We were in Rome a couple of months ago and stayed for a few nights at the Residenza Canali. It is a great place with a superb location -- just around the corner from the Piazza Navona, and within walking distance to just about anywhere. It's not a fancy hotel, and there's no elevator, but when we return to Rome we will definitely stay there again. It's on a very old, charming, cobblestone street with lots of shops and restaurants around.

Max,
Just spent the end of Easter Week in Rome and stayed at a small B&B near the Colosseum called Nicolas Inn. The owners are a young couple named Melissa and Francois and Melissa is American. They are extremely helpful with planning for restaurants, sightseeing, etc. It's a close walk to the subway and the only time we took a taxi was to go to Easter Mass at the Vatican.

I know many people on this board prefer the Spanish Steps area, but it is more crowded. As girlspytravel said...it depends on what you are looking for. I found it extemely fascinating to be near the Forum, etc. as everything is soooo old.

BTW LeslieMomof6: the 4 rivers fountain is covered up in scaffolding at least as of April 7th! Apparently has been like that for awhile.

I studied all the places to stay in Rome, and chose to stay at Hotel Coronet in old Rome. The Pantheon was just a mere 2 minutes walk; the Colosseum was a few more minutes awa, and there were many restaurants within an easy walk. We were really happy we stayed there, in the heart of so much history. The places around the Sp. Steps tend to be much more expensive too.

Yes, the area around Spanish Steps is quite expensive, and quite crowded. For some reason, people seem to think the area around Colisseum is so far from the historical center- you can easily walk it, if you are so inclined.

My travel agent mentioned staying in the Via Venato area? What do you all think of that area?

Thanks

Hotel Santa Maria in Trestevere...its a trendy old neighborhood with that piazza feel and you are right across the river from Piazza Navona area.

I would stay near Piazza Navonna.

welig12, I have to disagree with your travel agent - I found the Via Veneto to be the least attractive/interesting area we visited. Lots of traffic, crowded sidewalks, and pretty far from the major attractions. Maybe a good place to get a better hotel deal, but certainly not at the top of my list.

Hausfrau, thanks for the info..can you suggest an area to stay in? An apartment would be helpful as well.
I'd appreciate your help.

I agree with many others (have you read through this whole thread?) that the Pantheon / Piazza Navona / Campo dei Fiori area is tops - especially for a first-time visit. Others swear by the Spanish Steps, Coloseum, or Trastevere neighborhoods. I haven't rented an apartment in Rome so I can't help you there!