Augsbut:

We were in Italy in May of 2004 and based on all the advice and information on this forum we stayed in the historic center - and boy, were we glad we did. We were able to walk everywhere and see all the important sights. We did take a taxi to the Vatican but were able to walk back at a leisurely pace and experience the beauty of the little side streets with the antique and jewelry shops.

Rome is a wonderful city bustling with energy abd mostly friendly people (just like everywhere). No matter where you stay, you will enjoy it. Have a great trip.

I can't wait to go back!!.

So what is the most intimidating thing for first time visitors to any major city? I'd think it's probably the logistics of getting around. So if you stay right in the center, getting around is easy -- you are mainly able to walk everywhere. On the other hand, if you stay way out somewhere (not that the location near the Vatican is "way out") then you have to deal with lots of transportation issues getting to wherever you want to go. So I personally think staying out of the center will be much more "intimidating" than staying right in the center.

The same could be said of places like New York. Stay in the center of Manhattan and getting around is easy. Stay off in New Jersey and try to navigate back and forth to everything in Manhattan and you'll feel VERY intimidated!

You've mentioned apartments in the Campo area but can anyone recommend a hotel in the 140 Euro or less in this area?

Hi
for a single or a double?

I'll just go ahead and suggest (based on research, not on personal experience) that you look into the Hotel Porotghesi, the Hotel Campo dei Fiori, Pensione Panda, Hotel Teatro di Pompeo, Hotel Parlamento (a little further away but well-reviewed) and the
Hotel San Carlo (closer to the Sp Steps).

Shirl

we stayed in Hotel in Parione - don't remember the exact cost, but know it was less that 140 euro (my budget was to stay in under 130 euro). Would stay there again.

Hotel in Parione. Tell me please, is hotel quiet at night? Are the showers tiny? Too tiny? I am staying in a single room. Did you take breakfast there or eat out?