We will be in Rome for 10 days in mid-May (pre-cruise trip). Initially I was leaning towards an apartment, but DH is pretty insistent on not wanting to take a chance and wants to go with a hotel.

I want to be located in the historic centre....was leaning towards Navona area, but really anywhere in the centre that is close to everything would be perfect.

We would require a double, air conditioning, free internet (lobby is fine), and ability to do a late check-in (our flight doesn't arrive until 10:00 PM as we are doing a long, intentional layover in London). Breakfast isn't a must.

Price-wise, I'd like to stay around $200/night US...so roughly 130-150 euros.

Really, the most important things for us are to have a room with a comfortable bed (i.e., not a rock hard bed) and a hot shower.

This is my favorite place in Rome:
http://www.hotelsancarloroma.com/

It's actually closer to the Spanish Steps. It's a very "walkable" location, IMO, and also is not far from a Metro stop and a few taxi stands. Breakfast is included, although you can obviously opt not to eat. It's a relatively light affair, with rolls, coffee, tea, juices, yoghurts, and cold cereals, if you decide you'd like it. There is a small breakfast room, an outdoor terrace where breakfast may be served and room service is gratis, and only available for this meal. (The hotel doesn't have a restaurant for other meals.) They do have lovely air-conditioning and free internet, and are very helpful.

Buon Viaggio,
BC

We have stayed several times at Residenza Canali ai Coronari, http://www.residenzacanali.com/?lang=en; it's kind of like a B&B, but has 24-hour staff. My DH is kind of weird about wanting to have people to contact if there's a problem during the night, even though we've never actually contacted hotel staff during the night! It's on a quiet side street about 1 1/2 block from Piazza Navona, and you get buzzed in by from the reception desk, several floors up. There is no elevator (lift). I think it would be in your price range (and they provide a discount if you pay in cash). Breakfast is included, but we prefer to go instead to a bar on Piazza Navona for cappuccino and cornetti.

I agree w/ above. For 150E or less in the historic center, Residenza Canali is probably your best bet. The location is perfect, on a pedestrian only street and close to all the best parts of the city.

http://www.residenzacanali.com/?lang=en

Thanks all! DH wanted something a little more luxurious so we went outside our price limit and booked the Armetide Hotel based on Tripadvisor ratings and Expedia awards. Hopefully we won't be disappointed!

Or the Artemide Hotel...sorry for the typo.