Best Hotels in Vatican City and Prati

Looking for the best hotels in Vatican City and Prati?

This is a great area to stay in if you want to be close to the Vatican but also to one of Rome's best areas for shopping and dining.

The best places to stay near the Vatican and Prati

There's actually a pretty big difference in neighborhood feeling whether you stay right near the Vatican or in Prati proper.

Prati, the walkable neighborhood next to Vatican City, is full of upscale offices and private residences, and it's a local hotspot with top quality restaurants, bars and cafes to enjoy.

The area is an easy walk, bus or metro ride to the other side of the Tiber River where you can explore Rome's historic center.

We've hand-picked the best options in both areas, as well as across accommodation types and budgets, so you can have an incredible stay!

On this page we'll go over:

• Why the Prati/Vatican neighborhood is one of the best areas to stay in when visiting Rome
• Best luxury hotels near the Vatican
• Best hotels near the Vatican with a rooftop terrace
• Best mid-range hotels in Prati and the Vatican
• Best budget hotels and inns near the Vatican
• Best self-catering apartments in Prati and the Vatican

Why the Prati/Vatican neighborhood is one of the best areas to stay in when visiting Rome

Is the Vatican area a good place to stay?

The Vatican area is of course convenient if you are planning on visiting the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica and Square.

The good transport links to the rest of Rome mean it's also a good base from which to visit Rome's other sights like the Colosseum, Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

Staying near the Vatican is an especially good idea if you are planning to spend more than one day in the area.

Going to the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica is a lot to do in one day, and when you add in climbing the dome and exploring Saint Peter's Square, I highly recommend splitting up your Vatican visits over 2 days.

If you have also managed to get tickets to see Saint Peter's tomb, the Vatican Gardens, or the Papal Audience, you will definitely need more time.

Staying locally makes it easy to pop back to your hotel room during the day if you need a break.

Prati is a lovely area to stay in because it's fairly quiet and feels a bit more local.

You'll still easily be able to reach the historic city centre on foot or by using public transportation.

The neighborhood is also full of excellent dining and shopping options.

How far apart are Rome and the Vatican?

Technically, Vatican City and Rome are separated by just a thin strip of Travertine marble.

If you're wondering how far the Vatican is from most of the sights to see in Rome, it depends.

Castel Sant'Angelo is only about a 10-15 minute walk from Saint Peter's Square.

The Colosseum is about a 60-minute walk from the Vatican.

Most of the main sites in Rome's historic center, like the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, etc., are about a 30-45 minute walk away.

Best luxury hotels in Rome near the Vatican and in Prati

When only the best will do, these are the top luxury hotel accommodation options both near the Vatican:

Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria

Luxury abounds at the Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria, and this hotel must be seen to be believed.

We love the spectacular garden and the hilltop setting, which will reward you with unrivalled views of Rome and the Vatican.

The elegant rooms are simply sensational, with marble bathrooms and a balcony overlooking either the gardens or the city.

There is nothing left to chance at the Cavalieri; it's finished to as high a degree as you could imagine.

Comfort, style, and luxury are the order of the day.

Many guests come here for the food.

La Pergola, with its superb rooftop location, is the only 3-star Michelin restaurant in Rome, and the gourmet cuisine is as good as it gets anywhere in the world.

There is a second restaurant with a terrace by the magnificent swimming pool, plus a Grand Spa and fitness center.

You are less than two miles from the Vatican and close to the most impressive sights in the city.

This truly is among the finest hotels in Rome and ideal for visiting the Vatican Museums and more while indulging in luxury during your stay.

Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá – The Leading Hotels of the World

Located in the popular Trastevere district, adjacent to the Vatican, is Villa Agrippina Gran Melia.

This is a 5-star elegant hotel close to the heart of Rome with astonishing views of the city.

Rooms are designed with a combination of elegance, comfort, and style, while the garden and grounds include a wellness and fitness center that is superbly equipped.

