EuropeChevron ItalyChevron RomeChevron Back in the early 2000s, Rome—and its hotel scene—felt decidedly smaller and more locally oriented. Since then, the city has continued to grow even more vibrant for residents (like me) and visitors alike, drawing people in with its historic buildings, mesmerizing energy, and ever-expanding roster of affordable accommodations. Visiting Rome on a budget no longer means staying in cramped, uninspiring digs by Termini station. Now, whether you want to stay steps away from the Colosseum, go shopping on Via del Corso, or sleep somewhere with an art gallery just outside your room, there’s a chic, affordable hotel to suit your bank account. Below, I’ve listed the best boutique boltholes, five-star hotels, and smart hostels that I recommend to my friends and family when we meet in Rome—all for under $400 per night. And if you ask me, 2026 is a great time to visit Rome.…