My wife and I will be arriving in Rome, by bus or train, on July 29. We will leave Rome, by air, on Aug 2. We would like to walk, from our hotel, to most attractions. Attractions which we already have on our list include Vatican/St Peters Basilica, Colosseum, Pantheon and Roman Forum. We are thinking of staying near Pantheon (Hotel Portoghesi) or in near Ancient Rome...Nerva Boutique Hotel, Hotel Antica Locanda or Nicolas Inn B&B. We would appreciate any thoughts you have about these hotels or others you'd recommend.
We always stay in the Termini area simply for convenience to train station and local transit. It is on the edge of the attraction area but most things are still walkable. However, it is about an hour hike to the Vatican. But the buses are handy in front of Termini. We have used Aberdeen, Sonya, and Contilla in that area. Prefer Sonya for the slight better latte in the morning over Aberdeen. Contilla is best for single night when passing through Rome. Personally don't care for the Pantheon area simply because it is harder to get to from Termini and it is over run by tourists. But it is a bit more central.
Not in the area you mention, but have walked to all of those from Campo Di Fiori and like that neighborhood a lot.
Don't know what your budget is, but here is a place you should check out. We have stayed at Hotel Fontanella Borghese many times and have always been pleased. While it is not "luxury", it is very nice and the location is great. The staff is very friendly and helpful. You can walk to Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Nuvona, even Vatican city. They also have a sister hotel closer to the Pantheon called Hotel Due Torri. We always send an email directly with our request for a booking and we get an answer back in 24 hours or less. Ask for a room overlooking the courtyard as rooms overlooking the side street can get noisy. The web site is www.fontanellaborghese.com. Check it out and see what you think. We've spent quite a bit of time in Rome so let me know if you need specific info.
If the Hotel Portoghesi is as good as it used to be, it is perfect. It is so centrally located that you can't go wrong. The Portoghesi church next to it is a gem and often has organ concerts at noon. You are close to Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, not too far from the Forum and Colosseum and in a safe area. There are restaurants everywhere in the area, so you won't have to search far. Wherever you go, have a wonderful stay.
Someone on this forum recommended the Beehive to us and we made reservations there for August.They answer every e-mail promptly and the Hotel is close to a few places as well. Owner is American now Italian. Enjoy your time in Rome http://www.the-beehive.com/
I stayed in the Aberdeen near termini 4 times. We walk to Trevi, pantheon, colosseo and surrounding areas. If you are physically able to walk why would you want to take public transportation? If lack of time is an issue then I understand. I did take the bus to Trastevere and we walked back! I think termini area is great and safe.
Enjoy your trip
Lorieann
We are staying "beyond the Tiber" in a hotel very near the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere. Hotel Santa Maria was recommended for its central location. I would think that anything near the Basilica di Santa Maria would be a good location for exploring. The only time we plan on taking a bus to anything is for a tour of Borghese Gallery. We'll take the bus there and wander back to the hotel exploring piazzas, churches and fountains.
Happy planning!
We stayed right at campo Di Fiori and loved it. Will definitely return to the same area again