Villa Agrippina sits on the slopes of the Gianicolo hill by the River Tiber and is a ten-minute walk from the center of Trastevere, a neighborhood famed for its restaurants, bars, and quaint boutiques.

The hotel restaurant is highly rated, with a wide selection of fine local wines.

In the room, you will find wi-fi, a TV with streaming services, and a coffee machine, while a fully equipped luxury bathroom comes with complimentary toiletries.

The outdoor swimming pool is open for the summer season so you can cool off on a hot day.

Many guests like to enjoy a pot of English tea whilst relaxing in the beautiful library in quiet.

Villa Agrippina Gran Melia deserves its 5-star rating for the sheer luxury, excellent service, fantastic rooms, and location.

So, if you're looking for luxury accommodation in the heart of Rome, it should be on your shortlist.

Hotel Isa

A modern and stylish boutique hotel in the exclusive district of Prati, Hotel Isa comes highly recommended by friends of ours who stay regularly, as well as many other satisfied guests.

Just a mile from the center of Rome, an enjoyable walk along the Tiber takes you to the Vatican in just 15 minutes and is worth it for the walk itself!

Each floor has its own distinct decor theme which the guest rooms follow.

All are beautifully presented with comfort and elegance in mind, and each comes with all the amenities one should expect from a boutique hotel of this standard.

Hotel Isa features a beautiful panoramic terrace where the breakfast buffet is served, allowing for fantastic views across the city.

A pleasant bar within the hotel serves drinks, including local wines, and shared lounge areas are available for guests' use and are decorated and furnished beautifully.

The Pantheon, a must-see landmark in Rome, is a short stroll away across the river, as is the wonderful Piazza Navona with its famous fountains.

It is a great choice of hotel for families or couples.

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Best hotels with a rooftop terrace near Vatican City

Many of Rome's top hotels have amazing rooftop terraces, which have become a regular feature at the premium accommodation in the Eternal City.

Here are some hotels near the Vatican that are not necessarily luxury, but that offer fabulous rooftops from which you can enjoy some beautiful views:

Residenza Paolo VI

While the rooms and decor at the four star hotel of Residenza Paolo VI can be a little stuffy, the location is unique and offers one of the best views of the Vatican from its sweet little terrace.

This is a delightful place to relax, and indeed, I often come here just for a drink, but it would be a lovely place to stay due to its proximity to Saint Peter's Square and the quiet setting as part of a convent.

The view from the terrace over the square is simply stunning, it's only a short walk away so you're right in the heart of the Vatican.

The air conditioned rooms come with an LCD TV, your own bathroom, and tiled or wooden floors.

The breakfast buffet comes with a range of sweet and savory options, so there should be something for everyone to enjoy.

The bar at Residenza Paolo VI is a quiet place to settle back with a drink and enjoy the views of the beautiful square and the Vatican, whilst soaking up the sun in this delightful spot.

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Hotel Atlante Star

I have a soft spot for the 4* Atlante Star hotel, which is where we held our wedding reception dinner.

While its rooms can be small, the location is perfect, and the terrace is worth a visit, whether you stay here or not.

Views across the city from here are simply spellbinding!

The rooftop terrace restaurant looks out over Rome with fine views of St Peter's Basilica and sits in a prime location just 5 minutes walk from the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

Rooms are decorated in modern or classic style and comfortably furnished.

I recommend making time for Les Etoiles, a superb restaurant on the 6th floor where you can enjoy delicious Mediterranean cuisine and take in the panoramic views of the city center.

It's a location like no other!

The bar is the place to be for fine local wines and other beverages, and the Atlante Star hotel also offers business services for those requiring them.

This is a lovely hotel in a great location that makes an excellent base from which to explore the Eternal City.

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Best mid-range hotels in Rome near the Vatican

Le Meridien Visconti

Being part of the Marriott chain, the Meridien Visconti is a little bit cookie-cutter.

