Best Hotels to Book in Rome With Points

Even though everyone is tired of hearing the word “unprecedented,” it’s still one of the most appropriate words to apply to our present situation. For example, many of us who were avid travelers in years past may have spent unprecedented amounts of time in one place. Those of us who were used to hunting down last-minute error fares have spent an unprecedented amount of time doing…something else.

While everyone has a different response to these unprecedented things, it’s reasonable to assume that some of you have responded by digging out your old bucket lists and deciding that it’s finally time to check off some of those boxes. With that, why not spend a summer holiday in The Eternal City?

Rome has a rich history that most of us can scarcely imagine; its roots have shaped the world for millennia and are the source of many cultures we have today. If you have not yet explored the wonders tucked away in the Italian capital, Rome is a great option for your summer getaway. Here are a few points properties in Rome that we think are ideal for redeeming your stash of points this summer.

Marriott

The St. Regis Rome

If you’re a go-big-or-go-home type of traveler, there are few better options in Rome than The St. Regis Rome. This luxury property combines storied architectural design with trendy, modern restorations that offer guests an air of extravagance as well as relaxation. Centrally located in the heart of the city, a stay at The St. Regis Rome offers easy access to Roman favorites like the Trevi Fountain, just a 15 minute walk away.

A Category 8 property, a night at The St. Regis Rome costs between 70,000 – 100,000 Marriott Rewards Points.

Elizabeth Unique Hotel

If you’re looking for a more intimate approach, book in with the Elizabeth Unique Hotel. This 33-room townhouse sits in a refurbished 17th-century palazzo and features design elements reflective of centuries past. Located steps from the River Tiber and not far from the Vatican City, Elizabeth Unique Hotel is a wonderful place to experience some of Rome’s sophisticated history and design.

Elizabeth Unique Hotel is a Category 7 property that costs between 50,000 – 70,000 Marriott Rewards Points per night.

Cards to Help You Earn Marriott Points

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

One of the quickest ways to earn Marriott points is to open a line of credit with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card from Chase. Not only do cardholders have the opportunity to earn more Bonus Points on everyday spending, but they also earn automatic Silver Elite status simply by being cardholders. Cardholders earn 6X points per $1USD spent on purchases at Marriott Properties and 2X points per $1USD spent on all other purchases.

With all of these benefits, this card is well worth the $95 annual fee; however, there is another way to skip the annual fee.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

If you want extra benefits without the annual fee, apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold credit card from Chase. You’ll still have access to complimentary Silver Elite Status and earn 3X points per $1USD spent on purchases at Marriott properties. You’ll also earn 2X points per $1USD spent on travel purchases and 1X points per $1USD on all other purchases.

If you want a quick path to Silver Elite and a decent earning potential without committing to an annual fee, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold could be the right pick for you.

Hilton

Aleph Rome Hotel, Curio Collection

Located in a historic bank headquarters, the Aleph Rome Hotel stays on-brand by combining historical elements with modern conveniences. While this property is only a ten-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Villa Borghese, you won’t want to miss the rooftop pool and bar or the relaxing spa treatments available on-site.

Parse your time between enjoying the hotel amenities and exploring the Ludovisi neighborhood outside; it’s a great locale for adventurous and curious travelers.

A night at this property starts at 80,000 Hilton Honors Points.

DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti

For a peaceful stay in central Rome that is conveniently located and easy on your points, check out the DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti. Truly a wonderful location, this hotel stands near the Roma Termini station and between the Colosseum and Villa Borghese. Enjoy a cozy room with trendy design touches, and don’t forget to head up to the Skybar for stunning views of the city.

A night at this property starts at just 40,000 Hilton Honors Points.

Cards to Help You Earn Hilton Points

Hilton has a long-standing partnership with American Express and offers four different co-branded cards: three personal cards and one business card. Here, we’ll mention the perks of our favorite personal card as well as the business card.

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

Perfect for business owners on the go, the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a card with decent earning potential and plenty of travel benefits. While it comes with a $195 annual fee (rates & fees), cardholders earn 12X Bonus Points per $1USD spent on Hilton purchases and 5X on other purchases on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, 3X points thereafter.

In addition, this card is an excellent way to jump straight to Gold Status; a $195 annual fee is a pretty small price to pay considering that benefit. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade to Diamond Status depending on how much you’re planning on using the card, which is a definite bonus.

Hilton Honors Aspire

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is our favorite credit card in the collection, and it comes with a hefty $450 annual fee.

At first glance, it might not seem worth it to splurge on a high-fee card when the bonus points earning potential is only marginally better than the other three cards in the collection. On top of that, the welcome bonus comes with no statement credit and just 150,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening the account.

However, when weighing the annual fee against the additional benefits, it might be a good deal if you’re looking to skyrocket your status.

Cardholders earn 14X Bonus Points per $1USD spent on Hilton purchases, 7X Bonus Points per $1USD spent on purchases at U.S. restaurants, flights booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel, and cars booked directly through select car rental agencies, and 3X Bonus Points per $1USD spent on all other eligible purchases. Note that the value of the accompanying travel benefits surpasses the annual fee, so as long as you’re planning on using the benefits, this card is well worth it.

