Hi everyone,
I know, it's terrible...my husband and I travel frequently but NEVER yet to Rome... until next March/April. We are planning to spend a long weekend there for our wedding anniversary. I've been researching hotels and would love to know what other experienced travellers would recommend if you were looking for a high-quality, centrally-based hotel, within walking distance of public transport, cafes, restaurants, etc. Being in a recession (!), we are still looking for good value...but prepared to spend a little more for a comfortable bed, peaceful atmosphere and plush surroundings!

Also, we have a couple of date options - end March or just after Easter (ie 28 April - 2nd May) - which would be better (we can't afford to go during Easter)?

Thanks a lot for any and all suggestions!
Cookie25

Cookie,

It is helpful to know that Rome, unlike every other European city, does not have subway in the most central area (due to archeological finds). Generally, the best area to stay is between the Pantheon and points west to the river (what looks like a big "nose" on the maps).

Here are 3 charming, central, hotels in various price ranges. Look at the websites first - and then telephone them - sometimes the website shows it's booked when it's really not. Also, you often get a better price when you call. All 3 are super central, walkable to the major sites, close to cafes, restaurants, and public transport (buses):

Moderate:
http://www.hotelteatropace.com/hotel33/uk/

A little less:
http://www.residenzacanali.com/

Budget:
http://www.solealbiscione.it/

Both of your time slots are OK. You may fine it is much cheaper if your trip ends by March 31 (the end of winter season). On April 1, the fares go up. The week after Easter would be even better, but you need to compare flight prices and decide if the extra costs is worth it to you.

Not really helpful to your hotel question, but I was in Rome in March two years ago and the weather was perfect! A little cool so lots of walking doesn't make you too hot. So if you're looking at April in fear of the March weather, I wouldn't worry about it at all. I would go back during this month exactly.

We stayed near termini, not plush at all, and I had no say in the hotel at the time, so I can give you no hotel advice. But boy I'm jealous, it's a lovely city!

i personally prefer to travel to Italy between November and March so would choose March. Fewer crowds and normally better rates - and the weather is fine for me.

Oh wow, you guys are great! Bardo1, thanks SO MUCH for your suggestions, we saw some good reviews about two of the hotels you mention, so that's quite reassuring; tmk1010 and kfusto,it's also good to hear what someone else experienced during the same timeframe, so thanks for confirming that the end of March dates would work fine. We don't generally expect European destinations (except the most southerly) to be sunny and gorgeous, but it's nice to know it won't be too horrendous either! We are there for the sights and sounds and (in Rome) the beautiful architecture and pasta!
Thank you again
Cookie25

We were there this March and the weather was just great. Go then. Can't help with hotels really as I think you wnat something further upscale from what we had.

We did not stay at these hotels, but looked in them for future reference. They each looked nice for a romantic visit.

La Lumiere di Piazza di Spagna (Spanish steps), has rooftop dining, is in an old mansion on Condotti street. More expensive than our Hotel Julia, I'm sure. www.lalumieredipiazzadispagna.com.

Hotel Barberini, Via Rasella 3, a four-star just up the street from the Domus Julia, across from Barberini Palace and near the Spanish steps. [email protected]

Hotel Bramante, near the Vatican in the 'ancient urban neighborhood of Borgo Pio". www.hotelbramante.com.

The Hotel Portoghesi is my favorite. Maybe the same range as the Teatro Pace, where I've also stayed, but I like it better.

The Portoghesi is a little out of our price range these days, as we prefer to go more often and spend less, but we stayed there for years and were very happy.