Not sure how to get from Rome airport (FCO) to train station in Rome city area. Plan to be in Rome first week in September 2025 and need to find reasonable rate at a hotel near train station or near Coloseum. Any one stayed at a convent hotel? Any help appreciated.

Is there a reason you want to stay near the train station (by which I assume you mean Termini)? Depending on your sightseeing plans, other locations may be more convenient.

I suggest you start by searching on booking dot com. You can direct your search by budget, amenities, etc. I have made reservations through this website in the past with no problems, but in post-covid times I prefer to book directly with the hotel. No middle man in the event of unexpected events.

The train station (Termini) is not very near the Colosseum. Which area do you prefer and why? What's your budget?

We want to arrive two days before meeting our tour group in Rome for a four country tour that starts in Rome.
However, the tour director usually uses Grand Hotel Palatino as a stay for four nights with group rates. The rates to stay there on our own are so expensive so we are trying to find a cheaper hotel as close to the Palatino that is more affordable if that's possible. That's why we thought of staying near the Termini train station and be able to walk to both hotels.

I like the Mecenate Palace directly in front of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore when I stay near Termini. It's not a long walk to the Coloseum, and not far from the Grand Hotel Palatino.

Hotel Le Petit, great location. 10 min walk from termini, stayed there several times.

I’ve stayed twice at the Hotel Giuliana on Via Agostino Depretis, a 2 star hotel walking distance from Termini. It occupies a floor upstairs in a larger building on a quiet street off Via Cavour, clean, attractive rooms. I’d certainly stay there again. It’s been a while so if you’re interested do check current reviews.

Great suggestions here already. I’ll add Hotel Diocleziano on Via Galera, if you really want to be close to Termini. It’s handy to the National Museum.
Really close to your Grand Hotel Palatino, not grand and up a flight of stairs but really welcoming and affordable, is Inn Urbe Colosseo on Via Giovanni Lanza.

Probably far more modest than Grand Hotel Palatino, I have stayed a couple times at Hotel Raffaello on via Urbana,* about 5-10 minute walk from your tour hotel. Don't book the lowest room category, which I did once when just arriving late night from FCO and leaving early the next morning from Termini, so it was fine (but the view was of an airshaft). For two nights I'd choose something with an exterior view.

*Although the hotel may be more modest, I do think via Urbana is sweeter than via Cavour.

Not sure how to get from Rome airport (FCO) to train station in Rome city area.

Simplest way is to take the train right from the airport to Termini

Trains depart every 30min. No need to pre book - simply buy a ticket for the next train upon arrival.

If you are mobility limited, have large or heavy luggage, and/or your hotel is far from Termini then a taxi right to your hotel would be simpler. Its a fixed rate from the airport to central Rome and the taxi queue is right outside the terminal.

I was a similar situation when I was planning my trip to Rome, and I ended up finding a great hotel near Termini on Vio.com. I’ve used them a bunch of times, and they often have better deals than other booking sites. Might be worth checking out! For getting from FCO to Termini, the Leonardo Express train is the easiest—direct, fast (about 30 minutes), and no hassle with traffic. There are cheaper shuttle buses too, but they take longer. If you’re set on staying near Termini, there are plenty of options, but if you don’t mind a short walk, Monti is a really cool neighborhood with a more local feel. I stayed in a small hotel there and loved it. Haven’t tried a convent hotel myself, but I’ve heard they can be a good budget-friendly option.

Hope you find a great spot—Rome is amazing in September!