But the facilities are excellent, and it's something of a cross between mid-range and luxury.

The hotel is well-located, across the river from Piazza del Popolo.

Guest rooms are decorated in a modern and elegant style.

Like many central hotels, this one features a wonderful roof terrace with amazing views.

Breakfast and other meals are served at the fine restaurant on the terrace, though breakfast can also be served in the room.

A gym on site is free of use for guests, and the Vatican is just a short walk from the hotel.

There are few hotels in this price range with better locations than this, so it's one to consider.

Hotel S. Anna

Occupying a 17th-century building and in a great location, Hotel Sant Anna is a delightful choice of hotels near Vatican City.

St Peter's Basilica is a stone's throw from the hotel, making this a fabulous choice if sightseeing is on the cards.

Rooms are presented with the elegance one would expect, and the open spaces are light and airy with a relaxed feel.

A continental breakfast buffet is a great way to start the day and there's also a beautiful garden that is the perfect place to relax after a day exploring the sights of Rome.

Free WiFi is available in the air-conditioned rooms and throughout the hotel, and a 24-hour desk is a welcome touch.

Guests rate the rooms highly for comfort and the hotel's overall service.

The location is the icing on the cake, however, as guests have access to the most incredible sights of Rome and the Metro system nearby.

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Roma dei Papi Hotel de Charme

Directly by Castel Sant Angelo, one of the most spectacular of Rome's landmarks, is Roma dei Papi Hotel de Charme.

This hotel near the Vatican is in a fantastic location, close to Rome's prime attractions.

Rooms here are furnished in a simple, modern, and pleasant fashion and furnished to a high standard.

Notably, guests rank it very highly for cleanliness.

Wi-Fi is free in the shared areas of the hotel but can be requested in the room, while air conditioning keeps the temperature perfect for those hot summer days.

While there is no restaurant in the hotel, you're within easy walking distance of excellent cafes and restaurants.

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Best budget accommodation in Rome near the Vatican

Considering the location and the fact that prices have increased significantly since Italy has become such a popular travel destination, it can be difficult to find quality budget accommodation (under 200 Euros per night for a double room).

But there are a few good options!

Relais Roma Vaticano

Conveniently located just 350 yards from Ottaviano metro station, the Relais Roma Vaticano is a sensibly priced hotel, given its prime location in central Rome and close to the Vatican Museums.

St Peter's Basilica is 0.7 miles from the hotel and the Vatican, a 10-minute walk away.

The proximity of the Metro station gives you easy access to all of Rome's major attractions.

Rooms come with air con, flat-screen TV, and the furnishings and fixtures are of decent quality.

This is a comfortable place to relax after a day exploring Rome's tourist attractions.

Relais Roma Vaticano is an ideal choice for the Vatican Museums and comes at a surprisingly reasonable price for such a prime location.

Domus Terenzio

With modern decor and a clean style for each room, the Domus Terenzio is well-priced.

One of the more popular hotels near Vatican, a pleasant 10-minute walk will take you to St Peter's Square.

All rooms feature private bathrooms, and sleeping areas are superbly presented (the hotel scores very highly for cleanliness.)

A flat-screen TV, free WiFi, and a minibar are all provided, and some have a private balcony with lovely views.

A garden with a terrace and furniture is a great place to sit and enjoy the evening sun, perhaps with a glass of local wine.

While there is no bar or restaurant in the hotel, they will happily supply you with fine wine at a little extra cost.

Nearby are many excellent restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops, and the hotel serves a buffet breakfast each morning.

This hotel in an excellent location for exploring Vatican City and many other famous Rome landmarks, and family rooms are available as well as doubles.

Priced well for the location, it comes highly recommended by former guests.

Best self-catering apartments in Rome near the Vatican

There are many self-catering options near Vatican City.

Here are our favorites:

Vatican2you

For many people, self-catering is the preferred option, as not everyone likes the hotel atmosphere.

