Thanks! I have to agree about the people on this board. I now feel confident about my choice to stay in Rome. My next big decision is what area to stay in Rome. Any suggestions? I want to be "in the middle of it all" so we can walk and see as much as possible without having to take a bus, train, or cab.

How much do you want to spend on the hotel per night? You wsant a hotel in what they refer to as the "historic center."

For a very nice hotel in the middle of it all, try Albergo Del Senato; I was not at all disappointed and I usually prefer apartments.

For a more budget approach, I've rented apartments from realrome.com on via dei Cappellari and Underground Viaggi on via del Pellegrino. Also, one in Trastevere from cross-pollinate.com. The apartments are all "not fabulous," but all were in fantastic locations at good prices.

If you do feel like straying from the Eternal City, Assisi is easily reached by train from Rome. I stayed overnight, but a day trip is certainly feasible.

Have a great time.

p.s. In May 2005 I treated my sister to a 5-night trip to Rome (she'd never been). We sort of had it on our agenda to take a day trip but found we couldn't tear ourselves away from the city. I've been to Rome a number ot times and still have much I'd like to see and do there. Enjoy!

I would like to spend under $200 (us) a night if possible and still stay in a decent hotel. I thought about the appartment route but decided not to for such a short trip. I want a hotel for the maid service.
I keep saying it but thanks again... you are all so helpful!

Take a look at this one:
http://www.hotelparlamento.it/

HOTEL PARLAMENTO: We stayed there in January. It's not "fancy", but comfortable and clean. Our standard double was big enough that we didn't feel cramped. 24-hour manned desk.

They were doing some construction while we were there, so the terrace rooms weren't available. But they should be done by now. I would think you could get one of those for no more than $200.
The terrace is very nice. It's shared by 3 rooms and I believe they allow other guests to breakfast there. But after 10am it's private to those rooms.

The staff were very nice. The breakfast was fine---they let us bring a coffee tray to the room. Many reviews on trip advisor. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to friends.

Oops, forgot to mention the location is excellent for touring the historic center---very near the Marcus Aurelius monument on Via del Corso.

Hi Glen,

You might want to check out Hotel Giardino Rome. It's just a 2*, but in a great location. Kind of between Trajan's Market and the Quirinale. Small, breakfast included, cozy, super friendly and helpful owner (Katy) and staff. I was there in a single room at 90E/night last Sept (high season). Street side windows are double-paned and you can really sleep. A/C too! They answer e mails very pomptly too.

Walk to the Fontana Trevi in just 5 minutes, Vittorio Emmanuelle monument in 5, Forum and Coliseum in 10 minutes. Taxi from Termini was about 6E with 1 bag.

You will LOVE Roma.

Buon viaggio!

My favourite hotel in your budget range is the Hotel Sonya. What is neat about it : it is across from the Opera (the good end of Termini) near interesting restaurants and bars in a residential neighbourhood; it is run by a family of Italian women who have a beautiful dog, Sonya (!); it is 4 floors in a building where real Romans actually live on other floors in rather splendid apartments lending it an atmosphere of authenticity and, finally, when I was there with an ill teenager, they were VERY helpful with special food etc.

I'll second La Sagrestia, Via del Seminario, 89. Tel: 066797581. Closed on Wednesdays (Mercoledi chiuso).

I'm also bookmarking for the restaurant!

All,
Thanks for the advice. I wanted to let everyone know what I finally decided on... based on the advice.

1. We're going to do Rome only for 3 full days.

2. Decided to go in late March while the airline and hotel prices are lowere. I know it will be cooler weather but the price of hotels and flights is double a few weeks later.

3. I still need to decide on where we will be staying but I've narrowed the choices down and most of them are based on what people here have said along with checking them out on trip advisor.

Thanks!!!!!

Glen:
Sorry to hear that you've cut it to three days..in Rome. I feel badly for anyone spending all that money on airfare and spending such little time anywhere in Europe or Asia or wherever. Can't you consider stretching it to a week?

At any rate, we favor the Hotel Modigliani between Trevi and the Spanish Steps, on a little side street, one block from Via Veneto (Purificacion). It is a boutique hotel and you should be able to book it under $200. Charming place and quite a few Fodortites have also stayed there and loved it. (Elevator, excellent buffet breakfast, beautiful little garden courtyard, romantic)..

http://www.hotelmodigliani.com/

Stu T.

Stu,
Thanks for the info. The problem is we have 3 children and will be asking my parents to watch them. They can watch them for longer, but it will be a lot for them since they are getting older. It's either this or we don't get to Italy until the kids are much older.

What a shame. 3 days is such a short time. Let me suggest something.

Do not try to "see it all" in 3 days. Pick a hotel as near the center as possible and concentrate there. If it were me, I would go to the Vatican then spend the rest of the time around the Pantheon, Pza Navona, Campo de Fiori---side trip to Spanish Steps. Save the Forum, Colloseum, etc. for another trip. In other words, spend quality time learning one small area as opposed to darting around trying to "see" more. Wandering slowly thru the narrow winding streets at the center is one of the charms of visiting ROme.