<i><font color=#555555>"everyone here wants you to like what they like, NYFS…included"</font></i>

That is absolutely not true, and I wish people on this board, complete strangers, would stop shoving their words and their projections down my throat, and forcing me to own them. IMO, there is no ruder, more obnoxious behavior.

I work and travel for a very specific industry: it's called "show business." Why would I think there are any tourists on this board who share my personal travel needs or requirements? Asking other travelers to "like what I like" is a fool's effort. Most tourists who use this board are "on vacation," and I'm no fool.

Furthermore, I don't need to be liked. I don't need anyone's approval. I'm not here to win popularity contests. I view all those aspects of internet forum life as immature, high school, child's play.

My 40+ years of travel experience should speak for itself. If there is something, just one thing that a travel researcher can cull from my personal experience, then I am satisfied.

@NYCFoodSnob, Your detailed street descriptions are GREAT info regarding the vibe of such places and streets.
@annhig, Will check out hotels around that area.

Thanks to you all, my knowledge of Rome areas has tremendously increased and now feel comfortable about making a decision where to stay. I adjust my hotel expenditures according to the rates of the city and the room that I want.

Hotel location, customer service, and a high-quality room/bed are big factors for me. Decor-wise, well, I can't expect a hotel to redecorate every year. But I would choose a more contemporary vibe over a frou-frou-ish chintzy hotel room.

I don't like hotels in business areas that shut down and get deserted after store hours. A few bars here and there in my hotel's surroundings are fine with me.

Also, I read a lot of posts that in Italy, the star rating system doesn't measure quality, but amenities. Interesting info. It's a reality check to the '5* or nothing' mindset. It surprised me that Rome has so many small hotels in the "Suites" category. In any other city, like Paris or Barcelona, I will have my choice of big or medium hotels before even considering 5-10 room Suite Hotels.

I just returned from my first trip to Rome. We stayed near Piazza Navona down one of those narrow, cute streets. We stayed at HiSuites Rome and it was perfect for 4 of us. There are two restaurants right outside the front doors, so there was noise until midnight, but we were usually still out anyway. I found the location perfect for getting around and easy to find a taxi stand when we needed it. There are so many restaurant options in the area.

Furthermore, I don't need to be liked. I don't need anyone's approval. I'm not here to win popularity contests. I view all those aspects of internet forum life as immature, high school, child's play. >>

that's lucky.