Rome's Best Hotels and Restaurants

It used to be said that there wasn't a really good restaurant in Rome, but things have changed, and the Italian capital now counts among its many treasures some of the best restaurants in the country. And while travelers may gladly experiment with new tastes and flavors for their food, when it comes to sleeping, they want familiar creature comforts.

The best hotels

Below are some favorite luxury hotels as well as preferred moderately priced and inexpensive accommodations.

• Hotel Hassler tops our list as the hotel with the best service among Rome's many wonderful luxury lodgings. Its location on top of the Spanish Steps also makes it a unique place to stay.

• Presidents and stars stay at the Hotel de Russie, positively one of the most elegant and classiest hotels in the world. Contemporary design and exquisite good taste are coupled with the classic beauty of its architecture.

• The Albergo Santa Chiara is one of the oldest hotels in Rome and our favorite in the middle price range. The beauty of the palace and the quality of the service make it a great value.

• The Hotel Arenula is the best of Rome's budget hotels for service, quality of furnishings, and location.

The best restaurants

Here is a short list of some of the best restaurants in Rome. There are many more than those listed here, but you'll find this a good launching point.

• For fantastic views over the Eternal City, with wonderful food to match, try La Pergola. A meal at this elegant restaurant will be one of your most romantic experiences in Rome.

• For a truly Roman outing — vetted by Alessandra, a Rome native — nothing can beat Checchino dal 1887, a historical restaurant in Monte Testaccio.

• The best enoteca (restaurant winery) in town is Enoteca Capranica. Not only will you love the food, the wine, and the atmosphere, but you'll also get to enter one of the most charming Roman palaces in the historic center.