I will be in Rome twice this summer. For next week, I will be staying right in the Navona area. I am debating where to stay later in August. I found a good deal on a newer hotel with air-conditioning near the Colosseum, but wonder if that is considered a little out of the way (too far for walking distance?) from the other popular areas which I will want to see. I know there is a metro stop there, but I would like to hear people's opinions on that location (safe, etc..) Thanks for sharing your wisdom & experiences!

Hotel Locarno - single 130E 10/02 - check their website - www.hotellocarno.com - stayed there last year - great location, food and staff.

My favorite area to stay is the area at the bottom of the Spanish Steps.

Hotel Locarno advertises they have a discount during August. If you can get a reservation there, do that. I haven't stayed there but the hotel's been rated favorably by people here and in books. Plus it is in a nicer location than the other hotel near the Colosseum. That area is okay only; Navona is a much nicer area.

Thanks everyone. I've never heard of the Locarno. I'll look into it..

I have stayed at a hotel by the colosseum many times, on Capo d'Africa. I really like the location, it is totally safe at night for walking and I like that it is a bit more like a regualar neighborhood with little grocery stores ect. that the Romans shop at and drink coffee at. It is a bit of a hike to Piazza Navona, maybe 20 mins, but I have always found it an enjoyable walk...plus you get to go thru the Colosseum to get there,it's your back yard! The metro at the colosseum in the other line, not the main one down to Piazza del Popolo, but it is an easy switch and then the next stop.