Hi everyone..don't worry, I am not asking about which hotel to recommend in Rome since I know there are many posts on this subject (but, we did stay in the Pensione Accademia in Venice and loved it so if there is a Rome equivalent feel free to recommend it....but I digress!)...but since this is our first visit to Rome (we are going in July), in what area/district do you recommend that we stay? We would like to be in an area where we can walk in the evening to nearby restaurants (for all I know that is every district...)...All I have figured out so far is to avoid the Termini...<BR>Any thoughts anyone?<BR>cheers,<BR>Ralph

most visitors find that staying in the Centro Storico, historic center, is most convenient. It takes in roughly the area around the Pantheon, Campo dei Fiori, Piazza Navona, etc stretching to the Spanish Steps, though I prefer the Pantheon/Piazza Navona area.<BR><BR>I have a file on Rome; if you'd like to see it, email me.

We just got back from Rome 3 days ago. It was a wonderful trip. We stayed in the Rotunda area, right by the Pantheon. It was a great location. We were near everything and only had to take the train once. We stayed at the Piazza Colonna, at the Colonna Palace Hotel. Enjoy your trip- I am jealous!

One best area? no such thing - - kinda like the song &quot;Too much fun&quot;...<BR><BR>Still, I would ranke these five contiguous areas in my order of preference - - for each URL listed, there is a map at the bottom of each webpage:<BR><BR>1. http://www.venere.com/it/roma/it_rm_pantheon.html.en<BR><BR>2. http://www.venere.com/it/roma/it_rm_trevi.html.en<BR><BR>3. http://www.venere.com/it/roma/it_rm_navona.html.en<BR><BR>4. http://www.venere.com/it/roma/it_rm_spagna.html.en<BR><BR>5. http://www.venere.com/it/roma/it_rm_veneto.html.en<BR><BR>You can find each of these in geographic (cartgographic?) context on the map at the botom of the page at http://www.venere.com/it/roma/index.html.en<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Thanks for the replies so far everyone..<BR>Sharon, how was your hotel? <BR>(I am now breaking my initial vow and opening it up to hotel recommendations...)<BR>cheers,<BR>Ralph

I second the Centro Storico area. We just loved the small winding streets which led to the most glorious piazzaz, churches, cafes, etc.<BR><BR>We also stayed at the Colonna Palace and enjoyed it as well but I'm not sure if it the equivalent of the Pensione you mentioned. The rooms were large, the bathroom modern, the breakfast room on the roof has the most wonderful view of the rooftops of Rome.<BR><BR>But we also stayed at the Portoghesi which is much smaller and enjoyed that hotel as well. <BR><BR>Just to confuse you a bit more, friends of ours stayed at the Residenza and enjoyed their stay and that neighborhood as well.<BR><BR>Any questions, just write.

We stayed close to the Vatican and found it to be an easy access to all the attractions that we wanted to see. Besides, I found St. Peter's so beautiful I spent time there every day.

topping, for ralph<BR>

I don't know what your price range is, but I can tell you a fabulous hotel in Rome. The Del Senato by the Pantheon. It literally overlooks the Pantheon. It's a small boutique style hotel. The rooms were wonderful and the fews unparalleled. Please check out the hotel through Venere.com and read the reviews. Everyone that reviewed it agreed with me. I have since recommended it to friends and they couldn't have been happier. Even though your in a Piazza with a beautiful fountain and lost of activity, the rooms are totally soundproof when you close your windows. The location is perfect. It's within walking distance to everything.

Still thinking about all of your ideas..have come across Casa Howard in the Tridente district. What are thoughts on the Tridente district?<BR>Cheers,<BR>Ralph