B&B challenge

Personally, I wouldn't stay near the Spanish Steps if it was free! Every time I've been there it is a mob scene! Since I'm not a B&B guy, I don't have a recommendation.

Okay so where would you stay? We have never been to Italy (never been to Europe) We need to keep it at about $150 a night and again we only have two days

Marianne, The price will vary widely with the season, when will you be in Rome?

I am not crazy about the Spanish Steps area, also.

Our preference is the Pantheon area and the Colosseum area. Many people think the Coloseo area is too far away, but we find that we walk a lot! So many things that we have seen are the things we see on the way too/from the hotel.

Tell us what things you want to see, what your interests are.

When in Rome, I consistently use the guide available through santasuasanna.org which has a list of convents and monasteries located throughout Rome--most have pretty basic rooms(no tv, maybe no phone, but usually very nice continentalbreakfasts) but super prices and locations. Go to the website click on "coming to Rome," and go through the list. then, check tripadvisor.com for the ratings. I usually stay at Santa Fornaci alle Fornaci, 5 minutes from the Vatican in a quiet neighborhood with a couple of local bistros frequented by the clergy visiting, that have excellent food and moderate prices. The thing to remember in Rome is that you won't be spending much time in your room because there is so much to see and do.

Sorry I was so short in my post.

And we always stay in the Termini area which probably is not you wanted to hear. But we like it for convenience and price. Unfortunately a $150 night, 110E, is on the low side for central Rome and even for the Termini area.

If you're willing to have a bathroom down the hall instead of in your room, that will open up more possibilities in your price range. Shoot for Piazza Navona or Campo dei Fiori since this is your first time to Rome.

Aarianne,
We really like the "Nardizzi American". It's less the 10min from the station...we walked. Very resonable price, near transportaion and clean. Nice rooftop terrace. www.hotelnardizzi.it, info@hotelnardizzi.it With the terrace, it was so nice to sit out a night, you can buy you own bottle of wine and just enjoy!

Try this website www.cross-pollinate.com it is a bed and breakfast and apartment booking service owned and operated by an American family living in Rome. I have used their accommodations before and have loved every place that I have stayed. They are also recommended in Ricks book on Italy.

Marianne,
I would like to recommend the Nicholas Inn in Rome near the Coliseum on Cavour St. We stayed there a couple of weeks ago and my wife and I loved it. The owners speak English well (she is from Chicago) and they gave us wonderful recommendations of places to eat, tours, etc. Everything was within 20 minutes via walking, metro, or bus. I would also like to recommend the Scavi tour (under St Peter’s), Federica D’Orazio (a wonderful personal guide), and the Roma Pass. Scavi was very informative and unique. We learned double what we would have with Federica. The Roma pass covers the first two Rome city sites and half of the rest as well as 3 days of bus and metro transportation. We figured we paid it off twice in the three days we were there. Just my input. Hope that helps. Have a Great time in Rome.
Nate

We stayed at the top of the Spanish Steps our first time in Rome. We felt it was at the far end of what we wanted to see.

The next time we stayed at the Hotel Navona. We have fallen in love with that area.

Then we started staying at the Hilton at FCO, using their free shuttle into the city. This hotel has always been used only because of traveling with 80+ year old parents who chose it and paid for it.

We are going to stay in the city this year. We're looking in the Piazza Navona/Campo di Fiori area. We've heard that the Hotel Navona has gone down hill in the last few years (while it's prices have gone up!) So we are looking for a new hotel in the area.

I think with only two days, you would be happier a little more central. We don't do B&B so can't help there.

I prefer the Piazza Navona/Campo de Fiori areas as well but it will be hard to find a good place in those areas based on your budget. I agree with the other poster that the Spanish Steps was too crowded for my taste. Have a look at Trip Advisor...I'm sure you'll find a place that suits your needs. Sorry I can't recommend a B&B. We stayed in an apartment near Piazza Navona but it was more than $200/night. Have a wonderful time in Rome; it's a great city!