Where to stay in Rome?
 

What area of Rome would be the most convenient and safe to stay in? We are coming in by train and leaving by plane. While there we want to see the Vatican, Ancient Rome, Borghese Gallery and the Catacombs of San Callisto.

Any neighborhood in the historic center would fit the bill. So this means the area near Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, Largo Argentina, via Veneto, Piazza Barberini, the Vatican, Piazza della Repubblica or Campo dei Fiori.

I get the feeling you'd like someone to recommend a <i><u>specific</i></u> area, though, so I will, by telling you that I have stayed multiple times in the neighborhood of the Spanish Steps. More specifically, I have stayed and can recommend this place:
http://www.hotelsancarloroma.com/

BC

The areas mentioned are all convenient and safe.

For specific recos it would help to know your budget and how many of you there are. (We like the Minerve near the Pantheon - but it may not be your price point.)

We're looking at something around $150-$200.

My main concern is that when we leave for the airport it will be about 4 in the morning. I've been looking at places near Termini, but I'm afraid that we'll end up in a bad neighborhood. I'm looking for a safe area as well as one that will have easy access to Termini in the middle of the night.

If you will be in Rome for a few days, then choose a hotel in a better area to suit your needs. Don't choose a place near Termini just to go to the airport.

How many are in your party? Since you wrote "we", I assume at least two people. At that early-morning hour, I'd take a taxi. You can get door-to-door service for 45-50 euro via taxi/private car service. If you don't stay near Termini, you'll probably spend almost that much just to get to Termini and then pay for the Leonardo Express for all in your party.

It doesn't do you any good to have access to Termini. The trains don't run that early. You need to hire a shuttle service to pick you up at your hotel to take you to the airport.
http://www.romeshuttlelimousine.com/...t-transfer.php

We always stay in the Termini area six times for a total of about three weeks over the years. We prefer Termini simply because of the convenience to transportation. Can walk from the station in five minutes. A number of nice restaurants in the area including a couple that are pretty local. We have used Aberdeen, Sonya, and Contilla. All three stars hotels. We prefer the Sonya over the Aberdeen but just slightly. Wife thinks the coffee is better. Both are excellent. Contilla is lesser of the three with a so/so breakfast. Rooms are fine. We only used the Contilla when passing through Rome for one night. Sonya is right across from the Opera House. Nice area. The Leonard Express doesn't state running in until 5 or 5"30. Sonya can arrange a shuttle service -- 33E for two -- gets you to the airport in less than an hour.

"If you will be in Rome for a few days, then choose a hotel in a better area to suit your needs. Don't choose a place near Termini just to go to the airport."

I agree and would not recommend Termini area. There are so many better options in Rome IMO and IME and as kybourbon points out, there are no trains that early.

Your budget is modest for Rome so start with venere.com and look at options by neighborhood and price range. I personally like the area near the Colosseum and also the Borghese but cannot recommend any hotels in that price range based on personal experience.

Domus Julia and Hotel Julia get positive ratings and might be in your range. Also Hotel Panda gets good marks for budget accommodations.

My favorite area is the Navona/Pantheon.You can walk to the Trevi,Colosseum,Vatican, not to mention the livelihood of the surroundings going on in this area.Have you thought about an apartment?There are plenty you can rent for 3 night min.
I have stayed in this one before,the location is IMO fantastic.
https://www.sleepinitaly.com/en/show...id_appartam=70

Good luck!

Just booked up recently there bidding Priceline and Hotwire

www.betterbidding.com search "Rome"

For me around flights Sheraton Roma

www.hotwire.com 4* $69

then Intercontinental Spanish Steps 5* bidding Priceline

$180/nt awesome deal best/location I found downtown.

Have Fun,

There is a nice Courtyard By Marriott

right by FCO airport if you want to be closer

for your flight night also but will be more than

the Sheraton which has a shuttle to airport/downtown.