Hello,
We're planning our first trip to Rome, and with only 3 days there we'd like to pack a lot in. We'd prefer to stay somewhere pretty central and in a neighbourhood we'd enjoy in the evenings, and within walking distance to the main core and attractions. From reading these posts the Piazza Navona/Pantheon/Campo Fiori area seems to be great; but many of the hotels I like the looks of around there (and recommended in these postings) are either a bit pricey or look a bit rougher than we'd like for a special trip.

How do the Trastevere, Campidoglio, and Quirinale areas feel for atmosphere, walking distance, and things to do (restaurants, cafes, etc)?

And has anyone stayed in these places?:
-Al 58 de via Cavour
-Giardino degli Aranci B&B, near Aurelia St and Vatican

Thanks!

Hi Heather. I just returned from my first trip to Rome. We stayed in the Campo de Fiori area, but spent a couple of evenings in Trastevere walking around, sitting in Piazza Santa Maria, and going to a wine bar we quite liked. We really enjoyed that neighborhood. It is very close to Campo de Fiori (about 5 minutes away), and fairly close to Piazza Navona & the Pantheon (10-15 minute walk.) The piazza has a few cafes, and there were lots of Roman children & families enjoying themselves there.

I liked it Piazza Santa Maria better than Piazza Navona -- I loved the fountain in Piazza Navona, but the crowd seemed to be dominated by tourists, fake bag sellers, or the people who dress up like a mummies or the Statue of Liberty and stand there waiting for people to give them money. It has a lot of energy, but it wasn't an atmosphere we enjoy. However, the Pantheon area was very cool, and there were lots of tourists here, too. But there is just something about sitting drinking a glass of wine with the Pantheon next to you...

Good luck in your decision! And have a wonderful time. If you want to read about my hotel, here is my trip report: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34527303

There's been many threads with the 58 Cavour mentioned. You might want to use the search function and then see what you think.

You should definitely stay near Piazza Venezia/Forum/Colloseum area. Near the Trevi Fountain is good, too. All of these are within walking distance and in the heart of the action. The Trevi Fountain was packed at 11:30 pm on a Monday night, and there were charming stores and booths open all over. It was very romantic! Don't stay near the Vatican. There is the Vatican and only the Vatican in that area, and it really shuts down at night.

If you are up to lots of walking, I suggest you get the Rick Steves guide book on Rome, as well as the Fodors City Pack for Rome. They each have suggested self-guided walking tours. I used a plastic coated map, and dry-erase markers of different colors to mark out three walking tours. I slightly modified the walking tours from that found in the guides to suit my own wants. Mapping out your proposed route really helps, in my view.

I also recommend getting to the Vatican at the time it opens (probably 8:00, but check on it), and walking up the dome at St. Peter's. If you wait too long, the line may be long.

--Marv