PS: Jennifer49 asked for quiet, too, and unless the apartment windows face a busy street (Jennifer should ask), this will be quieter than Trastevere or Termini which, given the budget, are the likely alternatives. And I suspect safer, too.

Maybe some of you had trouble orienting the apartment to Rome's major sights with the map given on the link.

Here is a more picturesque map:

http://tinyurl.com/5q68w9

The apartment is Cola di Renzo. As you can see, it is tucked in an excellent position for reaching both major sites and public transport.


Jennifer, good work! I'm sorry I can't help you out with reviews. Maybe you should take your link to the Slow Travel site.

jennifer49,

If you end up taking that apartment, here is a restaurant recommendation, although you might make it your one splurge meal:

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/rome/D48966.html

Also recommended is the fish restaurant da Benito e Gilberto al Falco (on via Falco).

Cheaper recommended trattoirie:

Velando, Borgo Vittorio 26

Taverna Angelica, Piazza A Capponi 6

Typical Roman family trattoria: Ristochiccio, Borgo Pio 186

Also on via Cola del Rienzo are Franchi's gourmet food shop, and Castroni's, and Pellacchia, a bar and gelateria which has been around more than 100 years.

http://www.pellacchia.it/index.asp

And you might want to read this review of the neighborhood:

http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/vr/review.asp?n=2436

Via Cola Di Rienzo is one of the larger streets in that area of Rome (Prati) so might be noisy. The B & B you have found is close to the Vatican museums, St. Peter's and Castel St. Angelo but not too convenient to other major tourist sights especially the Forum/Colosseum
There are certainly easy public transit options (both metro and bus) to what I would consider more central and interesting parts of the city including Piazza Navona/Piazza della Rotunda

The budget you are suggesting involves trying to find fairly inexpensive lodging then paying for a driver and tour guide. Many of us would pay more to stay in a different area and explore then eliminate the expense of the driver and guide. It is of course up to you to decide which makes the most sense for your group.

Hi Jenifer49. While in Rome summer of 2008, we stayed at a convent, converted to a bed and breakfast. Reasonable rates, pleasant rooms, good breakfast, great personnel. Located 1 block from the Tiber--about 20-30 min. walk to the Forum area. Give it a look--just pull up page for Casa Di Santa Francesca Romana. It's located in Travestre area. Many wonderful restaurants close by. Good luck!

Hi Jennifer,

did you end up booking this B&B? What are they charging you? I have similar travel plans- 10 of us traveling to Rome this spring. I had contacted the Palazzo Olivia at the recommendation of this board, but they have a 4 night minimum during their peak season. We are staying 3 nights.

Any luck with this B&B?

Thanks!

We just returned from a stay at the San Francisco B&B in Trastevere, just off Porto Portese - an excellent location. Main sights are walkable although it is a longish walk. They are also easily reachable by the number 8 tram and several buses that stop near the B&B. Although the San Francisco calls itself a B&B, it is more like a hotel. The breakfast was an excellent buffet with both hot and cold choices and good variety. Our off season price was 70 Euro for a double including breakfast. A discount for cash brought the price down to 64. Rooms ending in an even number look out on a lovely garden and IMO are more desirable than the even numbered ones that overlook the street. Our room #206 was spotless, and had a large modern bath. Rooms ending in "6" are the corner rooms, largest, and overlook the garden. The outdoor rooftop bar should be wonderful in May and has great views.

mea culpa - "even numbered ones that overlook the street" should read "odd numbered ones that overlook the street."

I was going to suggest a convent or monastery, but kybourbon beat me to it!! You should easily find some within your budget. We stayed in one last year and it was fabulously clean and spacious. Breakfast was basic, coffee and rolls but that's all we needed to get us started for the day.

Check on kybourbon's links and you will find a vast range to choose from.

Try the Domus Julia, the apartment annex to the Hotel Julia, located near the Spanish Steps. We were very happy with our room there. It's on a small side street, relatively quiet, and we walked everywhere, except to the Vatican.

You can rent a double room, as we did, or an entire suite. Either way, you also have the use of a kitchen and dining area. Plus the front desk is available, next door at the Hotel Julia, where your breakfast is served. Their prices are reasonable.
http://www.domusjulia.it/en-pricelist

I'd atually re-think the cost of a tour guide, as it's fun to walk in Rome, while being in a vehicle can be very hair-raising. Drivers there are ruthless. We took a cab home one night, and I couldn't even watch.

I thank everyone for the help and suggestions. We had looked at the B&B and booked it but then with economy, several of the group backed out and we cancelled.

Now there are 6 of us going and we are looking at this B&B - anyone stayed here or now about the location? Teh name is Suites Trastevere?

http://www.trastevere.bbsuites.com/s...&ctrl=home

Also, we are now thinking to splurge on location and not do a private driver and stay possible at Hotel Albergo del Senato as it overlooks on the Pantheon.

Comments??

The B&B in Trastevere is very near the B&B San Francisco that I recommended a few posts up on this thread. The area is good but know that the Viale Trastevere is a very busy avenue with trams and buses, so traffic noise may be factor for rooms facing the street. These trams and buses make it easy to get to the sights or you can walk, although it is a longish walk to, for example, the forum area. It is a shorter walk to the old ghetto/Jewish quarter which has interesting antiquities as well. Trastevere has lots of little restaurants, some quite inexpensive but good, and has a vibrancy and charm of its own. We very much enjoyed our recent stay there.

Jennifer49,
try this:
Baldassini B&B
Official website: http://www.baldassinibeb.it/eng
It is between the Pantheon and piazza Navona.
They own a B&B and an Apartment.

I saw it on the Guardian newspaper:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/200...-hotels?page=7
" Baldassini, Rome
Francesco’s welcome really sets the Baldassini apart; his English is impressive as is the time he’s willing to spend with guests, talking through the best way to experience his beloved Rome (he’s particularly strong on gelati). And the location is right at the heart of things. Rooms are simply furnished and all en suite, and breakfast is served at whatever time you like, in your room.
• 0039 06 6228 9381, www.baldassinibeb.it; doubles from €70."

They also have excellent reviews on TripAdvisor.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_R...ome_Lazio.html

Book direct to get their best rates.

Hope this can help you.

Jennifer- thanks for your posting! My 8 friends, husband, and I just booked at the Cod. 062 Prati - Castel Sant'Angelo, because of your posting. It looks like it will fit our needs well- I will report back after the trip. (May 2009)