Vatican hotel guide: Where to stay when visiting the infamous Vatican City in Rome

  • Relais Vatican View offers stunning scenes of the piazza and St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Stay in a family run B&B which has just three rooms
  • Or lodge in an old Augustinian monastery, just steps from Vatican City 

The Vatican City is a real highlight of any visit to Rome. A country in its own right, it’s home to the Pope, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, and of course, the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s iconic fresco. Explore the fascinating Vatican Museums, climb the magnificent cupola of St. Peter’s Basilica, or time it right and you could have an audience with the Pope himself. There are no hotels within the state boundaries, so we’ve chosen the pick of the bunch within easy reach of the Vatican City. 

Enjoy a sundowner on the roof terrace at Relais Vatican View

Enjoy a sundowner on the roof terrace at Relais Vatican View

Relais Vatican View

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On the eastern fringes of the Vatican City is the smart Relais Vatican View. A little over a five-minute walk from St. Peter’s and the Vatican museums, it offers wallet-friendly rooms, all with simple yet contemporary décor, and great views of the piazza and St. Peter’s Basilica. After a busy day exploring Vatican City, guests can come and kick back on the hotel’s private roof terrace which has stunning rooftop views of Rome. Via del Mascherino 

The rooms  at Starhotels Michelangelo are cosy and comfortable

The rooms at Starhotels Michelangelo are cosy and comfortable

Starhotels Michelangelo

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A leisurely five-minute stroll from the gates of Vatican City, this elegant four-star hotel is a comfortable base for your Roman getaway. There are 179 rooms at Starhotels Michelangelo, all decked out in muted tones and a stylish Rome-inspired décor, and many offer direct views over the magnificent St. Peter’s cupola. A full buffet breakfast is included, served in the swish Dome Restaurant, which also serves up classic Roman dishes by Eataly throughout the day. Via della Stazione di S. Pietro  

Starhotels Michelangelo is just moments away from the main attraction

Starhotels Michelangelo is just moments away from the main attraction

Vatican Grand Suite

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Located in the buzzy Prati District, the Vatican Grand Suite is a charming and welcoming B&B situated a 10-minute stroll from St. Peter’s Basilica. A great budget choice, the bright, spacious rooms all come equipped with TVs, minibars and comfy memory foam beds. A generous continental breakfast is included in the rate and served to the room, which sets you up for a day of exploring the churches and museums of Vatican City. Via dei Gracchi

 

Sweet Dreams in St. Peter B&B

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Located 820ft (250m) from St. Peter’s Basilica, Sweet Dreams in St. Peter B&B makes a homely base for exploring Vatican City. This family run B&B has just three rooms, all with private bathrooms, parquet flooring and high ceilings. All are simply furnished in a classic style, and two rooms have private balconies with garden views. Each morning, a traditional Italian breakfast of breads, pastries, fruits and cheeses is served in the shared kitchen. Via Leone IX 

True to the name you'll definitely be dreaming sweetly at Sweet Dreams in St. Peter B&B

True to the name you'll definitely be dreaming sweetly at Sweet Dreams in St. Peter B&B

Del Falco Boutique Rooms

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This cool boutique B&B is bright, modern and mere steps from all the attractions and main sights of Vatican City. Del Falco is also within easy reach of a metro station, making it easy to explore the rest of the Eternal City. Bright, modern rooms all have plenty of space and vintage detailing, and some en suite bathrooms feature whirlpool baths. There’s also a shared guest lounge, and a kitchen offering complimentary use of the house Nespresso machine. Via Properzio 

Stay just a couple of minutes away from St Peter's Basilica and 300 metres from The Vatican Museum at Del Falco Boutique Rooms

Stay just a couple of minutes away from St Peter's Basilica and 300 metres from The Vatican Museum at Del Falco Boutique Rooms

Hotel Alimandi Vaticano

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Perched across the street from the Vatican Museums, you can’t get a better located hotel than the Alimandi Vaticano. Offering a four-star experience, this elegant boutique hotel has just 24 rooms, each decked out in a classic Liberty style. All rooms have Wi-Fi and minibars, and breakfast is included in the rate – there’s also a lounge bar that serves snacks and drinks. After a busy day exploring the sights, guests can relax on the hotel’s beautiful rooftop terrace and watch the sun set over Vatican City. Viale Vaticano

Hotel Alimandi Vaticano is set across the street from the walls of Vatican City

Hotel Alimandi Vaticano is set across the street from the walls of Vatican City

Residenza Paolo VI

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Set in an old Augustinian monastery, merely steps from Vatican City, this traditional hotel is within easy reach of the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. The 35 rooms at Residenza Paolo VI have each been inspired by the works of Italian masters Michelangelo and Bernini, and feature minibars, free Wi-Fi and TVs, while suites boast views over St Peter’s Basilica. There’s also a charming private courtyard which has a bar service until midnight. Via Paolo VI

Residenza Paolo VI is perfect for your romantic getaway in the Eternal City

Residenza Paolo VI is perfect for your romantic getaway in the Eternal City

The Pope’s Window B&B

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A 10-minute walk from St. Peter's Basilica, this modern, budget-friendly B&B makes a great base for exploring Vatican City. The Pope’s Window B&B is housed in a classic Roman townhouse and offers five spacious rooms, all with high ceilings and marble floors, plus contemporary detailing and wall murals. A full buffet breakfast is included in the rate. Via delle Fornaci

The wonderful Hotel Della Conciliazione is an absolute gem in a prime location 

The wonderful Hotel Della Conciliazione is an absolute gem in a prime location 

Hotel Della Conciliazione

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Located a 10-15-minute walk from St Peter’s Basilica, the Della Conciliazione is slightly further away than other Vatican City hotels. Set off the main drag, but still within easy reach of all the main attractions, it has a quieter appeal. The bright, contemporary rooms feature flat-screen TVs and minibars, and some have Vatican City views. Breakfast is included, there’s also a stylish lounge bar for relaxing in after a busy day exploring Rome’s key sights. Borgo Pio

 

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