Three couples in our 30's are headed to Italy for the first time (at least for most of us) late this summer - most of the trip will be based outside of Bologna to travel around Tuscany/Florence etc. but we are flying in and out of Rome and want to hit the "highlights" in about three days. Please advise as to good neighborhoods and suggestions for reasonably priced hotels (under 200/night). MUST be clean, safe, reasonably convenient place with private bath. Would be thrilled with some charm and a good view. Helpful staff would be a wonderful bonus. No delusions about American v. European hotels. Small rooms are fine!

our travel agent set us up in the "Hotel Rivoli" which i believe is run by best western. a very quiet part of rome...no views....not a lot of resturants nearby...not close to "the action" but close to a subway line.....a large, outdoor balcony area near the lobby overlooking a side street. i think it was in the $130 range. i'm sure they have a website.

Hi Paige<BR>Do a search on this message board for<BR>the hotels del Senato and Santa Chiara.<BR>They are quite near each other, in the Pantheon area, an excellent location.<BR>I don't know if the del Senato rooms have some views of the Pantheon; you'll have to inquire.<BR>I'm one of the Santa Chiara fans, but would certainly try the other one on the next trip, given all the good comments.

Although both the Santa Chiara and Del Senato are great hotels in an unbeatable location, they are both over 200 Euro per night in high season (summer). Even during low season, the cheapest double at either hotel is around 180 Euro.

Bravo Grinisa..<BR><BR>I often wonder if any of these people who recommend Santa Chiara or del Senato have ever stayed there...There is no way you are going to get a room for under $175,00 even with specials..I've tried.

I stayed at the Delle Muse in June and was very pleased with it. It is not terribly central - about 15 minutes by bus to the sites. The bus stop is about two minutes walk from the hotel. The hotel was excellent value, great rooms, fabulous staff etc. Have a look at their website. Also, we arranged airport transfer through the hotel which went without a hitch.

Just how many people sit in their hotel room staring out at the view. All I do is sleep,dress, and bathe there.

I don't believe the view in a hotel room in Rome is important but I do think the location is very important.<BR><BR>We were in Rome 20 years ago and didn't really like it too much. We were just beyond the train station and had to &quot;go&quot; to all of the tourist areas.<BR><BR>We gave Rome another chance this past May. We stayed right beside the Fountain of Trevi (didn't like the hotel) and then returned to Rome after 5 days in Sorrento.<BR><BR>We stayed at the Santa Chiara for the last couple of days. Great location and very pleased with the hotel. Directly behind the Pantheon. Right between the Fountain of Trevi and Pizza Navona. Less than 15 minutes walk to the Spanish Steps. Etc, etc.<BR><BR>I can see us going back to Rome again.<BR><BR>I am a fan of Santa Chiara. Yes, it will be over 200 per night. Rome is expensive. If you want less then get less. Location is more important. Taking a bus or subway to the sights is a downer. We walked 15 minutes to Piazza Campidoglio (sp). We walked all of Rome each day. <BR><BR>Location, location, location!!!

I don't choose a room for the greatest views. What I do want is to feel comfortable in the room in terms of space, comfortable bedding, and cleanliness. I don't mind paying 200 euro or so per night for this. I don't think you can say that a room is only for sleeping and that's it-doesn't matter the conditions.

I do like views from my room. We stayed at the del senato and as we opened our window we looked at the Pantheon and the square around it. With the windows clow=sed, the room was quiet.<BR><BR>The terrace in the hotel is a great place to unwind and have a drink at a fraction of the cost downstairs in the Piazza.<BR><BR>Have fun in whatever you decide.<BR><BR>Debby

My sister and I recently visited Rome for 15 days and we stayed in the Hotel Washington. It was excelente for visiting the highlights. We were literally 3-5 minutes away from everything. It was great. We paid about 67 euro a night for a double. It was not fancy but the location was superb. Let me know if you would like the telephone number to the hotel!