We are traveling to Rome in May and need recommendation for a hotel for less than $150 night. All the hotels in this price range seem to be near the train station. Is this area ok? We are reserved at the Hotel Columbia but we do not know much about it.

<BR>Sherry, <BR> <BR>I've never stayed at the Hotel Columbia, but I have always heard that the area around the Termini station was to be avoided. This might have changed since I was in Rome, but my gut tells me not. We took buses around the city and one of them stopped at Termini Station for a while. I didn't get out soley based on what I had read here on this forum. <BR> <BR>If you're really interested, you might try a search for the word "Termini". Not sure what it will yield, but it's worth a shot. <BR> <BR>When we were in Rome, we stayed in the lovely area of Campo de' Fiori at Hotel Smeraldo. It's just a moments walk away from the Temples of Largo Argentina, the sight of Julius Caesar's assassination...and a bus stop...and a home to an amazing number of cats! <BR> <BR>You can find places within your price range that are closer to the 'sites'. <BR> <BR>Good luck.

Sherry, we just came back from Rome, and stayed at a great hotel five minutes walk from the Termini on a quiet street. I have also stayed around the station when I was younger and didn't like it but in this area did not feel at all concerned, and my boyfriend and I stayed out till 2 am one morning (drinking at Campo di Fiori!) and arrived by night bus at the Termini station and walked to our hotel and felt quite safe. The hotel was excellent value for money and is called Hotel des Artistes. We paid Itl 190.000 per room per night, and the rooms have queen size beds (a rarity in budget accomm in Italy!) woven rugs on the floor, decent hairdryer, safety deposit box, sparkling clean bathroom, good breakfast, etc. Their web page is excellent, booking online is a snap, and the website provides lots of testimonials, and map of how to get there - www.hoteldesartistes.com.

Sherry: <BR> <BR>You are going to get what you pay for. There are probably some deals under $150, but Rome is different and you should be careful.

Hi Sherry, <BR> <BR>My husband and I stayed at Hotel Ranieri, on Via Septembre. It's about a 10 minute walk to the Spanish Steps, and the area was quiet at night. <BR> <BR>We negotiated a lower rate--to about maybe $130/night, from the published fair of $150-$170. I told them I was having trouble deciding between their hotel, and the Hotel Marcella, which is a block or two away, and could they beat Hotel Marcella's rate. <BR> <BR>I've found it easier to negotiate for lower rates in Europe. Most of the hotels are willing to work with you. I don't have the phone number, but if you do a search on google, you can get their web page. <BR> <BR>I would also say that if you can avoid the Termini area, to do so. There are other nicer areas to stay. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip.

Hi Sherry, <BR>You may want to try a place that's more like a B&B, as they only have 5 guest rooms. Rooms run between $100-$150 (USD) per night. It's called Casa Howard & they do have their own web site. It's located between the Trevi Fountain & the Spanish Steps. They have a full-size refrigerator for all the guests to share to refrigerate beverages, an amazing Turkish bath & offer breakfast & transportation to/from the airport for additional fees. <BR> <BR>I would avoid staying near (within about 3 or 4 blocks in each direction) the train station. <BR>Buon Viaggio, <BR>BC <BR>

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Try Hotel Miami. A great 3-star in a central location.