My husband and I are visiting Rome in October. Which area of Rome should we stay in? Should we stay near the Spanish Steps? Near the Piazza Navona? Around Vatican City? We are looking to stay in a modestly priced hotel -- something around $200 per night, though we'd go up a bit more for the right hotel. Thanks, everyone!

Stay near the Pantheon. Albergo del Senato might be above your price range but it is definetely worth it.

I loved my stay at the Cesari -- very convenient location near the Pantheon and Piazza Navona (also walked to the Spanish Steps daily.) Both the Albergo del Senato and Cesari are well reviewed on this board.

We stayed (10 days) at the Hotel Julia a couple of years ago. It's on the Esquiline Hill, a few minutes from the Trevi Fountain in one direction, the Piazza Barberini in another, the Spanish Steps in yet a third. We walked most places, and could pick up busses or subways to the reset. It was charming, pleasant and quiet, althought the rooms were small. And it was affordable. I think about $150/night in winter??? At any rate, the area suited us very well.
http://julia.hotelinroma.com/
Ellen

Of the areas you mentioned, I'd recommend the area near Campo di Fiori/Piazza Navona/Piazza della Rotonda (the Pantheon) first, followed by the Spanish Steps.

Piazza Navona/Pantheon in my opinion

Navona/Campo de Fiori area definitely.

We stayed at www.banchivecchi115.com and it was perfect. 110 euros a night per double room (not sure what that is in USD!)

Clare

Hi
We stayed at the Santa Chiara for about $230 USD at the end of January. Included tx and bkfst. great location around the corner from the Pantheon and within walking distance of most of the sites inc. Piazza Navone, Vatican etc.

Thanks, everyone, for your thoughtful and informative replies! Looks like we'll be staying near the Pantheon -- though we have not settled on a hotel yet.