hi everyone<BR>there's a wealth of information here that has helped me research and search for my accomodations for Italy.<BR>It's taking me the longest time for Rome - having to familiarize myself with the different districts and different types of hotels.<BR><BR>I tried to boook at all the lower cost hotels recommended here ((150 and below) but as luck would have it - they were all fully booked for my dates.<BR><BR>So, this is where I am now and I'd like some help picking so the ones I decide against will be available to others.<BR><BR>Hotel San Francesco - trastevere (180)<BR>Albergo Cesar- Pantheon (228)<BR>Caesar House - Colosseo (225)<BR>del senato - Pantheon (240)<BR><BR>Hotel Aventino- Aventine district (166)<BR><BR>(booked at Sant Anselmo and they put me into the Aventino which is supposed to be newly renovated, it's not up on the web yet so have no idea of what it looks like) <BR><BR>Please help me narrow this down to one or two.<BR>Thanks.<BR>

Have you tried www.venere.com - - you can search by dates/availability and price.<BR><BR>We also found it difficult to get a combination of low price, good location and (sufficient) availability (we needed five rooms) last September. I can give a somwhat lukewarm recommendation to<BR><BR>Hotel San Silvestro<BR>Via del Gambero 3<BR>00187 Roma (Rome), Italy<BR>Telephone: (011) 39-06-679-4169<BR>Fax: (011) 39-06-679-1105<BR>Email: [email protected]<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

My sister stayed at the Hotel Aventino and she was very pleased. It is in a lovely untourist area of Rome. You might need to take a taxi to the center. She reported that there was a lovely breeze on this hill and it was quiet and pleasant. Have fun.

We stayed at the Albergo Cesare last September and I would recommend it for its location. We had two different rooms as we had two separate stays while in Italy during that stretch. OUr first room, on a lower level floor was very nice but smaller than our second room, which was quite a bit larger, as was also the bathroom. The higher up the room the quieter as well. The breakfast was very good also. I would recommend this hotel with the caveat that you obtain a higher level room, not for the size of the room but for the quietness. Apparently the street workers do their magic in the middle of the night (this includes the garbage men and this noise travels).<BR><BR>The location was fantastic. We walked everywhere and I have a VERY bad knee problem. Usually took a cab back by the time I was done though. I loved it's location in between the Pantheon (and just up from there was piazza novana), and the Trevi Fountain (and up from there was the Spanish Steps).

topping

Hello BTD<BR>I know all the hotels you mentioned:<BR>don't stay in Trastevere (very nice place to visit, and to have nice dinner) but far away sightseeings and too noisy.<BR>Aventino, beautiful area, but once again, far away from down town.<BR>Pantheon and Colosseum are great locations.<BR>Check www.venere.com for promotions as well, and send e-mail directly to hotel!!!!!<BR><BR>Have a pleasant stay in Rome! By the way, when are you coming?<BR>October is fully booked until 10th because "OPUS DEI". Try to avoid thoses dates!!<BR><BR>Michelle<BR><BR>

We also stayed at the Cesari, and would reccomend it. Great location and nice rooms. Also, very nice breakfast buffet..Have a great trip. Helaine

I recently stayed at the Villa San Pio on the Aventine Hill. It is a lovely area and the hotel grounds are beautiful. The area is about a 15 minute walk from the Colosseum/Forum area. The walk home is uphill, so take a taxi if you are tired. Even though it is not in the center of town, I highly recommend the area. It is very easy to hire a taxi in Rome and not expensive.

up for BTD<BR>

HI everyone and thanks for all the responses.<BR><BR>Michelle - I'm going to be there Oct 1-4, 2002. What is the "OPUS DEI"????<BR><BR>Thanks again everyone, this is really really helpful.<BR>

The Opus Dei is a religious sect. The founding member of the Opus Dei is scheduled to be canonized in Rome, I believe, on October 6th, so members of the sect from around the world will be coming to Rome for the ceremony.<BR><BR>Buon Viaggio a Roma,<BR>BC

We stayed at the San Carlo in March. It's a small hotel a block from the Spanish Steps and we were very happy. Try to get one in the annex building with a terrace. Great location and nice hotel (***).

Thank you for the explanation Book Chic. <BR>I hope you'll find accomodation for the beginning of October, but do it now!<BR>Good luck, and let us know if you manage!<BR>Have a wonderful w/e.<BR>Michelle<BR>

We are booked at S Anselmo for end of Sept., and Villa S. Pio for our return to Rome Oct 5. There is a small web site www.aventinohotels.com that you might take a look at. They all sound lovely, and I haven't found ANY bad reviews. Maye

A second for the Villa San Pio, best hotel we stayed at on our trip last month. The Aventine area is lovely and a great area to unwind after a day of sightseeing. They have a weekend rate of 155 eu. We recommend it highly. Check my comment on Rants and Raves.<BR>Judy

I stayed at the Albergo del Senato in May, we enjoyed our stay there. There is a nice breakfast that is included. They also have a rooftop terrace, we enjoyed having a glass of wine there while overlooking the Pantheon. Outside the window of our room was the columns of the Pantheon, it was almost surreal.

My wife and I and another couple stayed at the Hotel Centro about 5/10 walk from the Tramanni Station Clean and nice YES reccmd. it enjoy L

I stayed in Rome last May at Hotel San Francesco in Trastevere area. Great location just 10 min walking far from piazza Navona.Trastevere is very nice especially for young peolple.I booked my room directly by www.hotelsanfrancesco.net.

We stayed at budget hotel springhouse which is very well-located if your main attraction is the Vatican. <BR><BR>www.hotelspringhouse.com

I'm also interested in hearing anyone's experience with Hotel San Francesco in Trastevere. I know Trastevere is a little farther out, but my husband and I love to eat ... and it sounds like a good place to do that.