I would like to know if anyone has any thoughts on staying in a place on the outskirts of Rome. Would it be difficult to get back to the hotel late at night, or is their bus schedule sufficent?
I would much rather stay inside the city if anyone can suggest a hotel that is in the 80-110 euro range. Thanks!

Rome is a big city (relative other European cities). Staying outside the city would be kind of a hassle, imo. I don't have any specific recs for your price range, but I'm sure you can find something -- maybe not fancy-shmancy, maybe even a bit spartan. Personally, I'd rather stay in the city in lodging with fewer amenities than have to go in and out of the city for lodging with more amenities.

Dana,

I too would rather stay in the Centro Storico at a place with fewer amenities than hassle with public trans going back and forth.

I stayed at Hotel Giardino Rome, 2* in Sept '05 for 95E per night in a single with A/C and sound proof windows. Great location in between Trajan's Market and the Quirrinale. I would walk everywhere and did.

Try using venere.com. You can sort by price and it gives locations by section of the city with maps.

You might also try convents.

Buon viaggio!

Thank you both for the insight. I will check on that hotel also.

Try a monastery, seminary, or convent. I heard that the Domus Carmelitani is convenient to the Vaticano, especially the Castel Sant Angelo. Reasonable too I have been told. We are going there in Oct.

Years ago, I stayed with my husband and our then-8-year-old son at the Pensione Brotsky, now called Hotel Brotsky. It's far from fancy, but it's well-located, inexpensive, and comfortable. I don't know if they have email or a website. You might want to look for reviews on TripAdvisor.

Hotel/Pension Brotsky
Via del Corso 509
PHONE: 0636 12339
FAX: 0636 12339

http://www.budgettravel.com/
In the search box, enter "Secret Hotels of Rome"
Links to reviews of a lot of inexpensive places, and there's a good review of Brotsky, too.
Good luck!

I would do whatever possible to stay IN Rome! When are you going? Another great convent is Istituto Santa Giuliana Falconieri, Via San Giuseppe Calasanzio 1. Fabulous location right by Piazza Navona, elevator, continental breakfast included. Last I knew, it was 75 Euro for a double with shared bath. I never thought I'd stay anywhere with a shared bath, but it really was fine. (They do have one double room with ensuite bath). They book up fast. I'll see if I can find the email. Sister Katherine is American, so obviously speaks perfect English.

Here's that email for Giuliana Falconieri:

[email protected]

eurocheapo.com is another good place to look. I stayed very comfortably at the Aberdeen, which is quite close to the train station (and next door to a police station), but might be just out of your price range.

I have no experience with Rome, but in the most generally way HIGHLY recommmend staying somewhere centrally located in any European city, not commuting from/to the outskirts every morning and night.

You could try Casa Olmata. It is a hostel but it is very reasonable. I stayed there three times. There is a rooftop terrace from which you can see a magnificent view right to St.Peter's. It is 57 euros a night for a double with shared bath. Even though it is a hostel there are people of all ages. It is about 3 interesting blocks from the train station and about 5 easy walking blocks from the Roman Forum. You couldn't ask for a better deal. There is no curfew. Hope this helps. It isn't a palace by any means but it is safe, the staff is excellent and there is a microwave if you want to cook something simple. Have fun.

I would agree with others - stay as close as your budget allows. Several years ago we stayed near the Termini and despite many not liking that area we found it absolutely fine. We walked almost everywhere. The hotel was Hotel Kennedy but not sure of prices.

Yes stay in the centro storico and you won't regret it!
Check this site also and their apartments. They have some good prices as well:
http://www.sleepingrome.com/index.php

bootsnall.com also has lots of budget listings.

IMO, it takes away much of the pleasure and flexibility to stay outside of the center. You are someone else's schedule and will miss out on the chance for early morning and late evening discoveries in this lovely city.

Thank you all so much! I am going to start researching your tips. The countdown has begun and I have secured no reservations yet. Wish me luck!