Vatican2You is an excellent choice for a family vacation or a group as it features two double bedrooms, a sofa bed in the well-furnished living room, and two fully fitted bathrooms.

This fine apartment is in one of the best areas of Rome. 

Wi-Fi and air conditioning are available, and the fully fitted kitchen includes a full oven and stovetop.

There is also a washing machine for guests in the apartment.

Views are of the apartment building's inner courtyard, but the location makes this unique.

It's just 800 meters from the Vatican Museums and St Peter's Square, and within walking distance of the Cipro Metro station.

The area features excellent restaurants, plenty of cafes where you can relax and watch the world go by, and friendly bars.

If self-catering is your preference, this apartment should be on your shortlist.

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Stefano House Roma

I find hotels relaxing, but can understand those that prefer the freedom of self-catering.

Stefano House Roma is an impressive building with six available rooms; each finished in a modern and tasteful fashion.

Furnishings are comfortable, and guests have commented on the cleanliness of the rooms.

All rooms have a fully equipped private bathroom and a living space with TV; each has air conditioning and free WiFi throughout.

Housekeeping is included as part of the deal, and the central location makes this an excellent choice for the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica.

Comfortable, perfectly located, and with friendly hosts, Stefano House is a popular choice, so be sure to book in advance.

St. Peter Manor

The picturesque small streets surrounding it make St. Peter Manor a popular choice for self-catering accommodation.

Just four minutes on foot to St Peter's Square and not much more to Castel Sant'Angelo, this apartment complex offers a choice of rooms, including spacious family rooms.

The location is perfect for exploring Rome's many attractions.

All rooms are air-conditioned, free WiFi is available throughout, and each has a fully fitted bathroom with toiletries.

I recommend taking a pleasant walk to Piazza Navona with its impressive fountains, and you'll find many good cafes, restaurants, and bars in the immediate vicinity.

Guests also have access to private parking, a rarity in central Rome.

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St Peter's View

Located in the Prati district of Rome, St Peter's View is ideally situated.

A short walk takes you through the quaint and picturesque streets to reach St Peter's Square.

The building offers three rooms or a deluxe single-bedroom apartment, including three sofa beds and a large double bed, so enough for a sizeable family or group.

All rooms are air-conditioned, free WiFi is available throughout, and living spaces are superbly furnished for comfort and decorated in a modern and clean style.

Each room has a kitchenette with a table and microwave, and all feature a private bathroom with all fixtures and fittings.

Pets are allowed on request at no extra charge, and all guests get private entrances and check-in.

For such a location, one would expect to pay through the roof, but guests frequently comment on the value for money as well as the helpful hosts.

A great choice for a family and popular with couples, St Peter's View offers fine accommodation that will not break the bank.

My Bed Vatican Museum

With a choice of two rooms, My Bed Vatican Museum could not be closer to the main attractions in the historic quarter of Rome.

The entrance to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is 100 yards from the door, and St Peter's Square is just a few minutes away.

It doesn't get much better than this if the location is your main criteria!

With comfortable living quarters and bedrooms that are furnished to a high standard, My Bed Vatican Museum is a great place to relax after a day exploring the city and its sights.

With most of the main attractions within walking distance, you'll find you can fit a lot in one day when based here.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building, and there is also a swimming pool for guests.

A flat-screen TV, minibar and bathroom come with each room; we like the modern and clean decoration.

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Rhome Hosting

A complex of three rooms, including a family room, Rhome Hosting occupies a wonderful location within easy reach of Rome and the Vatican's main attractions.

The Vatican Museums are a mere 500 yards away.

With the Ottaviano Metro station just a short walk away, access to the city center and the main historic attractions is easy and fast.

All rooms are air-conditioned for added comfort and furnished to a high standard.

Wi-Fi is free throughout, and the large-screen TV comes with streaming services.

There are tea and coffee-making facilities in each room.