Thanks to the responses, I am working towards an apt in Rome. We will be there for a week or so, traveling with grandmother and 3 children (10-15)...fairly seasoned travelers. It is their first time to Rome. We are interested in walking distances from sights, close to public transportation, etc. Is there a more recommended area to stay than near the Vatican? Thank you!

The Vatican is not a good place to stay for most people - it's too far from most tourist attractions and the dining is mediocre. I suggest either the Campo de' Fiori area or the vicinity of the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Re public transportation, if you can walk easily to the transportation nexus at Sacra Largo Torre Argentina from your apartment, you can get anywhere in Rome.

I agree with SJJ. I would be looking at the general area bounded on the east by Via del Corso and on the west by the Tiber river. Staying smewhere in this general triangle will allow an easy walk to most tourist sights - including the Vatican just across the river.

I also agree with sjj. And there are quite a few bus connections without even going over to Torre Argentina, both on Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Corso d. Rinascimento.

We recommend the Piazza Navona and Campo d'Fiori area. It's a central area in the historic district. We stayed on Via Guilia north west of the campo d/Fiori. The 64 and 40 bus line is nearby on Victor Emmanuelle, but we walked to the Vatican one day and took a direct bus to the Colosseum/Forum the next day. Did a walking tour of the Piazza Novona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish steps on another day. (in the cool of the evening)

If I were you I'd stay in Trastevere, as close to the Piazza San Calisto. Its the old section; is near everything, and probably has the best walking areas, restaurants than anywhere. My brother lived there until last year. Its sort of the "in" place for Romans these days.