HELP! Hotel in Rome

Unfortunately you are using two phrases that do not go together well -- moderate priced, central Rome. But it would help if you define moderate price. For some a moderate price in Rome is 150 Euro.

I'm not sure moderately priced works so well with magical view, either.

We stayed at Hotel Giardino, moderately priced and central located, but about as romantic as a rusty nail, with a so-so breakfast overlooking an inner courtyard of air conditioner units and concrete.

We greatly enjoyed the Hotel Due Torri. It is about a 5 minute walk from the Pantheon and from Navona. I wouldn't call it moderately priced, but it was very small and quaint but modern with great air conditioning. It is on a tiny street. I would call it romantic. The breakfast was great. We enjoyed it a lot. We stayed there a week in July.

Hi Aruss--I think Smeraldo is romantic, and definitely centrally located, right off the Campo dei Fiori, but I've never had their breakfast. When we stayed there we took the advice in Rick Steves' book and got pastries and cappuccino at the cafe across the street then sat in front of the Pantheon. That's a magical view!

My husband and I had fabulous breakfasts and a very magical view when we stayed at Hotel Mecenate Palace--they have a beautiful rooftop restaurant with great views of the city. Our room there was wonderful, with an enormous bathroom, slippers and turn-down service. I just saw a deal on rooms there for $148 (103 euro) online, so there are deals out there if you do some digging.

It's a lovely hotel, but it's not in the old city center. It's near Santa Maria Maggiore--walkable to the forum and Colosseum, Termini, metro stops, and a taxi stand at the piazza in front of the basilica. Go to their website and check out the pictures of the rooftop restaurant and the views!

Rome is such a romantic city I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time!

What time of year will you be traveling to Rome? If you are going during the off season you can save a lot of money. If you want a breakfast room with a view you are going to pay for the view, conflicting with your request for moderately priced.

I would go for a lower priced (but still quality room). There are plenty of places you can enjoy city views as you explore the city.

Aruss,

You might find it very helpful to have a look at the Italy 2009 Guidebook, as there are numerous listings there for Hotels in various parts of Rome. Prices are also shown, along with descriptions of the facilities offered (including breakfasts).

The "typical" breakfast in Italy will probably not be the same as you're used to here. While these vary a bit by Hotel, they usually consist of bread, croissants, coffee, sometimes juice and occasionally some cold meats & cheeses.

After you've had a look at the Guidebook, check the websites for any Hotels you're interested in. Most of them have a photo gallery, so you can decide from the photos if these fit your idea of "romantic".

Cheers!

I'll second the recommendation for Hotel Smeraldo.