Looking for suggestions for nice hotel under $130/night in Rome. <BR> <BR>Also, what section of Rome (Colisseum, Vatican, etc.) is the best place to stay for touring the city. <BR> <BR>Appreciate your advice. <BR> <BR>Bob

Bob, Rome is a relatively small city (at least the tourist part) with a great Metro system. The Metro has stops within easy walking distance of all the major sights. I was shocked when I researched our lodging in Rome, the last time there was in '92, we stayed at Hotel Amalia, via Germanico 66 in the Trastevere section (the river we call the Tiber in Rome is the Tevere, Trastevere meaning "across the Tiber", same side at Vatican City and Castel S. Angelo). Easy walks to Metro stations Ottaviano or Lepanto. In '91 we stayed at the Hotel-Pensione Suisse, via Gregoriana,56 very near the Spanish steps, Metro stop Spagna. Both places were under $100, and offered rooms with or without toilet and tub. We chose the latter and they were fine.

Bob, Rome is a relatively small city (at least the tourist part) with a great Metro system. The Metro has stops within easy walking distance of all the major sights. I was shocked when I researched our lodging in Rome, the last time there was in '92, we stayed at Hotel Amalia, via Germanico 66 in the Trastevere section (the river we call the Tiber in Rome is the Tevere, Trastevere meaning "across the Tiber", same side at Vatican City and Castel S. Angelo). Easy walks to Metro stations Ottaviano or Lepanto. In '91 we stayed at the Hotel-Pensione Suisse, via Gregoriana,56 very near the Spanish steps, Metro stop Spagna. Both places were under $100, and offered rooms with or without toilet and tub. We chose the latter and they were fine.

Hi Bob, <BR> <BR>I noticed you didn't get too many replies, so I decided to chime in. I hesitate because my info is all second hand, I haven't been to Rome yet. But I've done tons of research and I've been reading this forum and talking to people who've been there. <BR> <BR>The two most popular places to stay are the Piazza Navona area and the Spanish Steps. There are not many hotels around the Vatican, and its not terribly central. The areas around Termini Station, and around the Colloseum are a little seedy. Piazza Navona seems to be the most central spot, within easy walking distance to most everything (this is where I decided to stay). The Spanish Steps seems to be noisier, more touristy, but has lots of good hotels, many restaurants and is more convenient to the Metro. <BR> <BR>The prices may be higher than what you are looking for, but I have had good recommendations on the Hotel Cesari and the Hotel Regno, both in the Piazza Navona/Pantheon area.

In May I stayed at the Hotel Due Torri in the Piazza Navona area and paid $150 a night, slightlty more than your budget but well worth it! I friend of mine stayed at the Hotel Marcus and said for the price it was good, not too luxurious though! It is also near the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona and central to everything. You can find the listing at www.venere.com. Also see my posting -- ALL ABOUT ROME for more info! <BR> <BR>As far as neighborhoods to stay in I would stay in "OLD ROME" around the Piazza Navona, Pantheon or Stanish Steps. If you cannot find anything there try the area around the Trevi Fountain or Vatican. The only area I would stay away from would be the area around the Train Station which is a bit seedy.

Bob, <BR>we stayed at Hotel Delle Regioni earlier this month. A triple room with bath, A/C, breakfast, and minibar was 270000 lire ($150). The room we had, #2, was very quiet and therefore worth the price. It is at Via del Tritone 94, actually just around the corner on Via Zucchelli, an easy walk to Sp Steps, Pantheon, Trevi, Pza Navona, and just down the hill from the Barberini metro stop. I highly recommend it. email me or search my earlier post for more info.

Bob, I stayed in the Piazza di Spagna, Campo dei Fiori and Colosseum areas. When I was a bit younger (a century ago), I also stayed in the Termini area. <BR> <BR>IMO, among the above the best one in all respects is undoubtely Campo dei Fiori, followed by Piazza di Spagna. Evidently, the area between these (via del Corso, Pantheon and piazza Navona) are also very good (IMO, improving as you go from Piazza di Spagna to Campo dei Fiori. <BR> <BR>In my experience, the main question you should ask yourself is: "do I want to go back to my hotel for a shower and quick rest before going out for dinner?" If the answer is no, IMO it matters less in which area you stay. You may as well stay in the Colosseum or Termini areas (very well connected to all sites by public transport) and quite cheaper. If the answer is yes, most probably you'll loose quite a bit of time going to your hotel at rush hour for your shower (more often than not, you'll find yourself in the piazza Navona - piazza di Spagna area after your strolls (either to do some shopping, or to relax watching people, taking a gelatto, etc). From Campo dei Fiori, you may easily walk to Piazza Navona and Spanish Steps, to the Vatican, and even to Trastevere. <BR> <BR>The hotels we've been in the Spanish Steps area (Gregoriana and Piazza di Spagna) and the Teatro di Pompeo we used in Campo dei Fiori are somewhat over your budget. <BR> <BR>Within your budget, in the Spanish Steps area, you could try the Pensione Erdarelli, Marguta or Marcus (haven't been in any of them but have good references). In the Campo dei Fiori area, you may try the Campo dei Fiori or the Albergo Sole and if you elect to stay in the Colosseum area, you may try the Lancelot. We recommend all three of them. <BR> <BR>Paulo <BR>

Bob, <BR>We stayed at the Hotel Campo di Fiori last year and really enjoyed it. We had a room with bathroom which was very small but beautifully decorated. The price in October was 200,000 Lire. The hotel is in central Rome overlooking the market and the rooftop terrace is wonderful!!! No elevators though...you need to walk up at least 6 floors. The weekends are quite boisterous...noisy but fun... <BR>Lisa

Three web pages you'll find helpful: <BR>http://twenj.com/romehotel.htm <BR>http://twenj.com/romechoice.htm <BR>http://twenj.com/romehelloitaly.htm <BR> <BR>Ed <BR>

Hi Bob, <BR>Have you thought about apartments? We used a company called <BR>Regency Apartments & Villas at www.regencyintapts.com who were wonderful when my family travelled to London and other parts of Italy. Great personal service. The have a number of apartments available in Rome. Usually apartment require a min. one week stay and in Italy they are nearly all Saturday to Saturday rentals, but the price and the convenience of having your own cooking facility- is often worth it. <BR>