Arco de Tolemei B&B or Hotel Aberdeen? Help me choose.

I agree with Swan. For your first trip to Rome, and with plans that take you through Termini already, stay in the more central area. While I loved the Trastevere area and will likely stay there the next time I am in Rome, it's not as convenient to the main tourist sites.

I would choose the lodging near Termini. Roman public transit tends to be very crowded and unpleasant much of the time. From H. Aberdeen you can walk to many sites in Rome. You may want to take the Metro to the Vatican, but Vatican City is not too far to walk for many travelers.

We have always loved the hotel Aberdeen. We have stayed several times, even before they remodeled. It is close enough to the Termini Station you can walk, it is right off of a main street (Repulica) and the subway is right there at the Piazza Repulica, plus a travel agency right around the corner to book train tickets. Last time we had Hotel Aberdeen pick us up at the airport for a resonable price and our flight was five hours late and we called them from London and they were there at almost midnight to pick us up. Also they are in a nice neighborhood with great small restaurants when you don't want to wander back into the heart of room after a long day.

I have decided to book with Hotel Aberdeen. just made a mistake the first time though, as there is a special link on their website I didn't notice the first time for "Rick Steves' Readers" that knocks off 20€ per night.

I'll get it worked out and am sure the hotel will honor the proper booking.

Marco at the B&B seems nice and I've told him I'll remember him for my next visit to Rome.

thanks everyone!

I've stayed at the Arco dei Tolomei and found them quite hospitable and they have a very nice breakfast spread. However, for the price, I prefer the Arco del Lauro, located on the ground floor of the same building. Lorenza is a very friendly and helpful host! I stay there each time I am in Rome. I LOVE Trastevere! I would much prefer to be in a neighborhood atmosphere rather than the hustle and bustle of the Termini area. There is a great number of restaurants and a vibrant nightlife in Trastevere, and Tram 8 will take you into the heart of the historic city center. You will also feel at ease walking the streets at night in Trastevere as opposed to the Termini area.

OK. Marco has me rethiking it - his reply was very kind and understanding, yet he is strongly suggesting that I stay somewhere in Trastevere (even if not with him) as opposed to near Termini, which he describes as "impersonal and touristy."

Is he just just doing is neighborly duty and promoting the area, or is this advice that I should take.

He says taxi from Termini to Trastever is only a 10 minute ride. (note we are arriving at 9:00 am by night train).

The reservation with Hotel Aberdeen can always be canceled (it wasn't a pre-pay deal).

Turns out Hotel Aberdeen is actually booked full. So, I'm now considering Hotel Nazionale (luxury, near the Pantheon) versus Arco de Tolemei (B&B in Trastevere).

Further comments welcomed.

A hotel near the Pantheon would be a good choice. I disagree with others regarding staying at the Aberdeen (we had a very noisy room--too close to Via Nazionale with non stop traffic all night). There is no way you could walk to Aberdeen from the Termini--lots of traffic over multiple lanes--and with luggage--cannot imagine doing that. All of our favorite restaurants are near the Campo Fiori area--never had a good meal at any of the restaurants near the Aberdeen. Not a charming area at all.

have a true confirmation now for staying at Albergo Smeraldo Dipidenza at a good Rick Steves rate.

Done.

"Is he just just doing is neighborly duty and promoting the area, or is this advice that I should take."

Just to address the neighborhood aspect between Termini & Trastevere, I'd say it's a little bit of both. Trastevere, imo, IS a more charming and interesting neighborhood than Termini. So is the Pantheon area where it sounds like you ended up.

As with most cities, the most convenient areas for transportation are also lacking in charm. I'm not sure I would call it especially touristy but a lot of tourists do stay in the area for the convenience, and that's really what it boils down to: convenience vs. character. Which one you choose depends on what you're looking for, how much time you have, and whether you're familiar with the area. Neither is a wrong choice.

I've stayed at the Arco de Tolemei, and it's not what people make it out to be. Our room was old with mildew in the bathroom and looked out over a little street that had some sort of car garage that opened early and closed late. I certainly don't need the Ritz, but Arco is highly overrated IMO. Marco is a nice guy but he's also a salesman.

However, I will say that Trastevere was a great location and nice neighborhood. It was good to get out of Rome proper and enjoy the area. Tram 8 takes you into the heart of Rome very quickly.

Aberdeen is probably a better pick for you coming off the train.