Rome Hotel Help - Babuino 181 versus Raphael Hotel
 

We are going on our first trip to Rome and really want to make sure we pick the right hotel with a good location but having a hard time deciding between Babuino 181 and Raphael Hotel - as Raphael is a Relais and Chateaux I would think it may be the best choice but there are some so-so reviews whereas Babuino 181 has much better reviews...looking for hotel with good staff, but also good location for seeing the sights, cafes, etc.

Haven't stayed in either, but I prefer the location of the Raphael.

Thanks for the reply - can you elaborate as to why you prefer its location?

Just more centrally located. We stayed 3 times by Piazza Navona and could walk easily to Vatican, Pantheon, Trastevere, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Forum, etc.

I agree - I haven't stayed at either place (above my price point), but we, too, have stayed near Piazza Navona every time we've been to Rome. Every night we spend time at cafes in Piazza Navona and by the Pantheon, get gelato from Giolitti. Alternating nights, we walk to the Trevi Foundtain or Campo de 'Fiori. If you're interested in activities like that, then the Raphael is a much better location.