Best area of Rome - “moderately” priced - hotel/rental?

Posted by vegaschristmas on 09/13/22 07:21 PM

Hi
We, two middle aged couples, will be in Rome for a few nights next mid July. Our friends will be there for only 2 nights. We will be there for 4 nights. None of us have been there before.

We would like to hit some of the typical major sites - no priorities yet.

What would be a good area to stay in?

How do “moderately” priced (3 star, clean/comfortable, but not fancy) hotels compare to short term rentals when it comes to cost?

An apartment sounds nice but if the wife and I need to cover the cost for two nights on our own it may be more than we would want to spend. We don’t have a set budget. We will spend what we need to but would appreciate not dipping into the kids college fund too deeply.

Thanks for the help.

Posted by vegaschristmas OP

09/14/22 03:38 AM

66 posts

We definitely want to see the colosseum so How about the Monti area? And this hotel Domus Real Cardello? Both seem to be about what we are looking for. But please tell me what you really think - I’ve never been.
Thanks

Posted by ChristineH

Gettysburg PA

09/14/22 03:47 PM

7272 posts

Our preferred location in Rome is more central- somewhere near Pantheon/P Navonna/Campo De Fiori. From there you can walk almost anywhere in Rome.
There are lots of recommendations for hotels in that area here on forum- a search should bring some up for you. Hotel Smeraldo is a favorite of many posters here.

In July you will absolutely need air conditioning!
I like Booking.com- you can set your filters for price, location, amenities needed- like AC, elevator, 24/7 desk, etc. Read the reviews- they can only be left by those who have actually stayed so they are legit.
You can book on booking.com or on the hotel website, your choice.

Even though we are frequent travelers and have been to Rome several times we always prefer a hotel over an apartment- unless it is a much longer stay. A hotel gives you the help from a 24/7 desk, a nice breakfast, can hold your luggage if you arrive before check in time, etc.

Nothing wrong with the Monti neighborhood but for me it's just not central enough. The hotel you mention is actually in a fairly good location. I would read the reviews of it on Booking.com. It wouldn’t work for me because we need an elevator ;)

Posted by vegaschristmas OP

09/14/22 06:47 PM

66 posts

Thanks for the tips. I’ll check out Smeraldo. It’s nice to know of places that are well thought of.

Posted by Valerie

Pacific Northwest

09/14/22 06:52 PM

2691 posts

A second vote for staying near Piazza Navona. Nice and central.

Posted by Richard

Pleasant Hill, CA, USA

09/14/22 07:40 PM

473 posts

https://www.nikiscollectionnavona.com/en/nikis-collection-navona-homepage/

Check this place out it’s very reasonable and the location is awesome. Gets great reviews from Tripadvisor and Google. We are staying there for two nights in June.

Posted by vegaschristmas OP

09/15/22 12:29 AM

66 posts

Thanks. I can see how that would be a nice central area to be. How would the feel of this neighborhood compare to Monti?

Posted by Suki

09/15/22 12:46 AM

11647 posts

We stay in the Palazzo Navona area near the Pantheon, walking distance to most sites. Staying by the Colloseum is farther out.
Hotel Palazzo Navona is nice.
For a first time visit it is a better idea to stay in a hotel where their English speaking concierge or front desk can help you with dinner reservations and directions.