Staying the night in the smallest country in the world, Vatican City, would likely be a bucket-list item for many travelers if it were possible. Unfortunately, it isn’t. There are no hotels in Vatican City and you certainly can’t pitch your tent on St. Peter’s Square. However, there are hotels very, very close to the Holy See, some with unparalleled views of St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world.
Photo: Expedia
These Hotels Near the Vatican Let You Spend the Night Next to the World's Largest Church
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Are there hotels in Vatican City?
There are no hotels within the boundaries of Vatican City. While some claim that Residenza Paolo VI is the only hotel in Vatican City, this is untrue; the hotel’s address is in Rome. That said, Residenza Paolo VI, is probably the closest hotel to the smallest country in the world and the one with the best views of it.
Where are the best hotels near Vatican City
The best hotels near Vatican City
We hope you love the Vatican City Hotels we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá
Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá is located less than 20 minutes on foot from the entrance to Vatican City. While it’s not the closest hotel to the Holy See, it is the most luxurious. The five-star property is very much like a private oasis in the middle of Rome, with its large Mediterranean garden and seasonal outdoor pools, where comfortable loungers and sofas invite guests to relax. Of course, like any property of this quality, it hosts a fine-dining restaurant, a cocktail bar, a well-equipped 24/7 gym, and a full spa for personalized body treatments or simple sessions in the sauna, steam room, or jacuzzi. All the rooms at the Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá are modern, spacious, and inspire tranquility thanks to the simple decor punctuated with tasteful replicas of Italian paintings. Several of the hotel’s beautiful suites (the Vatican and the Renaissance suites) offer views on the immense dome of St. Peter’s Basilica from their private terraces.
Where: Via del Gianicolo, 3, 00165 Roma RM, Italy
Price per night: From $591
Hotel La Rovere
Hotel La Rovere is a four-star property located only a 15-minute walk away from the entrance to Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica. A mix of classic, retro, and modern decor, the 27 rooms at the Hotel La Rovere are spacious, comfortable, and unique — and so are the bathrooms. Request a room with a balcony and a view and you’ll be able to sit on the patio furniture while looking at Rome’s rooftops, including the dome of Basilica of San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini. A buffet breakfast is available and there is a bar on site.
Where: Vicolo di Sant’Onofrio, 4 – 5, 00165 Roma RM, Italy
Price per night: From $190
Elle Boutique Hotel
The Elle Boutique Hotel is so close to Vatican City that guests can almost touch the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica from their room window or balcony. Located just five minutes on foot from the entrance to the smallest country in the world, this four-star property consists of cozy, modern rooms, some of which have a terrace with patio furniture and a jacuzzi from where you guests can admire the million-dollar views. The property has a terrace where guests can relax with a drink from the bar after an afternoon of exploring Rome. WiFi is complimentary and breakfast is available.
Where: Via della Stazione Vaticana, 1, 00165 Roma RM, Italy
Price per night: From $188
Residenza Paolo VI
Located just a few minutes on foot from St. Peter’s Square, Residenza Paolo VI is often believed to be the only hotel in Vatican City — but it isn’t. Residenza Paolo VI is in Rome, but so close to the border with Vatican City that it’s easy to think that it is in the Holy See. Because of this amazing location, this property offers guests the best views of St. Peter’s Square, especially from its rooftop terrace. All 35 rooms are decorated in a simple, classic style, but include modern amenities like free WiFi, plasma TVs, and air conditioning. Breakfast is included, there is a bar on site, and it is possible to arrange an airport shuttle.
Where: Via Paolo VI, 29, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
Price per night: From $175
Vatican Style
Less than 10 minutes on foot from St. Peter’s Square, Vatican Style is not a property with a view of Vatican City, but it’s still close enough for you to pop in the world’s smallest country in a matter of minutes. Vatican Style is a highly rated, affordable, and very modern property of only 18 rooms and suites. All the rooms have free WiFi, air conditioning, but only the suites have an in-room jacuzzi. Breakfast is available and so is the shuttle service to and from the airport. 
Where: Via del Mascherino, 46, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
Price per night: From $129