Based on earlier posts, I've learned that this is the most convenient place for first time visitors to Rome. (I feel a little foolish - but I'm thinking like the Left Bank of Paris). We will be there in the winter (February) and are looking for a nice hotel for about 150-175E in the Centro Storico. Any recs would be appreciated.

Also, any thoughts on the Santa Maria in the Testavere? Is it too far to walk to sights? Is the area nice?

Here's a start (all of these are well located in the Centro Storico and are all regarded on this board):

www.residenzafarneseroma.it
www.hotelcampodefiori.com
www.solealbiscione.it
www.hotelrinascimento.com
www.hotelteatrodipompeo.it
www.residenzacanali.com
www.hotelmimosa.net
www.hotelnavona.com
www.hotelportoghesiroma.com
www.hotelduetorriroma.com
www.romeby.com/pomezia (a one star, budget hotel)

Take a look and come back with questions about the ones that interest you.

Hotel Santa Maria Trastevere is also a possible good choice. It's not too far from the main sights or the Centro Storico, but it's kind of pricey.
http://www.htlsantamaria.com/

Enter walking and Trastevere (correct spelling) in the search box for this forum to find many recent discussions on this topic.

Curioius

I dont think I would stay in Trastevere on a first visit to Rome. I'm sure others would disagree, but it wouldn't be my choice.

You have a good list to start with. I would add the Parlamento (if it isn't on the list already) and book now!

We've had the Portoghesi a couple of times for 175 E. If you can get that price, it is a pretty good hotel. Small, on a quiet but fun little street with easy walks everywhere. I really like that hotel a lot.

Thanks so much for all your suggestions. I'm looking at each and so far the prices range and availability for February is:
due torri 150E
Caesar 150
Santa Maria 165
Farnese 180
Albergo Senato 180

Of these, does any one really stand out? Would the santa maria be too far?

I really like the Residenza Farnese, but 180E is just over our price range. (Also, it seems that folks on trip advisor had gotten it at prices in the 150E range in May and June. Since we are going in February, I would think that it should be the same or less.)

this is a great start. I'm leaning toward the Caesar - hoping the bad review on trip advisor re how they treat women is not accurate.

thanks again. I'm also going to look at the Parlemento.

sorry - I left of residenza canali (still waiting to hear if they have availability). Caesar house was not on the list - any thoughts?

(I apologize for being a pest.

The Hotel due Torri would be my choice. It is operated by a woman, and the women who work for her were outstanding when I stayed there. It within a block of my favorite, the Portoghesi, and I think you will like it very much. The staff is especially kind, helpful and friendly. Day staff better than night, but I find that is often the case.

If the Senato is in your price range, I would bet that it is the superior hotel in the bunch. Do a search here and on Tripadvisor and read the reviews.

Enjoy!

ttt

We stayed at the del Senato this past June and it was a great location. (paid considerably more than 180E per night). We had a wonderful view of the Pantheon and were able to pay our daily respects to Raphael. At 180E per night, I would grab it.

I'll second Ralstonlan's views of the del Senato. Amazing hotel, incredible views, perfect location! If you can get it, ask for room 603.

OK, I agree. If you can budget the 180, the Albergo del Senato would be a great choice. But if you want to go with a 150 choice, I still recommend the due Torri.

Curious,

At this point, you should be pretty relaxed. All the hotels on your current list (including the highly regarded Residenza Canali ai Coronari) are good choices. It's really a question of budget - you pay a little more, you get a little more but theay are all OK.

I personally would not suggest Trastevere for a first visit to Rome especially now that you have a whole list of options in the Centro Storico.

Again it's up to you. Some on this board would disagree with me on this point.

Regarding the del Senato. Room sizes and views vary widely within the hotel. Find out exactly what your 180E gets you (square feet and views) before you book it.

Thanks to everyone for all the great suggestions, help, and patience with my endless posts! I've been able to confirm the Residenza Canali for 150E, which seems like the best choice for us. (I had also looked at the REsidenza Cellini, but it seems like that is too close to the Termini Sta.).

Now, I have to stop looking at hotels and concentrate on learning a little bit of italian! (I have a bad habit of continuing to look at hotels - always thinking that there is a better place - after I've made my choice. All it does is add to the confusion!Anyone else guilty of the same?

Any good tours or guides - with a strong knowledge of history, not just fluff?

Thanks again for all your help.

Icon, ContextRome, and Through Eternity are tour organizations that get high marks from posters here.
My only experience is with ContextRome, whose guides are university professors or PhD candidates in classics, archaeology, art history, etc.
Search their websites for more detail. They do differ as to size of group, price, itineraries. You'll find one that's right for you.