Rome: location - Historic Center vs. Just outside Vatican?
 

I have a few choices at which to stay for my four nights in Rome and can use some advice. I am traveling alone, though I have a friend of a friend in Rome who I will be meeting for at least one get together. I am looking for a blend of seeing a few sites (in particular want to see the Sistine Chapel, Borghesse, Spanish Steps/Trevi Fountain and the Piazza Navona), but also want to just wander around and enjoy being in Rome, having caffe or gelato and watching the world go by.

I have a choice of staying in a roof-top apartment with a little terrace just a few blocks from the Piazza Navona (off of Via del Governo Vecchio), or in a B&B type room and bath en suite with a family next door (though the room has a separate entrance) near Vatican City/on the other side of the wall near St. Peter's (described as Piazzale Gregorio VII). The cost is a little less expensive for the apartment, but pretty similar either way. Both situations get rave reviews.

The apt has the added benefit of washer/dryer and kitchenette, plus a hammock on the terrace. The B&B has the benefit of breakfast (a nicer breakfast brought in on the weekend and basic coffee and bread voucher on the weekdays) and having the owners on site in case I need something.

I am a fairly self-sufficient person and will have been in the country for a week by the time I get to Rome. Any insight or opinions into staying in either of these locations would be appreciated!

Grazie!

Well, it's not like staying near St Peters will put you in a suburb that looks like home...it will still be very Roman and no doubt quite charming. If you get the Roma Pass you can use the public transportation system for 2 days, and it isn't hard to figure out the bus routes. But I would prefer staying in the apartment just for the proximity to so many wonderful sights. How many flights of stairs would you need to ascend at the end of each day, or when you wanted to take a break? (I do like the idea of chilling out on a roof top terrace, though, so that could be a real draw.) Plus there are wonderful bakeries and places to get breakfast items from, and that terrace could be a good spot to start the day as well.

I'm with uhoh - as long as climbing the stairs isn't a problem (I doubt there's an elevator!), I'd go for the apartment. It's not like the Vatican is on the edges of nowhere, but you'll be close to just about everything from that first location. And the rooftop terrace sounds fantastic!

Count me in too - not even close - get the apt right off Via del Governo Vecchio.

The location is better, has a private terrace, and the breakfast you can get from a nearby bakery will likely be higher in quality what the B&B provides.

>>>St. Peter's (described as Piazzale Gregorio VII)<<<

I would want more of a location description. It could be on a very bus street (via Gregorio VII) or next to a train station (Roma S Pietro). Generally, train station areas aren't the best.

The historic center has limited traffic (no traffic in some areas) and via Gregorio VII will have a lot of traffic with a lot of buses (major underground bus hub terminal Gianicolo between via Gregorio and the river).
http://www.gianicolo.it/index_eng.html

I would stay in the apartment. It will put you closer to the things you mentioned that are on your "list" to see. So much easier to head back for a rest and then head out again in that location. Also better for evening wanderings.

Do not let the breakfast provided by the B&B factor in...going to a cafe and having morning coffee and pastry with the Italians should not be missed.

I happily concur with you all and have booked the apartment near the Piazza Navona. It's on the third floor, so not too many stairs... But, yes, am hoping to pack light. Thank you all for confirming my gut feeling. I didn't know how much I favored the apartment until I read all of your posts and realized how happy they made me.

Thank you so much for giving me the information and insight that I needed... You are all helping me so tremendously in planning this trip that I've been yearning for, for such a long time!

Grazie di tutti!

Would you be so kind as to post a link to the apartment in the city center? Thanks!

Of course. I found it on Air bnb.
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/227424 - the listing is for "Rent rooms downtown" and the host is Barbara.
Good luck!

Agree with your choice -- have a *wonderful* time!

Another vote for the apartment. You should be able to walk just about everywhere from there. Enjoy - I am so jealous. We spent 4 days in Rome in August and just loved every second of it!