5-Star Hotel vs. Luxury Apartment: Which is Better in Rome?

You may be wondering – what’s the alternative to 5-star hotels in Rome?

As you plan your trip to the Eternal City, perhaps you’re contemplating a stay at the St Regis. Or perhaps you’re intrigued by the newer 5-star hotels in Rome, like the Six Senses or the Bulgari Hotel. Do they live up to the hype?

All too often, unfortunately, the answer is no. Hotels don’t necessarily offer the special experience you’re searching for – something you may have learned the hard way on previous trips.

When in Rome, the true 5-star experience is a stay at a luxury apartment.

As we compare the two, you’ll soon see why a private apartment is your best bet for an unforgettable Roman holiday.

Premium Services

Of course, you want to be taken care of. You want to know that your room is going to be kept spotless, and that you can rely on a team of staff for anything you might need.

So, if you’re keen to enjoy the benefits of a maid service, a concierge, or even a butler, you might be tempted to stay at a 5-star hotel, rather than an apartment.

But in fact, there’s no need to choose between premium services and space and privacy. You can have both.

Our Beyond Collection properties – highly luxurious apartments located near the Capitoline and the Colosseum – offer the same services as 5-star hotels.

Daily housekeeping, daily breakfast prepared by the resident chef, a dedicated concierge, luggage services, private black car transfer to and from the airport…the list goes on!

Not only can you enjoy all the services that you would find at a top hotel, but you also have all the advantages of a luxurious private residence, from space to seclusion.

The Best Locations in Rome

There’s nothing better than that feeling that you’re really in Rome – in the heart of the ancient city. You want to be a stone’s throw from the Trevi Fountain…or, even better, to have a view of the Colosseum from your bedroom window.

Some 5-star hotels are located in the center, scattered around the Spanish Steps or Piazza Navona.

However, many of the best hotels are further out. The Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria, for example, is quite a bit north of the center. The only attraction within walking distance is the Vatican.

You’ll find other top hotels in the upmarket residential neighborhoods of Parioli and Prati. And while it’s true that they’re lovely areas, it could be argued that they’re also a little…bland?

If you stay in a hotel in Parioli, it’s easy to forget that you’re in Rome. If it wasn’t for the umbrella pines, you could be anywhere – any pleasant, leafy suburb.

But when you’re in a luxury apartment in the center, you get the true Roman experience – a terrace overlooking the Capitoline Hill, or the most breathtaking views of the Colosseum. You get to wake up to these views, and then, when you’re ready to explore, you have the city on your doorstep.

The Beyond Collection apartments truly have the best locations in Rome – there’s just no comparison.

Luxurious Living Spaces

Following on from our previous point… If you want to make the most of your Roman experience – feel like you’re really living in Rome – you should also consider the accommodation interior.

As nice as they are, luxury hotel rooms can often feel impersonal and interchangeable. This is particularly true for establishments with contemporary décor. It may look good, but does it feel like you’re in Rome? Surrounded by white walls and tasteful but generic furniture, you could just as easily be in another European capital.

In other words, hotels lack character. And if it’s character you want, that’s another reason to choose a luxury apartment like the Terraces at the Capitoline.

For centuries, this stately home was the residence of one of Rome’s most important noble families, the Colonnas. It’s a piece of Roman history – something you can sense just walking from room to room, taking in the atmosphere and the antique furnishings.

While the Terraces is an exceptional property, any private apartment is likely to have more character than a hotel room. These are homes, after all – places that are meant to be lived in. So it’s no wonder they feel a little more special.

When comparing living spaces, another factor to consider is the space itself. Some apartments offer much more space, including rooms for entertaining and private terraces; a hotel suite seems almost cramped in comparison.

You should also keep in mind the size of your group. For a family holiday, you’ll need at least two beds. At some 5-star hotels, that means booking two rooms, or sharing a room. Groups wanting space and privacy should opt for an apartment (which is also likely to be better value, once you factor in the cost of multiple hotel rooms).

Unique Experiences

You know what to expect at a hotel – a nice bar and restaurant, and perhaps a spa. A few of the top hotels also offer additional experiences such as tours or cooking classes.

The problem with these offerings is that unless they’re specifically advertised as private experiences, you won’t have them to yourself. A “spa journey” sounds like an appealing prospect, until you realize that you’ll probably be sharing the spa with other guests, or even members of the public.

Stay at a private apartment, on the other hand, and you’re guaranteed private experiences. At the Beyond Collection properties you can indulge in all kinds of treats, from a romantic meal prepared by a personal chef to a guided stargazing session on your very own terrace.

Also, it’s not just hotels who can provide a personal shopper. If you’re a guest at one of our apartments, you can shop in the company of a Roman countess.

To sum up, if something is on offer at a 5-star hotel, there’s a good chance you can also find it at a luxury apartment, with the added bonus of privacy.

The Price of a Pool

Finally, a word on swimming pools. Perhaps the only disadvantage of staying at an apartment in Rome is the lack of a pool. However, it has to be said that most 5-star hotels in Rome don’t have pools either.

Hotels in the center, such as the St Regis or the Hassler, don’t have the space, or only have a small indoor pool. The few hotels with outdoor pools, like the Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria, tend to be far from the center.

So while a pool is certainly a nice bonus, it’s worth asking yourself – how important is it to have a pool when you’re staying in a city like Rome?

Would you rather be soaking in a shared pool – something that you could do almost anywhere – or soaking up the beauty and culture of the world’s most extraordinary city?

A Clear Winner

For a truly luxurious, 5-star experience, book a private apartment with TreasureRome. You’ll have access to all the services that you would find at a hotel, without having to compromise on space or privacy.

With the best locations and unique, customized experiences, you’ll also have a much more memorable stay in Rome, knowing that you couldn’t be anywhere else.