I am traveling to Rome and Venice for 2 days each in August and need some advice on where to stay. We like to be near main attractions. In Rome, we were thinking about staying near the Trevi fountain and Spanish Steps. However, someone recently told us that the Piazza Navona is a better location for young adults. Any suggestion? Also, we want a hotel near St. Mark's Sq in Venice. We are 2 married couples in our mid 20's. We don't want to spens too much, however we don't want a dump. we are thinking no more than $200-$230 per night. Any Advice is greatly appreciated.

In Venice try the Locanda Fiorita near the Academia bridge in Campo San Stephano. It is very nice, well within your price range and a 10 minute pleasant walk at most to St. Mark's. The Galleria, also near the Academia Bridge is funky, fun and some rooms have views of the Grand Canal. Much closer to St.Mark's is Albergo Doni (under a 2 minute walk). Also well within your price range. The Doni is more basic, but spotless, more than adequate and family run.

I agree with your friend. While you should definately stop by and look at the Trevi fountain and the Spanish Steps, the Piazza Navona area and the surrounding Centro Storico district is a much better home base, IMO.

Here are a bunch of moderately priced hotels all located in the Centro Storico area (which includes Piazza Navona):

http://www.residenzafarneseroma.it (would be my first choice)

http://www.hotelcampodefiori.com/

http://www.solealbiscione.it/

http://www.hotelrinascimento.com/

www.hotelteatrodipompeo.it

http://www.residenzacanali.com/

http://pantheonview.hotel-roma.net/

http://www.hotelnavona.com/ (either hotel on this website)

http://www.albergodelsenato.it/home.html(slightly more upscale option)

http://www.romeby.com/pomezia/ (budget option)

For the Residenza Farnese, make sure you click on "special offers" (after you've clicked the British flag). They have a promotion for July/August of 150Euro/night for a double (min. 2 night stay). This is a big discount for a great property.

I think the Teatro Pace 33, right off the Piazza Navona, is a great location for young adults. (That's about all you see there, and the hotel is owned and run by young adults.)

You can find it on the web and it fits your budget.

This is my first trip to to Rome travelling with my husband. I am in the middle of planning my 1st trip to Rome (we leave in 3 weeks) and while the folks here have been VERY VERY helpful.Here, all these Hotels have great reviews on this site, but which one do I want to stay at? We have 5 nights in Rome. Want to see the Vatican, Colosseum and Ancient Rome -- but where to stay? and in terms of cost? Can anyone providde a good basis of comparison?

My husband and I just stayed a full week at the Trilussa Palace in the Trastevere area and we loved it.
There was a tram that stopped right in front of the hotel that took you to the area where you could get any bus you want to go anywhere.
There's also a bus stop right across the street for a bus that takes you to the train station.
You're within walking distance from all the restaurants and shops in the area without being in the heart of the city.
Betty

We stayed twice at this unknown little place just by the Spanish Steps. It was lovely, elegant, great staff: Hotel Manfredi. It is located on the 3rd floor of a building (with elevator) in a lovely tiny street (Via Margutta) with art galleries. The rooms are small but well equipped. We loved it. www.hmanfredi.com
Concerning Venice - I read some suggestions of hotels near the Accademia. This is not near San Marco. Look at Hotel Flora http://www.hotelflora.it/en/index.htm

Good luck!

As far as defining "near" my suggestions concerning hotels near Accademia specify that they are no more than a 10 minute walk and a pleasant one at that. The Locanda Fiorita is actually on the Campo San Stephano (sp?) and there is an easy cut through from there to St Marks. There is also a nearby stop on the canal. Actually, Venice is a very walkable city and I would not consider anything there not walkable, even for these bones that have passed their sixth decade.