Can't decide on hotel in Rome - please help
 

Hi again,

Finding a hotel in Rome that meets our criteria is harder than other areas we will be staying in Italy. If you seasoned travelers can give suggestions, we would be very grateful. We want to be close to the main attractions but not in the middle of the chaos. Walking to most of the attractions/restaurants sounds great. Or, should we not ignore the option of staying in non-central areas but are nearby a train station? We will be coming to Rome by car but will return it once we get there. Our price range is up to $250 per night. Somewhere cute, clean and with good service is important. I checked the most popular areas but good hotels seem super expensive. Also, seen some nice, cute B&Bs but they were on the other side of the river. So, here I am confused to where to look at.

Any suggestions or experience with hotels or B&Bs?

The Hotel Portoghesi meets most of your requirements. http://www.hotelportoghesiroma.it/ Plug in your dates to check the rates, which should be close. It's a good location just a few minutes walk from the Chaos, as you so aptly put it, of the Navona and Pantheon areas.

Have you looked at the Modigliani or the Aberdeen?

It is too bad you can't afford the de Russie.


Thin

www.fontanellaborghese.com/en/

We stayed here a few years ago and staying again in September. Good reviews on Trip Advisor and from some Fodorites.

Portoghesi and Fontanella Borghese are pretty close to one another. I like them both but give the Portoghesi the edge.

The Nazionale Montecitorio has standard doubles in your price range, good service, and being on the Parliament square, is utterly quiet yet in the heart of Rome.

We stayed at the Hotel Smeraldo near Campo de Fiore and found it to be conveniently located with a friendly staff. The rooms were samll, but all we needed was sleeping space.

I can also recommend the Hotel Fontanella Borghese. We've stayed there multiple times.

We like the area immediately surrounding the FB, especially the nearby Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina in the evenings. The hotel is close to Ara Pacis and a couple of blocks down Via Condotti from the Spanish Steps. Six days a week, the Mercato delle Stampe is held in a small square opposite the hotel building's front door. Antique/old books, magazines, prints, architectural engravings, music scores... I realize this isn't everyone's thing, but I always find something interesting for me or someone I know.

I agree with Jean in that this is also my favorite area in Rome.

I just remembered the other hotel in Rome that Fodorites like-Hotel Parlamento.

I wanted to post that before my Klonopin kicks in and I forget.


Buongiorno!

Thin

The Hotel Raffaello in the Monti area is where I stayed on my last visit, and will stay there on future trips. It's just lovely. Walking distance to everywhere, but not in the thick of the tourist crowds:

http://www.hotelraffaello.it

<i><font color=#555555>"We want to be close to the main attractions but not in the middle of the chaos. "</font></i>

Forgive me, but the "main attractions" wouldn't be "main" if they weren't located in "the middle of the chaos." Hard to offer good suggestions when the OP is so lost. Sounds like more research is in order.

<i><font color=#555555>"Monti area…Walking distance to everywhere"</font></i>

Thanks for the laugh.

Most people understand what the OP means when expressing the desire to be near the main attractions without being right smack in the center of the chaos. No need to berate the OP for YOUR lack of understanding, Snobby.

And I will amend my response regarding the Monti area being walking distance to everywhere, to add “. . . assuming a normal level of vim and vigor, and no mobility issues.” (I forgot that you might be reading this, Snobby.) There are also buses in the area, but I thought that goes without saying.

I always recommend the Albergo Cesari. Best location, walking distance to everything. Nice staff, good breakfast on rooftop terrace.

http://www.albergocesari.it/

Oh, Holly, I just wanted to inform you that there IS a Farmacia Santa Maria Novella in Venice.

It is located between Palazzo Grassi and Campo San Stefano.

Thin

I really like Monti. It feels like such a real neighbourhood.

Thin

Abitart Hotel in Ostiense area is well connected with historical center by subway (I think to remember Piramide is the nearest stop)and it's a lively place at night because of uncountless restaurants and cafés, so after coming back at the hotel you don't need to move again downtown. Very nice setting http://www.abitarthotel.com/

Check out the Hotel Genio, located right at Piazza Navona. We have stayed there several times and recommend it.

http://www.hotelgenioroma.it/it/index.php

Good to know, Thin. I'll have to look for it next spring.

flieder, I would love to know what you are considering or have chosen. Most of these suggestions are very good, IMO.

Loved Hotel Campo di Fiori. Great service and very nice hotel.