a neighbourhood that still feels charming and bohemian, with great cafes and antique shops. Converted from an elegant townhouse, the now 15 room hotel has individually dressed rooms and suites featuring antiques and well chosen colours. They do a lovely breakfast, served in the courtyard when the weather allows, and they have hotel bikes for getting around on.
For Luxury Lovers

- Housed in a 15th century palazzo, the Palazzo Scanderberg manages to feature innovative design pieces beside original floors, beams and vaults, to create stylish and luxurious feeling surrounds. There are just 11 rooms and suites, the best with private terraces, and a butler serve. The largest suite, the Ambassador, spans three floors.
- With 122 rooms and suites, the Hotel de Russie is one of our largest recommendations for romantic hotels in Rome, but when it comes to facilities, it’s got some of the best, including a beautiful spa, a gym, an indoor pool, and stunning terrace gardens with a bar and restaurant. The rooms are light and airy, with views of the gardens and courtyards.
- Palazzo Ripetta is ideal for luxury lovers. It's a lovely old convent turned five star bolt hole near the Piazzo del Popolo with beautifully designed, spacious bedrooms. Plus there's a charming courtyard garden, and a fine restaurant and bar. High-end touches include Frette linens, Murano glass chandeliers and Ortigia products.
For a Roman Bolthole

- The Villa Duse is a converted villa in the peaceful, leafy Parioli district, with 18 classically designed and decorated rooms and suites, featuring a lovely collection of antiques. There’s a beautiful terrace and gardens, perfect for alfresco dining under the stars.
- The Villa Laetitia is a small, fashionable boutique hotel designed by the Fendi family. The location is close to the Tiber, to the north of the museum districts, but you’re still less than two kilometres walk from many of the major sights. There are just 15 rooms and suites, all impeccably decorated with 1930s era furniture, antique fabrics, marble statues and pillars, and black and white chequered flooring. A beautiful and tranquil choice.
For Foodies

- Central and opulent, the Hassler Roma offers five stars worth of location, views and Neoclassical detail, plus 87 spacious rooms and suites, many with private terraces, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. This hotel is offering us the definition of Roman luxury.
For an Intimate Spot

- Domus Libera is an intimate feeling boutique hotel between the Pantheon and Trajan’s Market. There are just six rooms, with exposed beams on the ceilings and wooden floors, but contemporary details and very modern bathrooms. The superior rooms have private balconies
- Close to the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona, the Argentina Residenza is a small, boutique style hotel with six rooms and suites. Dressed in pale, soft fabrics that make the most of the natural light pouring in through huge windows, the rooms and suites feel cosy and comfortable, as well as stylish. The Junior Suite has a whirlpool tub too. There’s no restaurant, but the bar is sleek and romantic.
For Relaxation

- The Hotel Lunetta is a polished hotel with an excellent spa with an impressive menu of facilities. There are 30 rooms and suites, with beautiful parquet floors, huge beds, enormous marble bathrooms and classical furnishings. You might not think of Rome as a spa break destination, but it could be nice to luxuriate after sightseeing. There’s no restaurant, but you’re surrounded by great places to eat and drink.
For Design Lovers

- In the stylish Monti neighbourhood, the Residenze Argileto is a beautifully converted villa, with 20 rooms and suites. Furnished with contemporary four-poster beds and original artworks to contrast the wood beamed ceilings and tiled floors, these rooms feel big for such an historic building in such a central spot. The hotel has a hot tub on the roof terrace, as well as a bar and restaurant, and a small spa.
For Great Value

- The Corner is a ten room hotel converted from a very pretty Art Nouveau townhouse on the slopes of one of Rome’s hills, above the Colosseum and the Circo Massimo. Each of the rooms is uniquely decorated in sympathy to the building's original features, with panelled walls and parquet flooring, but bold colours and design accents. There’s also a cocktail lounge and garden and an excellent restaurant.
- The Saint B Boutique Hotel is an eight room hotel decorated with Italian flair and furnishings, just off the Piazza Barberini. The best suites have a private terrace and a deep in-room soaking tub. All the rooms have tea and coffee making facilities, because there’s no restaurant, but there are hundreds within a delightful Roman stroll.
Still not sure where to book?