My hotel in Rome fell through, and I would so appreciate any suggestions for places you think you would be good for a group of 19 (college students plus 2 adults) to stay in Rome in early January. We'd like to be close to a metro and pretty centrally located. About $150/room (I do not set the budget). I really appreciate any ideas as this is quite disappointing at this stage!

I haven't been here, but I wonder if the Holiday Inn Express San Giovanni might work for your group.

Do a search here for Rome Budget Hotels. You may have a problem getting that many rooms at one place.

Keep in mind that you can't really be centrally located AND near the metro, because the metro in Rome doesn't go anywhere in the historic center (every time they try to dig new routes, they run into archeological finds), so being near a metro shouldn't be a high priority.

I know people say that about the metro in Rome, but I certainly felt centrally located staying by the Barberini metro stop. I could easily walk as far as Trastevere and back if I wanted, or to San Giovanni and back if I wanted, and I also had bus and metro options. The metro is also very handy for Vatican and Colosseum access.

claire - try the Hotel Quirinale. I attended a seminar there 3 yrs ago with a group (larger than yours) and really enjoyed it. Great buffet breakfast included in room. Was about 20 min walk to Spanish Steps one way and the Forum the other. Don't know about Metro but major bus line in front of hotel. I think it should be within your budget.

There are many convents with hotel-like accomodations that can house groups in your price range. Most have some type of curfew. There is one 2 blocks from the forum that is also a couple of minutes walk from the Cavour metro stop. It has a midnight curfew. I have contact information for several monasteries/convents if that interests you.

How about the Hotel Aberdeen,Oceania (which is right next door to the Aberdeen) and then if need be the Narizza Americana(sp?) a half block down? They are in a great area for walking and public transportation(near Piazza Repubblica stop) and are great places to stay for the price. They are used by Rick Steves groups and I have personally recommended the Aberdeen for years. Last year when it was full we stayed at the Narizza which was decent.
Check out Tripadvisor for reviews.Breakfast is included and the staff at the Aberdeen are fabulous!

Forgot to mention that they are located on Via Torino right off Via Nationale(sp?) which has shopping,some restaurants but is still in central Rome where you want to be.