I am trying to decide between staying ner Termini or the Vatican. Which do you suggest for a first timer in Rome? Thanks.

I stayed near Termini and as a result, between the two, I would say, stay near the Vatican. It's not that I hated staying near Termini, but I wouldn't say that it was great. Are you determined to stay in either of these areas? Because I think there are many other areas that several people on this board could suggest.

We have stayed near the Spanish Steps, and I HIGHLY recommend staying around there, if you can. It was so convenient to almost everything we wanted to see and do.

The Termini area is safe but not romantic. But it is the major public transit hub and makes getting around very easy.
Next month will be my 7th stay in that area.
Decent inexpensive hotels and easy transportation are the reasons I choose that area.
Regards, Walter

I would stay near to the Vatican. I stayed on the same side of the river as the Vatican, closer to via Cola di Rienzo, and it was very quiet. However, it's not far to walk to the Vatican or to the other sights such as Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, etc. I never cared to stay near the train station area.

I would suggest that you stay near the Vatican. We stayed at an apartment for one night just about five or six blocks from the Vatican. It was a charming local neighborhood with cafes, restaurants, hotels and small shops. Definitely more charming and less congested than near Termini.

If those are your only two choices, then definitely the Vatican area.

...just returned from stay near the Vatican - recommend it above Termini for sure. Vatican area generally has nice neighborhood feeling, small shops, easy bus access as well.

I would not limit myself to either of those areas. They are both poor choices. I always stay in the area close to the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. You can find hotels of all price ranges there, lots of restaurants, and it's very safe. If you want a 3 star hotel recommendation try the Hotel Julia. Do a Google for the website.

Larry J

Neither--you want the centro storico near Piazza Navona or the Pantheon.

Hi
bobthrnavigator is right. we recently returned from Rome and stayed around the corner from the Pantheon. Great location. We enjoy walking, so we walked to the Vatican, Piazza Navonne,Spanish steps etc. Very convienient.

I have just booked a hotel one block from the Vatican for my June visit. It wasn't by choice. All of the hotels around the Spanish Steps, Navona, and the Ancient Center were already booked for their quad rooms (we are traveling with our 2 teenage kids). To get two double rooms was going to cost me about $600 US per night. From the many postings that I've read, the Termni area is not so safe at night. The Vattican, I think, is the better choice. For $300 per night, we have 2 queen beds and a sofa, plus b-fast. I hope it works out. It is our first trip.

Looking on a map the North and North West of the Termini area are safe residentioal areas if you are still thinking of the Termini area.