October 22, 2025
Rome on Points for Any Budget
Heather H.
They say all roads lead to Rome, and luckily, with the right points and miles strategy, yours can, too. Whether you’re working with a modest stash of credit card points or have enough for a business-class splurge, the Eternal City is more accessible than ever. Rome is a dream destination that doesn’t have to drain your wallet or your points balance. In this post, I’ll show you how to experience the best of Rome on every points budget.
When to Visit Rome
Spring (March-May)
Pros: Mild temperatures that are ideal for walking and sightseeing. Fewer crowds than summer, and easier to find award availability
Best for: Visitors who want to see major landmarks in comfortable weather and with fewer crowds
Summer (June-August)
Pros: More daylight hours, which is excellent for maximizing sightseeing
Best for: Festivals, concerts, and open-air events
Cons: High crowds and even higher temperatures!
Autumn (September-November)
Pros: Warm, but without the intense summer heat! Fewer tourists
Best for: Foodies and wine lovers. Harvest season falls this time of year—think fresh truffles, mushrooms, and wine festivals!
Winter (December-February)
Pros: Low crowds and cooler temperatures. Holiday markets and decorations, Vatican Christmas Mass
Best for: Travelers who want to maximize points and are looking for a festive European experience
Low-Points-Cost Stay
Flight: Flying Blue Economy
Flying Blue uses dynamic pricing, so the number of miles needed can vary depending on the time of year, how early you book, and, of course, the demand. That said, Flying Blue has frequent promo rewards so frequently that you can score deals for even fewer miles.
Getting There: For the lowest points cost, fly from New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), or Washington, D.C. (IAD). For JFK and IAD departures, look for Air France via Paris (CDG) or KLM via Amsterdam (AMS). For BOS, look for departures on KLM with a stopover in AMS. Points costs from the West Coast and elsewhere in the U.S. are also low—usually 25,000 points per person or fewer for a one-way flight. Use the Reward Miles search on Flying Blue to get an estimate on how many points are typically needed to/from your destination.
Points Required: 15,000-25,000 miles
Return: Rome → the US
Points Required: 15,000-25,000 miles
Why It Works: Flying Blue is an excellent choice for flying economy to Rome because it offers consistently low award rates with reasonable taxes and fees. With transfer partners across all major credit card programs and frequent promo rewards, it’s one of the most accessible and flexible programs for traveling to Europe from the U.S.
Stay in Rome:
Hyatt Regency Rome Central
12,000-18,000 World of Hyatt points per night
Photo from Hyatt.
The Hyatt Regency Rome Central, open for bookings starting January 12, 2026, is a sleek new property situated in the Esquilino district, steps from Termini Station and within a short walk from attractions such as the Colosseum, the Forum, and Trevi Fountain. This property features a rooftop pool and bar, offering panoramic views of Rome.
DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti
From 75,000 Hilton Honors points per night
Photo from Hilton.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti is located in Rome’s Monti neighborhood, just a short walk from the Termini Station and within a short walk of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps, making it a prime location for sightseeing. The property features a rooftop bar with city views, along with an on-site restaurant and coffee bar for added convenience.
Medium-Points-Cost Stay
Flight: United MileagePlus Premium Economy
United is a great option for booking premium economy, as it offers competitive award rates with lower fees compared to other airlines. You can book directly through United or with partners, such as Lufthansa, via the Star Alliance. You can even book an economy class seat and then pay cash to upgrade to premium economy.
Getting There: Positioning to the East Coast will get you some great points redemptions to Rome via New York, Boston, or Washington D.C. However, these same deals can be found from San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Use United’s advanced search option to review award flights in premium economy with flexible dates that will span an entire month to find the best deals.
Points Required: 40,000-60,000 United MileagePlus miles
Return: Rome → the US
Points Required: 40,000-60,000 United MileagePlus miles
Why It Works:
If you’re flexible with your travel dates and open to a connection, United and its Star Alliance partners offer solid award availability to Europe. Unlike many other carriers, United doesn’t pass on hefty fuel surcharges, keeping out-of-pocket costs lower. Plus, with easy point transfers, it’s one of the most user-friendly programs for international redemptions.
Stay in Rome:
The Tribune
21,000 World of Hyatt points per night
Photo from Hyatt.
The Tribune, a JdV by Hyatt property, offers a boutique stay in a prime location, just a short walk from iconic sights like the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning and unwind in the evening at the stylish rooftop restaurant and bar with city views. Read Pam’s review here.
Palazzo Velabro, Marriott Design Hotel
58,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night
Photo from Marriott.
This boutique gem is situated within an 18th-century mansion, offering views of the Roman Forum and the Arch of Janus, and placing you just steps from some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. The vintage-inspired design gives the hotel a refined, residential feel without a luxury price tag in points. Unwind with an Aperol Spritz on the rooftop terrace, then enjoy Italian classics at the on-site restaurant, all while feeling like you’ve splurged, even if your points say otherwise.
High-Points-Cost Stay
Flight: Air Canada (Aeroplan) Business Class
Getting There: Best routes depart from Washington D.C, New York, Chicago, and Boston. Use the Aeroplan points tool to see how many points are needed to get from your originating airport to your destination.
Points Required: Approximately 70,000 miles
Return: Rome → the US
Points Required: Approximately 70,000 miles
Why It Works: Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is a great option for booking business class, offering flexible routing with a vast partner network, fair award pricing, and the ability to add stopovers for just 5,000 additional points. With transfer from all major credit cards and solid availability, this is a great option and value for premium cabin travel.
Another option could be to travel to London (use our guide here) and book London to Rome separately. I was able to find a direct flight on British Airways, booked through Alaska Airlines, for as low as 7,500 miles for economy class and 15,000 miles for business class.
Stay in Rome:
The St. Regis Rome
96,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night
Photo from Marriott.
The St. Regis Rome is a former grand palazzo reimagined as a luxurious hotel, just a 20-minute stroll from the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Inside, you’ll be surrounded by Murano glass chandeliers, rich marble finishes, and elegantly appointed rooms, many offering the signature St. Regis butler service. A stay here feels nothing short of royal, with every detail designed to elevate your Roman holiday.
Palm Suite, an SLH Hotel
100,000 Hilton Honors points per night
This stylish five-star boutique property sits just steps from the Colosseum and Roman Forum, offering an unbeatable location in the heart of ancient Rome. Housed in a restored 18th-century residence, the Palm Suite features spacious, artfully decorated suites with bold tropical motifs and vibrant design touches that evoke a chic Roman apartment rather than a hotel. While there’s no on-site restaurant, stroll over to its sister property, Palazzo Manfredi, to dine at Aroma, a Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the Pantheon.
Bottom Line
No matter how big or small your points stash is, there is a way to make your Rome dreams happen. That could mean scoring a sweet deal on economy flights and charming boutique stays, or going all out with business class and fancy hotels. Being flexible with your travel dates and open to flying from different cities can seriously boost your chances of getting the best redemptions. With a bit of savvy planning, you’ll be sipping espresso and soaking up Rome’s magic without draining your points bank!
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