The charm which the ‘Eternal City’ holds on young people, tourists, businessmen, pilgrims and anyone in search of history, art, culture, business and entertainment, makes Rome’s tourist season uninterrupted all year round. For this reason and despite the good and qualified choice of hotels, it often happens that you cannot find rooms if you haven’t booked a few days in advance.

The luxury and five star hotels, all taking pride in their elegance and refined environments and service, are on the whole all situated in the Historic Centre. On the fashionable and elegant Via Veneto are the magnificent hotels like the Ambasciatori Palace, the Majestic, the Excelsior and the Eden, which all served as sets to the characters of La Dolce Vita.

The exclusive Bernini Bristol faces onto the attractive Tritone fountain, while the Hassler Villa Medici, at the top of the Trinita’ dei Monti steps, is a constant destination for jet-setters world-wide.

Unforgettable for their luxury and sheer class are the Parco dei Principi, the Atlante Star, the De La Ville, the Plaza with its warm end of nineteenth century feel, and the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza Minerva at the Pantheon.

Submerged in the greenery and tranquillity of the Parioli, are the Lord Byron and Aldrovandi Palace, much appreciated by their clientele of businessmen.

Generally classed in the four star category are the small but very elegant hotels, often actually in old palaces, with well-kept and welcoming communal rooms. Some even have balconies with views or well-tended gardens which are very pleasant in the summer. Of particular note amongst these are the Del Sole al Pantheon, the Valadier in the Piazza del Popolo, the D’Inghilterra and the Dei Borgognoni near the Piazza di Spagna.

The most appreciated of the three star hotels are those that are situated around Campo di Fiori, the young people’s area full of charming little piazze with interesting angles. Here you will find the Teatro di Pompeo and the Sole.

At Aventino, an island of peace amongst gardens, cloisters and attractive churches, you will find the comfortable Villa San Pio, Sant’Anselmo and the Domus Aventina. The Bolivar and the Richmond, with their unique views over the imperial forums, are the places to go for those looking to capture the atmosphere of Rome in times past.

Lots of the traditional ‘pensioni’, usually privately run, have managed to keep a simple and friendly atmosphere, which makes them preferable to the big hotels especially for prolonged stays.

There are lots to be found around the Stazione Termini, like the Giorgi, Bled, Rubino and Grifo almost all cheap and comfortable; in Trastevere, the capital’s most lively and colourful area where you will find La Cisterna; and in the historic centre, like the Pincio, Fiori, Arenula and the Pensione Parlamento.