Marie, by scruffy I meant that there druggies sitting on the bridge panhandling, which made me uncomfortable. I've been to Rome about a dozen times and have stayed in various locations and although I'm sure this occurs elsewhere, it was the only place I noticed it. They just gave off an ominous vibe. I just tried to avoid that bridge at night. My daughter spent a semester in Rome not too far from that area and she became pretty street savvy.

Regarding touristy, no IMO that area is nothing like Fisherman's Wharf.

Hi Marie,

I don't know if I'll be much help but I was in Rome in tourist summer season in 2013 and lived in Marina/Cow hollow area in SF. I picked a hotel in Piazza di Montecitorio. It faced the Parliament building so it is very quiet, although there can be people in doing a rally, the Police are around and the rallying people are stopped at a decent distance away from the parliament. The area is quiet at night and I've never used the subway system as the area is walkable from Vatican, Colloseo and even Trastevere.
I know the crowds in Fisherman's Wharf and I hate going there but the area in Piazza di Montecitorio is quiet and people/tourists are all just passing through. Lots of locals also visit Giolitti - a fave gelato place which was around the corner, literally. Also very close to Trevi Fountain and Pantheon.
BTW, I was solo traveling female if it matters. I've gone through hundreds of Hotel reviews in TA and the area was the most appealing to me.
Good luck.

Thank you. I have been scouring everything all night. Winkwinx - I lived in that area of SF as well! Loved it. I found another place on Via della Croce at Via del Corso - near the Spanish Steps. I don't particularly think the Spanish Steps are a "go-to" area to stay in, but that's the area. From what I can read, it seems a little high end shopping, which really isn't my thing. But I DO love to eat fantastic, non-tourist food, and drink great wine. I just wonder if this place is more to my style vs. the night crowds near the Navona. This other place is north of the Piazza Montecitorio - just not sure how busy it is. Seems busy, but with locals? We are 50 with 3 teenage daughters, if that makes a difference.