Can anyone recommend some good hotels in this area. First trip to Italy and we would like to be close to the ancient city We are not looking for a 5 star we have our two children with us. Thank you.

You didn't mention price range. We stayed at a four star hotel on the Via Nazionale called the Quirinale. I would not want to stay near the Spanish Steps as I think this area is noisy, with tourists and locals. The Quirinale was close to all, and the number 64 bus stopped right outside, and the metro was two blocks away. Ciao!

We spent two days in Rome before a cruise, and my hairdresser, who has traveled there often, insisted that we stay at the Hotel Carriage. How lucky we were that we followed his advice! He mentioned that one of its selling points was that it was near the Spanish Steps. My husband and I (late 30's, early 40's) spent the first day walking from the hotel to the Colosseum, Piazza Novona, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and all the other typical "old" spots. The next day we were able to walk to the Vatican, its museum, etc. It also situated us centrally to stroll around and find great restaurants, although if you want to go to a popular one, have the concierge make reservations. Although it is a small, primarily businessman's hotel that you could walk right by, it has an attractive little (tiny) lobby, a good pastry/coffee/jiuce breakfast, and a library of tourist books (what to see...) The rooms are small, but the price is right, and how much time are you going to spend in the room? You can get a private bathroom, although it may be shower only, no tub. If you ask for the top two floors, you have access to a small terrace - very pleasant. However, my favorite part was that we arranged for them to have a driver pick us up. It was exciting enough to have him waiting there with our name on a sign - I felt so important! - but my delight grew when we reached the Mercedes limo waiting for us! Although it did not fit
with the hotel, it was still a hoot! Have a great trip!

Eighteen months ago my friend and I stayed at the Hotel Cecil in Via Francesco Crispi, just a short walk from the Spanish Steps. The rooms are a bit on the small side, but this is not unusual for Rome. The location is great and it's in the medium price range. Bon voyage!

Further to my message above, the street is quiet and we had no trouble sleeping at all. The rooms all have safes on the wall and the receptionist is very helpful.

Also La Residenza within wallking distance to the Spanish Steps, but in a quiet neighborhood. You didn't tell us what price range you wanted.

Lori: Can you tell me more about the Hotel Quirinale? Thank you , please Email me directly if you need to .

We stayed at the top of the Spanish Steps in February, at "Scalinata di Spagna," a 15 or 20-room former pensione - the location was great and I disagree that it is too noisy - boisterous and lively, but not too noisy - although we were there at a good time of year - I mangine it's a different story in July and August. Anyway, this was our first visit to Rome and we walked extensively, to Trevi Fountain, Campo di Fiori, the Quirinale Hill (if you're interested in church architecture, don't miss San Andrea di Quirinale, an oval church designed by Bernini) - enjoy your trip.

Hi. We are going to Rome late September and would like the address and phone number for the Carriage Hotel near the Spanish steps. I would appreciate the approximate price for a double room. Thanks.
Nick.

Good evening. the Hotel CARRIAGE is located on the
Via delle Carrozze,36, 00187 Roma tel 6-69-90-124,
fax 6-67-88-297. have 1995 listing 245.000 to
260.000 ITL double per nite....the Via delle Carrozze is located one block north of the Condotti
and off the Spanish Steps. Great Location. If you need a couple of rist. recommendations drop me an
e-mail. Richard of Hickory Hills

Good evening. the Hotel CARRIAGE is located on the
Via delle Carrozze,36, 00187 Roma tel 6-69-90-124,
fax 6-67-88-297. have 1995 listing 245.000 to
260.000 ITL double per nite....the Via delle Carrozze is located one block north of the Condotti
and off the Spanish Steps. Great Location. If you need a couple of rist. recommendations drop me an
e-mail. Richard of Hickory Hills

Several years ago we stayed at the Hotel Pension Suisse at 54-56 Gregoriana, just around the corner (about two blocks) from the Spanish Steps. It was ok for the money, which was not much. You could telephone to (local number) 06 6783649. or fax to 06 6781258 <BR>

We have not stayed overnight with the Hotel Quirinale, but nevertheless can certainly recommend their management and others at the hotel. Some gypsy girls picked my pocket including all cash and credit cards in the underground near the train station. On the way to the police station with too much luggage to (uselessly) report it, I stopped at this nice looking hotel to see if they would stash it. They did so all day long and allowed us to stay in the lobby and even arranged for us to contact VISA and get replacement cards.