Hotels/Area in Rome

Hotel Aberdeen is a very nice hotel which I don't think will break your bank. I stayed here twice on the week long tour of Rome with RS. ( went on the tour twice, so much to see in Rome) and it was clean, nice, staff was very nice, and a good buffet breakfast. I would stay here again. It is near the bus stops and the metro. It is near some major churches and it is near the train station that you can walk to the hotel. Rome is wonderful, have a great trip.

Most people and guidebooks recommend the same areas as best to stay, as a result the costs are higher in these areas so you need to weigh to do want a less central location or less safe area in order to save money and/or be closer to specific things and transportation.
Less safe in Rome does not mean dangerous but not as clean or safe I think is fair to say.
I think it is worth paying extra when staying in Rome to stay within the Historic Center, more so than most cities I might save on room selection rather than area. If you stay in the best area you won't use your hotel room for more than sleeping.
Rome has a certain atmosphere in the historic center especially at night, the whole area is an open air museum.
You may find #4 suits your needs better though or at least your budget.

This is just my personal thoughts
1.) The Historic Center (which then is broken up into different areas)
a.) Piazza Pantheon area and Piazza Navona (these are actual 2 different areas but so close they can be considered 1)
It is worth paying more to be as close to the Piazzas as possible. Great atmosphere here, super safe at all hours not as crowded with tourists as other parts though still far from a quiet area. Some Piazza Navona listings are actually closer to Campo De Fiore, also a nice area to stay but a little less so.

Other places also within the Historic Centre which I would also be totally fine with but not my 1a choice.
Campo De Fiore (I think the most economical option within the Historic Centre)
Trevi Fountain area (can be loud and tourist filled at all hours)
Spanish Steps / Piazza Del Popolo (more overpriced shops geared toward the tourist here, diehard shoppers may prefer it)
Via Veneto / Villa Borgeuse (I am sure this area is nice, very pretty but also very pricey and don't see any reason to pay to stay here except for the luxury hotels that are there).

2.) Colesseum Area: great to see the Colesseum at night of course and a major draw but I find the streets are more main roads filled with car traffic not nice cobblestone alleyways you want to get lost venturing around like the historic centre has.
Less of the ancient feel and atmosphere if you will despite the obvious Colessuem, Roman Forum, etc.. being right there.

3.) Trastevere / Jewish Ghetto : most people who stay here want to feel more like a local and for the great selection of restaurants in the non-tourist filled areas. I would consider it less convenient but could see someone staying for a full week or longer easily preferring this area it is quieter and if you like walking is a central location with nothing super close but also positioned so walking is possible for every site.

4.) Termini Station area: super convenient if using the train station which most tourists do even if flying in.
Area is not as safe or as pretty though like around most European city train stations. Some love it and there definitely hotel bargains to be had.
Most staying outside this area end up needing a cab to bring them and luggage to their hotel from the train station so this area can save you more than just the cheaper hotel rates.
If you expect to be in by 8 PM, you may not care or notice a difference. I wouldn't stay here personally even if it is getting nicer and many have great experiences. I still find it a sketchier part of town that I would just assume pay to avoid.

5.) Vatican Area: great to be near the Vatican but in my opinion totally inconvenient to everything else and a different feel.
I know multiple friends that book here from the US because the Vatican/St. Peters is such a major reason to them visiting Rome. Those are also the same people that do not rave about their Rome experiences.

jo,

I normally prefer to stay in the area around Termini station as it's so very convenient for transportation, whether getting around the city by Metro or Bus, or when arriving and leaving the city. There are some good hotels in that area and I've stayed at Hotel Sonya and Hotel Aberdeen, as well as a Hostel.

One further comment....

"If you expect to be in by 8 PM, you may not care or notice a difference. I wouldn't stay here personally even if it is getting nicer and many have great experiences. I still find it a sketchier part of town that I would just assume pay to avoid."

After many visits, I've never found that area to be "sketchier" or found a need to be safely ensconced in my hotel room by 20:00. I've wandered about that area until 23:00 or later and never felt that it was dodgy. Many of the restaurants are buzzing well into the evening and there are lots of people on the streets.

Most tourists want to stay in the "ideal" part of the city to visit the main sights, but keep in mind that hotels in those areas may be higher priced due to their popularity.

If you'd rather not stay close to Termini, I'd also recommend Trastevere. However, it's getting more "discovered" so will probably also be quite "busy".

I would recommend staying near Termini for all the reasons stated above. Easy to arrive and depart. All major metro and buses nearby. You can use Tripadvisor or Kayak and find at least 100 choices in that area to satisfy any need or budget.

Thank you so much to everyone for your time to help me with my trip, is actually my 1st time.

Just to clarify my statement as I don't want to come down too harsh on a Termini area hotel choice and certain I did by the later responses.
I consider this a budget minded traveler website where the total cost of a trip may be high but each traveler is looking to make the most sound decisions on when and where to allocate that money saving when possible.
My advise was in Rome I felt being in the middle of the atmosphere of the historic center was worth paying extra.
Most of that atmosphere is in the after dinner hours when the piazzas are bustling with activity.

I do know many who have stayed in Termini and loved their stay and the area, it is the most convenient for transit.
I could also envision a random person reading recommendations to stay in Termini area not necessary weighing the cost as much and be disappointed in their choice after the fact.
If you can fit it into the budget, I believe there are nicer places to stay that are worth the premium.
If you do need to save money on your Rome stay, Termini is a very attractive option and a better choice than staying near the Vatican or further outside the center is how I should have worded my statements originally.

I stayed in the B&B Zen Trastevere in January. It is in a building of flats. I felt very safe, and the Tram 8 stopped very close to it. It will take you right into the heart of the city and made travel back to the airport easy. Nice people. Great for the budget. I wrote an extensive review of it on Tripadvisor.

"If you can fit it into the budget, I believe there are nicer places to stay that are worth the premium."

This is my opinion of the Termini area as well.

Stay at Hotel Aberdeen as recommended by others. Great location, clean rooms, good breakfast, friendly staff, great price. Have stayed there 3 times. I have also atayed at Hotel American good also but I prefer Aberdeen.
Have a wonderful time.

Lorieann

Another vote for the Termini area. I have stayed at the Hotel Sonya and also the Contila -both are within a block or 2 of termini centrale and from there - you can get a metro, train, bus to just about anywhere in Rome. I am a budget hotel person - and have always found the Aberdeen full and not avail.