3 nites in Rome- Colosseum or Campo de Fiori area?

My vote would be for Campo de Fiori for the reasons you described!

In 2008 we visited Rome twice and both times stayed near the Colosseum in the area around via Capo D' Africa. It is a small residential area and I would describe it as quiet rather than dead. There were more than enough restaurants, bakeries, small supermarkets etc to meet our needs.

The main reason for choosing this area was my particular interest in ancient roman sites (do visit the nearby church of San Clemente for the roman excavations in its basement). We only used public transport twice, a tram to cross the river from Trastevere to Largo Argentina and a train to go to Ostia Antica. Other than that we walked (more like ambled!) everywhere and because of the many sights we passed/visited on the way did not notice the distances we travelled.

We also liked the fact that the area was pleasant to come home to after the hurly burly of the other parts of Rome.

I'd vote for Campo de Fiori. I stayed there when I visited Rome ten years ago, and even though the square was under contruction at the time (always check the latest news before booking!), I still really enjoyed it.

You're only going to go to the Colosseum/Forum area for one day, so why stay next to it all three nights? Campo de Fiori is still only a short bus ride or reasonable walk to the ancient sites.

Look into the Trastevere area across the river from the Campo de Fiori area. It's safe and quiet at night and there is a vibrant nightlife and tons of restaurants to choose from.

Hello All,

I have decided to stay in the Campo de Fiori area.
With afew coins in the fountain and some luck, we'll return to Roma and stay near the Colosseum.
Thanks for all the advice.

Regards,
David

Good decision--lots of good restaurants in that area. An interesting street to walk is Via Guilia which parallels the Tiber. A fountain on that street is fed by an original aquaduct--near Ponte Sisto--I learned this from Lidia's Italian Kitchen program. When she said Via Guilia was her favorite street in Rome I knew I would have to see it.Enjoy Rome!