With iconic sights like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and the Sistine Chapel dotted across Rome, demand for beds in the city is unsurprisingly high – with many seeking the budget-saving option of a hostel.
(Photo: Generator Rome / Courtesy Booking.com)
All roads lead to Rome, or so the saying goes. But let’s not forget that Rome was not built in a day. And when in Rome… okay, you get it, Rome looms pretty large in the popular lexicon. The mighty Italian capital is a potent reminder of the great strength of the Roman Empire and the continued importance of Catholicism. For visitors, youth hostels are the most economical way to go about a trip to the Eternal City and there are roughly a hundred dotted all over Rome. Here are our five favourites.
Generator Rome
Generator is an established chain of hostels. The often hip and laid back vibe is effortlessly replicated in their Rome chapter here. The slightly higher price is justifiable on the basis that the quality of the dorms and bathrooms are much higher than many other rival hostels. The hostel is laid out across a number of floors in a 19th century building, which emphasises the majesty of the surrounding neighbourhood. The Termini train station is just a couple of minutes away from Generator and there is a great bar and lounge area in which to relax after a long day of urban exploration. From €104 per night.
Alex Romano
(Photo: Alex Romano / Courtesy Booking.com)
For anybody who isn’t a big fan of the bunk bed, Alex Romano provides a good alternative: Dorms only have single beds in them, making climbing to the top bunk a thing of the past. The hostel does feel a little worn in places but the price is excellent and the dorms have their own personal bathrooms, which are equipped with hairdryers. Wifi is available throughout the building and the upper floors are accessible by elevator. There are also a couple of private room choices at Alex Romano. From €88 per night.
New Generation Hostel Santa Maria Maggiore
Super sleek and modern New Generation Hostel is in a fantastic location minutes from Santa Maria Maggiora Basilica. It is also ten minutes away from Termini station, making it a great choice for anybody who wants proximity to the trains, but also with great access to the sights of the city centre. Beds are comfortable and have their own reading lights and plug sockets. Wifi is available throughout the hostel and there is a snack bar and shared kitchen on-site. From €38 per night.
The RomeHello
(Photo: The RomeHello / Courtesy Booking.com)
Housed in a stylish building, this relaxed hostel brings a splash of personality with its funky decor and eye-catching murals. Just a three-minute stroll from the metro and two kilometres from the Colosseum, it’s a great base for exploring Rome. The dorms – both mixed and female-only – are bright and cheerful, with bunk beds, lockers, and ensuite bathrooms. Private rooms add a little extra comfort with minifridges. A lively bar and grill, a courtyard, a communal kitchen and games tables add a social touch. Breakfast is available for an extra charge. From €65 per night.
Hostel Mosaic
Set in a charming 19th-century building, this hostel is just a nine-minute walk from Termini station and within easy reach of the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. The nine rooms are bright and full of character, with bold artwork and modern decor. Guests can choose between shared or en-suite bathrooms, and all rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and desks. Mornings start with a complimentary Italian breakfast in a cosy dining room with rustic stone walls. There’s also a relaxed guest lounge with a TV and a shared computer. From €100 per night.