Area to Stay in Rome

Dave,

Everyone here seems to have their own preferences for the "best" part of Rome. I prefer to stay in the area near Termini station as it's so convenient for transportation, and I don't mind the area at all. You might have a look at Hotel Sonya or Hotel Aberdeen in that area.

The Prati area might be a good place for your group. I prefer the area around Piazza Navona or the Pantheon, but there's lots of tourist traffic there.

Are you looking for apartments or hotels?

I'm 63 and have been staying in the Prati/Vatican area for years. While I love the hustle/bustle/lively attractions while I'm out and about, I prefer a quieter area to finish the day, have dinner and sleep.

I really, really, hate recommending my two favorite hotels as they've become so popular they're sometimes booked when I want to go there, but the Hotel Alimandi Vaticano and Hotel Alimandi Tunisi are across from the Vatican Museum. They're family owned and the neighborhood behind them is all local, with better food, better prices......and they will tell you what restaurants they recommend. Again, I hate sharing this info, so I hope you're not there when I'm there taking my room away from me!! You can look them up on Venere.com, or booking.com or just 'google' them. They are Very Nice People, and I love the neighborhood.

We enjoyed our stay near Termini Station in Hotel Italia Roma. Its right around the corner from a bus pickup/drop off that will take you to all the major sights. It was surprisingly quiet (off the main street) and had a couple of nice cafe's nearby. The hotel staff was very welcoming and helped us with our 1001 questions and made us feel at home.

I like lodging near Roma Termini, on the Via Marsala side. I walk just a few steps to my room. No taxi! Just look for the big green neon Plus sign inside the station and walk through the hallway that flanks that Farmacia. Cross Via Marsala, walk a few steps east to Via Milazzo, walk a few doors down to Via Milazzo 4/6, a lovely office that manages Hotel Mirage, Hotel Halifax, and Bed and Breakfast Caroline Suites. Mattresses are the best I"ve had in Rome. TV and good WiFi in all rooms.

A room on Via Marsala gets noisey at 4 AM when the vendors come to drop off their wares. I never minded that because I loved the dubious distinction of sleeping next to Termini. They do have quieter rooms.

A good Breakfast is served to lodgers from all over the world. They make real caffe' like in the Bars. Pastries are the best varieties from the Bars. Deli meat and cheese, Yomo, toast you make yourself, real butter, jelly and nutella tubs, pound cake and fruit, juices, milk and cereals. I don't have to sneak out to the Bars like I do when staying at a Convent!

The area is full of merchants from all over the world. Good people who keep the sidewalks safe for the tourists. They get to know you and look out for you. There are three Italian ristoranti near the hotels, and a great Cinese ristorante down the block and around the corner. I get ther sizzling hot plate of fresh prawns. A Pakiatani kitchen is across the street next to a small grocery store, and a Pakistani pizza place near the hotel that is quite good, and Termini has a huge Conad City grocery on the lower level where I go a lot for cheap potluck meals. The main level has the Chef Express Italian cafeteria which is quite good, plus endless sandwich shops on that level.

This will be our fourth time to Rome and we always stay near the Rome train station. Near the Repulica, it is near the train for traveling through Italy, the underground the bus stops and has many great neighborhood restaurants. Also not far if you are good for walking toward many of the main sights and quiet.

Thanks for the feedback. So far it looks like the Prati area works for a quieter neighborhood. Other than the Vatican, is it with a reasonable walking distance of some of the other sites? We are presently planning on staying in an apartment - probably through VBRO or AirBnb. But we are open to other suggestions.

Another vote for Prati: great area. We've also stayed nearer Termini and enjoyed it for multiple conveniences but based on your preferences, I think you'll really enjoy this less-frequented (by tourists) neighborhood of Rome. Take a look at Hotel Giulio Cesare: very nice hotel with friendly staff, an excellent breakfast, bar and very pleasant courtyard, and I see it's still getting high ratings. Double Classic Rooms are on the small side (pretty common for Italian hotels) so spring for a Superior if your budget can handle it. I don't think I'd recommend a Double Economy - although I haven't seen those.

Donna, your secret is out. The Hotel Alimandi Vaticano and Hotel Alimandi Tunisi are the first hotels listed in Rick Steves new Rome guidebook for that neighborhood.

We stayed near the Piazza del Gesu. Walking distance to all major attractions. Expensive, but good location.

The Campo di Fiori area always gets my vote. We use Homeaway to find an apartment with a terrace. It puts you in the heart of Rome and within walking distance to everything, including the Vatican and Colosseum. The market sets up everyday and it can be noisy but we find it fascinating. The side streets have some great restaurants that are not touristy