Greetings.
I'm still working on finalizing plans for a 5 night stay in Rome. Our options are a convent about 3 blocks N of Piazza Navona near the Tiber (Via del Monte Brianza) or a studio apartment about 1 1/2 blocks W of Campo de Fiori (Via dei Cappellari). It seems the convent may be more convenient to the Vatican/Spanish Steps/Trevi Fountain areas and the apartment more convenient to obviously the Campo and Travestere areas. We have a great rate at the Convent but if staying near Campo de Fiori is truly that much better we'd be willing to pay the higher rate. We like to stay somewhere where there is a lot of activity - restaurants, shopping etc. in the evening when we return back "home" after being out touring all day.
Maybe they are both equally fine and I'm just needlessly driving myself totally crazy in all of this.
Again, any thoughts or input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for your help!

Both locations seem fine, and aren't really that far from each other. Go with the better room.

I cant speak for the Campo de Fiori area but as far as Piazza Navona goes there is plenty of activity going on day or evening. I personally loved it there. I venture to say though -they are both equally fine and you are probably driving yourself crazy!

Hi, wanderfar,

We are considering possibility of at least one night in a convent when we go in March. May I ask which one you're looking at, and could you please share contact and other info? Thanks!

Rob

Hi All.
Thanks for your replies.
Rob - the convent we are scheduled to stay at is Fraterna Domus. They've received good reviews and their location looks good. One potential downside is an 11 pm curfew. Following is their contact info:

FRATERNA DOMUS
Via del Monte Brianza, 62
00186 Rome.
Tel. 06.6880.2727; FAX: 06.683.2691
e-mail [email protected]
Centrally located between the Tiber and Piazza Navona. Recommended by the Vatican Tourist Information Bureau. They charge Euro 48,90. per person for room with breakfast and Euro 78.00 for a double room. Euro 98,00. All rooms have private baths. Other meals are available at request. Curfew is at 11:00pm.

See www.santasusanna.org for more info.

Thanks again for your replies. Any further thoughts would be welcome.

These two areas are very close to one another, so logistically the difference is neglible. However, when considering the curfew issue, keep in mind that restaurants don't even open in Rome for dinner until 7:30 and most don't get busy until 8:30 or so.

the locations, as folks have said, are relatively close. Personally, I'd opt for a studio apartment given both the curfew and the fact that you might want to have a few meals in.

Location wise, both are equally fine and you're just needlessly driving yourself totally crazy. How much more expensive is the apt? The flexibilty for meals and schedules that the apt. offers is of considerable value.

I may be wrong but I think that convents don't allow men? If you're a woman, and going by yourself it's the best choice anyway

If it were me, and since you're asking for opinions, I would get the studio apartment for sure! No way would I want an 11 pm curfew, that's a horrible restriction!

Navona & Campo dei Fiori are right across the street from each other and both filled with activity right in the historic center.

My advise, have fun & stay in the apartment...

E

Piazza Navona and Campo de Fiori are really very close. We stayed at Fraterna Domus twice during July '02. Found the place in a book called Cheap Sleeps in Rome. It was very good. I was there with my son. There were a number of families. I think they have about 13 rooms. We ended up in a large room with four single beds-very spacious. IF you want more detail-let me know what your email is and I would be pleased to answer any questions.

I'm with ecat. I wouldn't want an 11 pm curfew, especially in a big city like Rome with plenty to do in the evening. However, that's probably OK with you if you're considering the convent.

As others have said, both areas aren't that far apart so I'd go with the particular accomodations/price that you find most appealing.

Campo dei' Fiori - without a doubt. The Campo is always buzzing, day and night. It was very lively each night (quite late - until 2 am!) with strolling musicians, street performers, vendors, and lots of people eating in the open-air restaurants, enjoying gelato, etc.
During the mornings, there is a fruit/vegetable and misc market that has been there since the Middle Ages. It runs from approx 7 am until 1 pm daily (except Sundays). The Campo is very convenient in terms of walking distance to the areas you have mentioned wanting to see (Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, etc). On Corso Vittorio Emanuele blvd, there are many bus stops with direct buses going to the Vatican and St. Peter's that are only a 10-15 minute ride away. From the Campo you can also walk 10 minutes SW to Trastevere, the charming district across Rome's Tiber River.