IHG

Hotel Indigo Rome – St. George

For an easy stay in a trendy boutique hotel, redeem your IHG Rewards Points with the Hotel Indigo Rome – St. George. Accepting bookings for the summer, this property is conveniently located along the River Tiber and just west of Piazza Navona. Cross the river and head down to Orto Botanico di Roma, or stroll up to the Vatican City through St. Peter’s Square. Either way, this property is a great home base for a relaxing stay in historic old Rome.

A night at Hotel Indigo Rome – St. George is available from 28,000 IHG Rewards Points.

Cards to Help You Earn IHG Points

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is the premium card in the IHG collection.

This card comes with an $99 annual fee, but it includes automatic Platinum Elite Member status and up to 26X points per $1USD spent at IHG properties, which include existing reward benefits from your status.

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

Of course, the Premier level card doesn’t suit everyone. If you are an IHG One Rewards member interested in opening an IHG line of credit but don’t want to bother with any annual fees, then signing up for the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card could be a better move.

This card does come with the opportunity to bump up to Gold Elite, which is a nice perk for members with Club Member status. Additionally, you can earn up to 17X points per USD spent at IHG properties worldwide when combined with your status.

Hyatt

Hotel D’Inghilterra

A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the Hotel D’Inghilterra welcomes guests who wish for an intimate, artistic, cozy and historical experience in the heart of Rome.

The poet John Keats used to favor this hotel, making it an established destination for artists and thinkers. This 88-room property is almost a gallery itself, featuring framed paintings and pops of color in every room. Similar to many of the aforementioned properties, this hotel is located in between the Trevi Fountain and Villa Borghese for convenient access to famed points of interest.

This member-only hotel is available from 25,000 World of Hyatt Points per night.

Palazzo Manfredi

All of the previously discussed properties are within easy distance to main Roman attractions, but what about a direct Colosseum view?

Also a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the Palazzo Manfredi features stunning views of the Colosseum from its on-site restaurants and many of its rooms, as it stands directly adjacent to the Colosseum. This hotel was originally built during the dawn of the 16th century, next to 1st-century ruins, perfect for its current use as a unique accommodation for 21st-century travelers.

This member-only hotel is available from 40,000 World of Hyatt Points per night.

Cards to Help You Earn World of Hyatt Points

If you’re looking to maximize your earning potential with World of Hyatt, the best way to do that is by – you guessed it – opening up a line of credit.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card holders earn 9X Total Points per $1USD spent at Hyatt properties, 2X Bonus Points on transportation, restaurants, flights purchased directly through the airline, and fitness club memberships, and 1X Bonus Points per $1USD spent on all other purchases.

Chase Travel Portal

The above properties are wonderful options for Rome, but they aren’t so exciting if you haven’t stocked up on a bunch of points in exactly the right currency. If you don’t have a stash of brand-specific points lying around, there is another option.

Many credit cards offer their own rewards programs that include the opportunity to redeem points on travel. If you’ve been stockpiling credit card rewards instead of brand-specific hotel rewards, a trip to Rome could be a great way to redeem them.

For example, you could use your stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards Points to book your hotel. When Chase points are redeemed on travel purchases through the Ultimate Rewards Portal, they are worth 50% more than other select categories. That bonus is a great incentive to use them on a trip to Rome! Here are a couple of excellent properties in Rome that can be booked using Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

The Fifteen Keys Hotel

Located in the bustling Monti neighborhood, the The Fifteen Keys Hotel is so named for its fifteen individually curated rooms nestled within a five-story townhouse. The surrounding neighborhood offers cafes, boutiques, unique fashion, and antique shops; all located within an easy stroll of the Colosseum. If you are looking for a hidden, quiet residential spot in the midst of a lively, Bohemian neighborhood, The Fifteen Keys could be a great fit for you.

A room or suite at The Fifteen Keys Hotel costs between roughly 12,500 – 31,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points per night.

New Design St. Peter

A bit off the beaten path in comparison to the previously mentioned properties, the New Design St. Peter is located on the other side of the River Tiber and just north of the Vatican City.

Owned by two sisters, this Bed & Breakfast features cozy, artistic, and therapeutic touches including a chromotherapy shower in every room. This locale is also great for Roman cinema, with several cinemas located within a few blocks of the property. Cinema buffs or just travelers looking for a personal and comfortable accommodation are sure to enjoy the New Design St. Peter.

A night at the New Design St. Peter costs between roughly 6,500 – 9,200 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points.

Cards to Help You Earn Ultimate Rewards Points

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

A consistent favorite of the Chase collection is the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, offering unparalleled opportunities to earn Ultimate Rewards points and benefit from travel perks. Its hefty $550 annual fee is offset by an annual $300 travel credit, plus built-in insurance and protections for when you’re on the go.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

If a $550 annual fee just doesn’t sound like a good time, apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card instead. With a $95 annual fee and a generous welcome offer, this card is ideal for a first-time Chase Sapphire applicant. You’ll still enjoy some travel benefits as well as 2X points on travel, which can be redeemed through the Travel Portal.

Final Thoughts

A summer getaway in Rome doesn’t have to be just the stuff of daydreams when you have a stockpile of points to redeem! With plenty of opportunities to redeem points in whichever currency you have, Rome is an ideal spot for your first post-Covid vacation.