TDudette

meant to say "and at Trip Advisor."

mike1728

As a rule always stay away from train station areas....try Trestevere, a great Roman neighborhood, better prices than touristy Rome , 15-20 walk to most sights and some of the best pizza in all of Rome!.......plus great churches and hisorical areas to explore!

Mikek

MelJ

Maybe it's just us, but we found Tresteverde to be a nice area to visit (for lunch and to see a church or two), but definitely not an area I'd wish to stay in, especially if this is your first time in Rome. It really isn't that close to lots of major attractions.

Motorino

I agree with Mel, Trastevere may be a good place to visit if you have the time, but there is so much to Rome this is not a must see or an ideal place to stay.

We always work hard to find place in centro storico by sacrificing a lunch or two to pay the extra few euros (I know a sin in Rome to skip a meal but what is a traveler to do?)

The time you'll save, and money in travel, to be located where you may stroll freely among the action is, IMO, priceless.

bluemooseband

well, after reading these responses plus others in Fodors, PLUS numerous in Trip Advisor, I think the best bet, given the short 2 night stay, is to focus in the Piazza Navona area.... yes, costs are a consideration, BUT, at the end of the 2 weeks, we'll probably have spent $6-8,000 what with the cruise, tours, flight etc.... so, quibbling over an extra $50-150 bucks seems kind of silly.

We had looked at the train from Civitavecchia to Venice, but with 6 adults (and lots of luggage), the cost of renting a large van, or even two cars, was cheaper, and we thought a leisurely drive to Venice through the Tuscan countryside might be enjoyable.... we have basically all day to go 500+ KM's, so, unless we get hopelessly lost, it might be an experience !

danon

"I have stayed at the Hotel Universo which is a few blocks from Termini down a side street...nice hotel."

I stayed in the same hotel long time ago but did not like the location , I changed hotels after a few days and stayed near the Spanish Steps (still my favorite location).

vetralla

Try checking hotels, B&B in the Prati , Vaticano , Cola di Rienzo areas. Its less touristy and a quick metro ride to Termini.
The evening meal at local restaurants will find you mixing with local residents. neighborhoods have changed in the past 10-15years. Have a lovely time.
Rome guide book writer now living outside Rome.