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mebe:
I stayed at Alergo Santa Chiara a few years ago and the location was perfect -- right around the corner from the Pantheon, with lots of restaurants, shops and a short walk to Piazza Navona. The current rate is euro 130 for a single. The breakfast buffet was very generous and the public area very nice to sit and relax in. My single room had a king size bed and the bathroom worked out fine. It was a little drab, decor-wise, but the other factors made up for that. Check out their web site for photos and more information.
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dlyon45

I stayed at B&B a roma in Nov for a week. 45 year old female, on a solo journey. The room was immaculate and the host, Mossimo, was gracious and helpful. The room was 50 euro/night. Close to the Vatican.

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mebe:
Oops, that's Albergo Santa Chiara. It's a former monastery and I believe the top two floors remain so. The lobby is very pretty and the staff were most accommodating.
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roadlesstraveled

Hi mebe

I (a single woman) stayed at the Hotel Teatro Pace 33 for a week in April of 2007. The hotel is only one block from Piazza Narvona and the staff is very friendly and helpful. The room rate seems to be in your budget. My single room was small but not closet-like. The bathroom was quite large. My room had two large windows that overlooked a garden. I felt very safe at this hotel and in the area.

Carolina

I think a hotel would be better. You will probably meet people in a hotel to say hello to, possibly have a chat with, or a drink in the hotel bar. Even having a reception area with people around will be a plus.

SusanP

As WillTravel mentioned, I have stayed in an apartment in Rome by myself three times and loved it, and will do so again next month. I find that people out and about and at dinner are much more likely to talk to you (really get into converstaions with you) if you're alone, so I haven't been lonely. I've even done it without having a cell phone! I did finally get one, so I'll have it this time.

However, I think for you a hotel is the smart choice for one main reason, and that is that you are worried about staying in an apartment. No sense having anxiety when you should be relaxing and enjoying your trip. That is reason enough to stay in a hotel. Have a great trip!

savannah

I just traveled by myself last year to Paris, and I rented an apartment. I wholeheartedly recommend it. As long as you choose a central region in Rome, you should be fine. You'll meet lots of people in restaurants and cafes.

In fact, it was really a bit overwhelming how friendly people are.

mebe

Okay, I think I've found it -- thanks to roadlesstraveled!

I like Teatropace 33 -- great location, great price (115E a night). And they offer a virtual tour of a single room, which is very handy.

So we'll see...I still like the apartment idea, but the idea of someone bringing me breakfast to my room (which they do at Teatropace) sounds SO MUCH NICER than making my own, which I do everyday. This is a vacation, right?

They don't have public spaces but I'm not sure if I would use those anyway. Especially with Piazza Navona at my doorstep.

mebe

travelchat -- where did you find the 130E quote for Albergo Santa Chiara?

Their website says 145E...if it was 130E I would put it at the top of the list

emily71

I'm a single woman and stayed in an apartment in York, England and London. Loved every minute of it. However, I like my space and solitude, and am used to an empty home. I loved how I could get up in the middle of the night and get something to eat and drink from the fridge. And I love the feeling of being able to going to my "home" after a day of sightseeing.

However if you would have asked me when a)the tiny combo washer/dryer door wouldn't unlock to get my close out. b)I was trying to figure out how to work the convection oven that only had Celcius readings, c)the guy upstairs would flush their toilet at 3 am and I could hear it in my bedroom, I'd have a different answer.

Bottom line:anytime you rent an apartment there's an element of risk. If you look at it as part of the overseas experience, I'd look into renting.

If you wake up with panic attacks and hate surprises, especially when renting in a non-English speaking country, I'd go with the hotel.

I just think it's great that Hubby is will to let you go off to Rome while he's stuck w/the kids

mebe

My hubby is amazing. It was his idea that I go somewhere for a week and endulge my passion to travel.

He is my favorite travel partner, so I will miss him. But I will also enjoy a week in Rome

I think that where I stay is the one part of my vacation that I don't want to much risk. I need a place to come "home" to where I will feel comfortable. I'll have plenty of adventures in the streets of Rome.

But the last time I stayed in Rome (with family) we rented an apartment and loved it. And that experience is keeping the apartment idea alive.

Judi

I am not single but have traveled solo in the past, staying in an apartment, in hotels and B&Bs. I preferred the B&Bs but I doubt if they are the best choice in Rome.

I like the Piazza Navona and Campo dei Fiori area best.

Have fun wherever you stay. Please give us a report when you return home.

Happy travels!

roadlesstraveled

As much as I loved my stay at the Hotel Teatropace 33, I must say the breakfast was not great. Tea or coffee, a pre-packaged roll, yougurt, crackers. No juice or cereal.

mebe

I'll keep that in mind about the breakfast -- others at tripadvisor comments were more postive, but you never know!

surfmom

mebe, have a wonderful trip!

I have traveled alone a few times over the last few years - leaving behind little ones. I don't know if you've done it or not, but be mentally prepared for a mild panic attack as you get on the airplane. You will have moments of panic, "who is feeding her ? how are they doing ?" just the perils of being a SAHM...

I stayed in a hotel and while I didn't use the public space often, I liked walking in the front door and seeing a familar face (my hotel was about 10 rooms, so very small). I've stayed in apartments all over, but I appreciate the extra space with family. Not so much needed when it is just you.

Best parenting advice I've ever gotten? Trust your instincts. That holds true in this case. Can you visualize yourself in an apartment or will it be more lonely than peaceful ? Trust your gut!

have a marvelous time! we'll look for that trip report

mebe

Thanks Surfmom -- I am also a SAHM and my biggest adventure alone these days is to Target or the Gym - LOL! So this will be a big change.

This is my first solo trip since having a family. Thankfully, my DH is a very hands-on Dad --he gets up with the twins at night, not me

I just booked for Teatro Pace 33. I'm sure it won't be perfect, but the price is good and the location is fabulous.

And I promise to write a trip report.

Thanks again everyone

Bluehour

I travel alone a lot, and usually stay in apartments.

I much prefer it, and find it less lonely and strange, particularly at mealtimes.

Having to go sit at a table for one 3 times a day would depress me. Or being quizzed about my single travel status -- people say the weirdest, stupidest things. I'd rather just eat out when I feel like it, choose food and take it home when I don't. I also eat better that way, and you needn't learn a ton of menu Italian.

I find it hard to really relax in hotel rooms -- usually even if there's a separate sitting area it's not very comfortable, and you can't keep food very well, and housekeeping is always coming in. Nope. For me, it's an apartment.

And if you had an emergency, I'm sure a neighbor would help you out, just like anywhere in the world. And safer? There's something to be said for they anonymity of an apartment versus the "I'm a distracted foreigner with electronics!" neon sign of a hotel.

As soon as you have your first gelato, you'll calm right down, no matter what you pick. Follow your gut.

SeaUrchin

Just to add: Tim Pearson from Realrome was available by his cell phone to help out and so was the apartment owner. You are not isolated in an apartment, there are resident families all around and they want a safe environment too. Every apartment I have stayed in has double dead locks so you are as safe as the other residents. So, really, only the residents are coming and going in the building.

The one a friend rented from Realrome, in Trastevere, had a locked gate to the building and then the locks on the doors and the owner was on the same floor.

suze

mebe~ Have a fabulous trip. I think that hotel looks very nice, like something I'd choose for myself.

wliwl

mebe - Your hotel looks like a great choice. Have a really fun time. You DESERVE it! All SAHMs should have an alone vacation. I waited too long for mine, and am doing the empty nest thing instead. Enjoy!