apartment rental just cancelled by company HELP!!

And OMG, ease of getting around. This is MOST important, I think.

Becca: "...where would I find nearby dining and night life?"

It's downtown Rome. I can't imagine a neighborhood within 5 miles of there that doesn't have dining and night life.

You need to plan on figuring out the bus system and Metro for getting around (and taxis when necessary).

Thanks Steve for your response. Appreciate it. I'm gathering that you prefer Trastevere. I've checked out the street on Google Earth and I like. Looks very residential (hence quiet) so where would I find nearby dining and night life?

Now I'm confused. Steve said there was dining and night life in Trastevere. I was asking where in Trastevere. Patrick, do I need to cross the river for this or can I find nearer to my apartment? Also, is Trastevere's Via dei Riari too far to walk to downtown Rome? I don't have time to learn the bus routes, was depending on walking. But if it's too far....

ok I re-read your response Patrick and get what you're telling me, there's restaurants and nightlife everywhere. How about the distance issue, are busses really necessary?

"I don't have time to learn the bus routes, was depending on walking."

Believe me, you'll be wiser to spend a few minutes learning the bus/metro system. It will save you hours of walking, and you'll be much more fresh when you arrive at your destination, and back home at the end of a day out sightseeing.

When I spoke of buses and the metro, I was thinking of seeing the sights: getting to the Colosseum, Pantheon, Vatican, Trevi Fountain, and all the other things people travel to Rome to see. Like most cities, it's farther than it looks like on a map. Though walking in the cool of evening can be nice, walking long distances in the sun, even this time of year, can zap your strength after a while.

You won't need a bus to get a good meal! You probably won't have to walk more than a block for that.

Becca, just came back from Rome last night it is a great city. I would prefer Via dei Riari, it is a bit closer to all the others sites of Rome like the Colosseum, Roman forum etc. There is lots of restaurant in Rome, lots, but good restaurants in the Trastevere area, and maybe a bit cheaper. Learn the bus and metro system, it is very easy, and you can get everywhere fairly fast. Have fun!

Use Google Earth Street View to check out the neighborhood for yourself and see if you like what you see, including distances to major sights. There are lots of restaurants in Trastevere, most of which are farther south of Via dei Riari. But you're well within walking distance of all sorts of restaurants, etc..

Thanks Everyone, appreciate all your responses. Like most of the human race, I'm resistant to change. I'd been dreaming about my Rome rooftop terrace view for months so when the booking was cancelled for needed repairs to the apartment, I was horribly disappointed. However, Rental In Rome has come through in a HUGE way. You can't believe the apartment they substituted at no additional cost. This apartment is so out of my league I couldn't even have dreamed of staying in such a place. However, I'm reserving more emotion and dreaming until we are installed in this apartment. You know what they say about If it sounds too good to be true..... I did promise RIR glowing recommendations here and every other travel forum if this apartment pans out. Stay tuned.

As to the buses, I have RonInRome lined up for a day tour and he has already provided much guidance. He's promised to be of more assistance with the transportation system once we arrive Rome.

9 days and counting OMG OMG I cannot wait. So excited!!!!!