First Timer to Rome, Need the Help of the Experts!
 

My husband and I will be staying 3 nights in Rome in late April 2017. We are late 50's, early 60's. Our budget is a little restricted so looking for the best deal we can find. I am lost as to what area/areas we should focus our search in. We would like quaint rather than grand, quiet, clean, close to transportation and since I can have some limitations as to how much I walk we would like to be closer to some of the desired places for 1st timers to visit. I might be fine with the walking but can never be sure due to extensive surgery on my left foot last year. We would like some restaurants close by but would prefer not to be where there is a lot of late night partying and noise. Should we be looking for a hotel or maybe an apartment rental? Any help from those that know would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Kristy

Hi Kristy, welcome to Fodors!

You will love Rome, no doubt. My first trip I stayed near the Spanish Steps in a B&B that is long gone. I've stayed a couple times near the Vatican, but would recommend the area only if that was the focus of your trip. I think staying near the Pantheon, Piazza Navona or Campo de' Fiori would be your best bet.

For three days I wouldn't stay in an apartment. Can't help you with hotel recommendations as my last two trips have been apartments (week long stays), but I'm sure others will chime in. What's your budget in euros/night?

You can search the above or any other locations on booking.com. We have never been unhappy with any of their hotels with a rating of 8.5 or higher.

In order for others to help you, it would be necessary to define what "to be closer to some of the desired places" means. What are the desired places to you? I have mine, but it is unlikely to match your idea of desired places. You will be forever lost where to look if you cannot articulate what that location needs to provide.

You have probably heard others people mention about how much money they saved by staying in an apartment. However, there are many differences between an apartment and a hotel many fail to mention.

In your case, it is a risky way to economize. You are given a small window in the afternoon to check-in. This is especially an issue if you arrive early in Rome. What are you going to do with your luggage until you can get into an apartment? Hotels have staffed front desk that would keep your luggage before and after your stay.

You must specifically look for an apartment with an elevator. However, you are not home free after booking. What if the unit becomes not available close to your arrival? They might offer you an alternative somewhere else in town. Would it be acceptable to you? What if a unit is available, but no elevator? A hotel would usually have an inventory to give you an alternate room almost transparently to you.

Apartments usually come with stiff cancellation terms. Your plan needs to be solid.

I am off to Rome on Saturday, & I have booked albergo del Santo, right near the Panthenon.

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Rome can be viewed as a circle. It's easy to be close to some historical landmarks and then be miles away from others. Through research one learns about Rome's various neighborhoods. Your time is very limited. Make a priority list of things you really want to try to see, and decide on lodging after that.

There's no need to stress about which inexpensive lodging in Rome to choose. The "quaint" differences between the inexpensive choices in the city center are slim to none. The cheapest rooms, no matter where you stay, are mostly small, sparse, and clean, usually with an unexciting breakfast. A quiet room with tasteful interior decoration and a decent view is much harder to find. Elevators are not always common.

Rome can be very hard on the feet. For people with foot issues, one needs to take extra precautions.