Helping an overwhelmed bride make a decision between 2 hotels

So are you more of a romantic or pragmatist? If romantic, then the hotel near the Trevi Fountain might be a good choice, but you are probably paying a premium to be in that locale. If you are more of a pragmatist, the one near the station is a good option. You can take the train from and to the airport, and all manner of public transportation is easily available right there, and there are many wonderful sites in walking distance. Jan

Pragmatic =) But trying really hard to be more spontaneous! That's helpful though. Just seeing it all written out, it made me think of another hotel I looked at way earlier that is closer to the train station, across from the Opera house, and quite a bit cheaper (Al Viminale Hill Inn & Hotel). I think I'm just going to email them and if they still have availability, book it and cross this off my list! Thank you!

Just my opinion, as many on this iste like near the . Termini But, No doubt in my mind. I would stay near the Trevi. Great location to walk everywhere easily. And with a free limo service that is minum value of 40 +euro which is the price of a taxi airport to Roma. And much more convenient being picked up at the airport then getting to the train and getting to your hotel at 10 pm or later when you get into the city. We stayed near Piazza Berberini and loved just walking evrywhere in the city. Happy Memories. Hope you reserved ahead museums or Vatican tour or whatever so you dont have to wait in line

I would also NOT choose a location near the train station. How many train trips would you be taking, anyway? We always stay near Piazza Navona, as we love to go sit in the piazzas (Piazza Navona or by the Pantheon); it's also more centrally located to the other places we'll be visiting during our time in Rome. And very scenic, and romantic even. I would say the Trevi area would be similar.

The immediate vicinity is a rather rundown place, or at least is has a depressive looking. I'd rather avoid it if planning walking from/to there often, as all romanticism is killed by an army of street vendors of counterfeit merchandise, people loitering the area etc.

We stayed at a hotel near the train station once -- because of proximity and an early flight out the next day. Never again! Even though you're a pragmatist usually, this is your Honeymoon, and my vote would definitely be for the hotel near the Trevi -- throw your coins in, then walk to Campo di Fiori, Piazza Navona -- and enjoy your evenings at Trastavere! Lots of young locals, cafes, bars, bistros, out-door restaurants, street music! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Agree with Donna and Andre-would not select a hotel near the Termini. That area of Rome is lacking in the charm you want to experience in Rome. Not much choice of good restaurants in that area either. Have a great trip!

You getting a lot of personal opinions all shaded by our own perceptions of what you want. Of the two choices I would vote for the Opera Hotel. It is several blocks from the train station and area around it nice with a couple of excellent restaurants. And the area is far more charming than around the Trevi fountain which is almost always over run by tourists and the restaurants around the fountain cater to the tourist crowd. We have stayed frequently in Hotel Sonya which is just across the plaza from the Opera house. And we have never run into .....army of street vendors of counterfeit merchandise, people loitering the area etc..... But what do we know? We have only spent three weeks over the past four years or so in this area. Maybe we missed something. But if I was looking for romantic things, dinners outside, etc., I would opt for the Trastevere area. Much better suited for leisurely strolling in the evening. better selections of outdoor restaurants, etc.

Here's a vote for Trastevere for the reasons just mentioned. It's a lot like a medieval village in appearance in terms of charm, but with a lot to do as well. We stayed there in 2008 and really loved it. There are tons of romantic spots and romantic views. Here's a photo I took at night from the Ponte Sisto bridge. I'm getting wistful just thinking about it. Here are some of my other photos of Trastevere if you're interested. And don't forget Google Maps Streetview as a resource to look around these neighborhoods for yourself. Happy travels (and congratulations).

Hi Jenny! My fiance and I found our hotel very close to the Trevi fountain, called Fontana di Trevi, for just 150E a night, paid in cash. I should clarify, it is a B&B. We leave late April, so I can't tell you yet if it's good or not. But in correspondence, they are extremely helpful and the reviews are great. Best of luck! :)

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful replies, you make some really good points. I think it is probably a good decision to splurge a bit for our honeymoon and focus on location. Right now we have an email confirmed reservation at Al Viminale, but I'm having a little bit of a difficult time communicating with them, and the Fontana di Trevi b&b looks like a great compromise of both location and price - so I'm going to see if it's possible to cancel my other reservation. Thanks again for all of your help, I really appreciate this little community!

PS: Michael, thank you so much for posting your photos, they were lovely! I hadn't considered that area but now I'm enticed!

All things being equal...The place with the complimentary limo from the airport has my vote. Buon viaggio,

Even if you decide to stay elsewhere, Trastevere is worth a stroll some evening along Via Della Lungaretta, going from east to west, all the way to Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, where there will be lively crowds, musicians and street entertainers.

We stayed at the River Palace Hotel in Rome. It receives very high marks on Trip Advisor. It was walking distance to the Fountain of Trevi, the Victor Emanuel Monument, the Spanish Steps and the Parthenon. They have a small lobby over looking the street where you can use two computers for free. They have a great regular lobby and a wonderful breakfast in very pretty surroundings. We had a lovely room. We booked it directly on their website.

Julie-I'll be very interested to see how you like Hotel Fontana. We have stayed their twice and I thought it was perfect! Breakfast in the room that overlooks the fountain is a life long memory for me. Convenient to everything and yes, there are lots of tourists but then that made it feel all the more exciting as I'd hate for Rome to be "dead". It's a busy exciting city with lots of people, things to do-it's Rome!

TREVI FOUNTAIN

Trevi Fountain