I always stay at the Hotel Pensione Suisse (Room 38). It's handy for the metro and near the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Once installed there, I usually walk everywhere. It's not like your usual hotel - more like staying in a private house or B&B. Visit http://www.hotelsuisserome.com/

Hi Girlspytravel: I am not opposed to the Termini area and actually have friends that live within walking distance of the Termini station. I shop at that UPIM in the Termini station all the time when I am in Rome. I have no issues with the area other than personally I have a young child and was more comfortable staying in a more populated place (i.e. crowds milling about at night, eating at cafes, etc) such as the Campo area vs. some of the darker, quieter streets near the station.

roodboy, let us know where you end up staying when you do go in December.

Hi Huitres-I'm glad to hear that- because I'm really liking this area now for its spiffed up hotel properties, great local restaurants, new nightlife venues (like the Ice Bar on Via Cavour) its walking proximity to the sites, and yes, the shopping arcade at Termini, and the UPIM (I like UPIM myself, for both groceries, bath products (got some great moisturing soaps here) and assorted pieces of clothing.

You know, you might like to check out the Relais property I stayed at in
September, right in the shadows of Santa Maria Maggiori-the Hotel Antico Palazzo Rospigliosi-two blocks from Termini, taxi stand and bus/hop/on/off RIGHT outside the door. The neighborhood of Esquilino is quiet and lovely at night, -still touristed, but atmospheric and quite safe.

Yes, try looking at hostel websites. They also have budget hotels, B&B's, etc. There are many websites. I've used them all without problem. hostels.com, hostelworld.com, hostelbookers.com. Alternatively try venere.com, which is a great hotel website. I used them for my accomodations in Bologna.
Have fun!

In a few days we will be staying at the Hotel Parione so I was happy to hear a good report. We've opted NOT to eat breakfast there. Any suggestions close by for breakfast?

Hi
We stayed at B&B Bologna, just out of Rome - www.beb-bologna.it . It is located 3 stops from the Termi so you have the option to take the metro or there is the bus across the road that takes you directly into Rome.

The price was 75e for a double with shared bathroom and it included breakfast. The host Aldo was simply the best. Our rooms were large, clean and air conditioned.

Simply couldn't go wrong for that price. :)

Sussa -

Enjoy Hotel Parione. We enjoyed our stay. Such a great location! There is a great bakery right downstairs from the hotel. There is a yellow sign that says "Forno". You can't miss it. They have the best croissants!

Enjoy Rome!

Beth

Hi

At €70 the B&B Blue Rose - http://www.bbbluerose.com - is great value. There are many options in the historical centre for your budget. I do not agree with staying outside the centre. Nothing beats it's magic and the less travel you do the better. But to each his own!

We have now returned from 4 great days in Rome - I ended up booking a room at B&B Oasi (thanks to whoever it was that recommended it):
http://www.bboasi.net/

We paid Euro80 for a double ensuite room with continental breakfast (this was a high season rate)- the room was actually a triple (double bed and a single) so a decent size with a small TV (only italian channels and MTV) - it is situated on the 4th floor (there is a lift) of a 19th century building which is set in a quiet courtyard - the decor is average but everything was very clean with daily maid service and the old couple who own the place were very welcoming (altho they speak only limited english)

I would recommend this place for anyone looking for a cheap place to stay for a short break in Rome - the building is situated in a quiet and secure courtyard yet only 5 mins walk from Termini Station (in my opinion this is a good area to stay in and I dont know why some people say to avoid it) - lots of eating options and a few good bars nearby plus within walking distance of most of the major tourist sites - we only really needed to use the metro to visit the Vatican City and even then we would have walked if we had more time

My favorite in Rome. Close to the major attractions. Great buffet breakfast too. Popular with others on this forum as well.

http://www.travel.it/roma/julia/

Larry J

Roodboy, we stayed at Oasi - I mentioned it on this forum and am glad you had a good stay there. It is not luxurious or gorgeous by any means but clean and quiet and located conveniently. I would stay there again!

batraveler
Thanks for the recommendation - i agree with you entirely !