Any suggestions of inexpensive (around $100-$125 per night) lodging in Rome within walking distance of colossium, etc. This will be our first trip to Rome. Also, what is the easiest way to get from Ciampano Airport to town,(again, close to colossium, etc.) 2 adults and 1 teenager

Hi April,
Can you tell us what time of year you're travelling? The reason I ask is because hotel rate fluctuate by season, and it may make a difference in what's available, hotel-wise.

BC

One easy way from CIA airport is to take the Terravision bus:

http://www.terravision.it

It was 8 Euros one-way when I did it. This takes you right to Termini. Then you would either take a taxi or walk or take public transit to your accommodation. Add up the costs - it might be worth it with three of you to just take a taxi to your accommodation. The cheapest way from CIA is by public transport - this is described on the web and involves a bus plus the metro and costs about 2 Euros per person.

Your budget is in the 85-100 Euro range, which isn't much for three people. But as BC said, provide the season, and we'll see what we can suggest.

You should check venere.com. You can sort by price and location.

A few cheaper places (but I don't know them personally):
http://www.hotelpanda.it
http://www.Eurocheapo.com/Rome/
http://www.residenzabellirome.com
http://www.italianbandb.com
http://www.the-beehive.com/
Convents listed at
http://www.santasusanna.org/comingToRome/convents.html

Try the Nicholas Inn on Via Cavour very near the Coliseum. We stayed there last May and enjoyed it very much. The owners are very helpful and provide lots of information. It was 120 Euros per night including breakfast in your room. It's always highly rated on tripadvisor.

How long will you be staying?

Unfortunately, we will only be Rome for 2 nights, March 31 and April 1st. It is my husband, myself, and our 12 year old daughter. So kid friendly is always a plus. Thanks for the advice.

Oh. I was going to suggest an apartment, but that really isn't long enough.

You might try the Daphne Trevi or the Daphne Veneto, www.daphne-rome.com. I'm staying there in late March for E120/night with breakfast and taxes included. It was recommended in a Washington Post article and got good reviews on TripAdvisor. It's small and fills up quickly, i.e. I can stay there for the first part of my trip but they were booked at the end of my trip. However, they kindly made a recommendation and booked me at a hotel next door.

I just booked a room for 1 night at Serendipity Residence, which is near the Termini. It received good reviews on tripadvisor and other forums. I get in late from CIA airport and leave next morning for FCO, the reason for booking a convenient location near the Termini. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge of Serendipity Residence?

I'm staying at the San Jouan http://www.sanjouan.it/inglese/index.htm in May and the cost is 117e per night - I've read great things about them and they're only a ten minute walk to the Colosseum. Good luck!
~Ahissa