Rome is witnessing a massive tourism boom again, receiving more than 38 million tourists between 22 July 2025 and 31 December 2025 as per estimates. The record-breaking summer has seen arrivals going up by more than 18% than the year-ago period, while the estimated turnover for the sector is pegged at a sizeable €15 billion. The Jubilee and several other events like parades, concerts and cultural events are being seen as key reasons behind the increase in tourist volumes. Tourists are also staying longer, with an average stay going up to six nights in the city.
There has also been a quiet revolution in the city’s hospitality sector, with several smart and new-age travellers choosing to skip traditional hotels for their stays. It has led to a surge in demand for alternative forms of accommodation, such as aparthotels or serviced apartments in Rome. Let us look at the key reasons behind this major shift in traveller preferences below.
Key Reasons why Smart Travellers Look Beyond Hotels in Rome
There are several reasons behind hotels failing to entice smart travellers in Rome, despite the huge tourism boom once again. Some of the biggest ones include:
1. Cost-Effectiveness
More travellers to Rome are finding serviced apartments more cost-effective than hotels. Standard hotel prices have only increased with pent-up post-pandemic demand and rising operational expenditure. Serviced apartments often have lower nightly rates and all-inclusive pricing that covers utilities, high-speed internet and services like housekeeping.
The presence of fully-equipped kitchens and in-unit laundry also help travellers save on these two vital costs (which would be really costly otherwise at hotels). Additionally, there may also be discounts or special packages for longer stays, thereby driving the rates down even further.
2. Need for More Space & Privacy
Tourists are no longer drawn to staying in cramped hotel rooms that offer limited space during their stays. It may be more restrictive, especially for longer stays. This is where serviced apartments offer 30-40% more space than hotels with separate living and sleeping areas. They also offer more home-like comfort and privacy than hotels.
3. Flexible Lease Terms
Guests can conveniently book long or short term rentals in Rome, depending on their preferences. Unlike rigid hotel leases, apartments offer convenient week-to-week or month-to-month leases which may also be extended as per requirements. It suits those looking for extended stays, professionals, families, temporary relocators, digital nomads and remote workers.
4. Great Perks and Amenities
Guests appreciate the fusion of home-like comfort and privacy with hotel-style services and good amenities. Most serviced apartments in Rome not only offer full furnishings, kitchens, laundry and appliances, but also flat-screen televisions, high-speed internet, housekeeping and concierge/reception facilities. Many units offer access to shared amenities like fitness centres, pools, lounges and meeting rooms as well.
5. Local Immersion
Serviced apartments offer more local immersion than the impersonal service of a hotel. Standard hotels do not have the neighbourhood-centric or local appeal that contemporary visitors want. That is where apartments offer ample scope to invite people over, cook meals, engage with the neighbours, find hidden gems and shop at local markets.
6. More Value for Families
Bigger groups and families get more value since they pay considerably less per square foot than booking multiple hotel rooms. At the same time, there are multiple configurations to choose from, ranging from studio to four bedroom apartments, enabling ample space for everyone.
These are some of the core reasons why smart travellers are increasingly opting for serviced apartments over traditional hotels in the midst of Rome’s visible tourist boom. Let us look at some of the top neighbourhood choices below.
Where to Stay in Serviced Apartments in Rome?
Here are some of the top neighbourhood recommendations for staying in serviced apartments in Rome.
1. Centro Storico
The Centro Storico is captivating and looks straight out of a picture postcard, with a bustling vibe for company. It is a walkable neighbourhood with frequent buses and easy access to nearby metro stops like Barberini and Spagna.
Best For: First-timers and short-stay travellers who want to explore top landmarks on foot.
Amenities: Premium grocery stores and boutiques.
Attractions: Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain.
2. Monti
Monti is known for its bohemian and chic vibe, along with its tight-knit local community. It is just beside the Cavour Metro Station (Line B), while the Roma Termini transit hub is only 10 minutes away on foot.
Best For: Solo travellers, couples and design enthusiasts who want local/neighbourhood vibes.
Amenities: Artisanal coffee shops, independent vintage stores and trendy cocktail bars.
Attractions: Colosseum, Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and Roman Forum.
3. Trastevere
Trastevere is a bustling and vibrant locality with a strong rustic yet local ambience. Connectivity-wise, there are excellent bus and tram connections to the city centre. It will take travellers about 20-30 minutes to walk to several historic sites from the neighbourhood.
Best For: Nightlife lovers and foodies.
Amenities: Traditional trattorias, charming pubs and open-air markets.
Attractions: Janiculum Hill viewpoint and the Basilica of Santa Maria.
4. Prati
Prati is a stylish and elegant residential neighbourhood that is more peaceful than many other localities. It is home to the Metro Line A (Lepanto and Ottaviano stations) that ensures swift connectivity across Rome.
Best For: Business travellers and families who want a more peaceful stay.
Amenities: Premium supermarkets, wide boulevards and well-known family restaurants.
Attractions: St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City and Castel Sant’Angelo.
Conclusion
Booking serviced apartments in Rome from reputed providers like TheSquare is important to access verified listings and competitive rates, particularly for extended stays. Advance bookings are also recommended to avoid the last-minute rush (due to the tourist boom, particularly in the summers) and get more properties at better rates. Rome’s tourism sector is booming again and the shift towards alternative accommodation options like serviced apartments is visible. The trend is likely to continue with more guests prioritising local immersion, cost-effectiveness and space over conventional hotel stays.
