hotel location in Rome

Kathy, I'm not sure you've given enough info for anyone to help you? If I read your note correctly, one hotel is off Via Cavour and the other is near the Vatican. Based on those choices, neither is in the "centro" area and both will require some walking. Via Cavour is closer to the Forum and Colosseo, but limited by the number of buses that run on that street and the fact they close the Via dei Fori Imperiale on Sundays... so NO buses on that day. There is the nearby Cavour Metro, but unless you're headed to Ostia or the Colosseo, you'd have to always be changing lines at Termini to get to the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, or Vatican. Staying near the Vatican - to get anywhere but the Vatican - you'd have to ride the metro or bus. Fortunately, there are multiple connections in this part of town. There are about 2,000 accommodations in Rome so I would suggest you NOT limit yourself to only looking at these options. Because you have elderly folks, and if it's your first time in Rome, I'd suggest looking at hotels more in the centro area of town. From there you could more easily explore the "most" sites; any elderly folks could more easily return to their hotel for a break; there are plenty of restaurants and cafe's to choose from; And, there's nothing better than being able to step out of your hotel in the evening and walk through this part of Rome. Neither of your two locations - if I read them correctly - will give you all these options. The issue is price; the centro area is MORE expensive than probably either alternative you're looking at. Not sure of your budget or number of rooms needed, or the time of year you're coming.. all which will factor into the cost.

That all being said; where to stay? Probably the hardest choice for first-timers in Rome. You can click on any of these links to see lists of the best-rated hotels in the Centro area (as ranked by venere.com and booking.com guests). Those areas would include the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain. These accomodations are all centrally located and at various price points. If you need more than 10 rooms you could probably contact a hotel and "negotiate" the rates. If you still like the Monti (near Via Cavour) or Vatican area, here are some other options for where you are looking: The Colosseo and Monti Area and Prati-Vatican Area. Hopefully that gives you some other options to consider. With large groups, you might also look at the apartment option. It could save you some money... but if it's your first time for most of your party, you may neeed the support of a hotel or B&B staff for directions, or advice. When you're in an apartment, you are ON YOUR OWN. Good luck in your decision.

Thanks so much, Ron - you've been a big help. I (duh) just looked at a map of Rome and see what you mean about neither area being ideal. I'll start my search all over -- but better a little work now than regrets later!

My husband and I stayed at the River Palace Hotel in Rome, in August-September, 2011, We totally enjoyed the hotel. It was conveniently located, air-conditioned and just plain nice. In doing a lot of research, we had read all good things about the hotel. Elaine

Thanks! We will definitely look into that one. We are all so excited about this trip!