Location to stay in Rome

Joie, you've received some good advice on your other posting asking basically this same question here: http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/63163/bb-rome.html Or am I missing something?

Where did you read that it is not safe? Or is it, "They said ..." Are you looking for $300/night or $75/night. $75/night or 53E is a very low if not impossible number if you expect to be close to main attractions. We always stay in the Termini (4 times) and think it is fine but others may suggest that it is seedy. Guess it is in the eyes of the beholder. We like it for convenience to transit -- buses, trains --- nice restaurants, and good two and three star hotels for about 150E/night. It is on the edge of the main attractions but very walk and safe.

Sort of Michael - and i researched the answers and referrences which is why i am now asking "is it safe" based on what i found regarding the Termini area. Frank -
Thanks for the info. I am hoping about $90-$110 US a night. When i googled more about the Termini location is when I read some postings about how safe it was. Since I am travelling alone - that is important. If that means i should spend more to be near Trevi, Pantheon, etc........then i will. Thanks!

Hi Joie, I'm not a big fan of the area around Termini. I know some people on this site really like it for the convenience, and I have stayed in the area and felt safe, but it is a bit grittier and it's not as lovely as other areas. There are other areas, like near Piazza Navona or Campo dei Fiori, that look the way I'd always imagined Rome to look and are also very convenient, since you can walk to almost everything you want to see. (You will have to take a cab from Termini to your hotel rather than walk.) I've stayed at Smeraldo near the Campo dei Fiori, and my sister-in-law has stayed at Due Torri near Piazza Navona, both are under 300 Euro, both areas felt very safe. Have a wonderful trip!

Thanks Elizabeth!! I opted to spend $140 a night and stay in Navona. Its my last 4 nights in Italy and I've booked steals in other cities, I think its worth a little splurge for my final nights and the location looks perfect. I booked at Navona Governo Vecchio Thanks again!
Joie

Joie I wouldn't say that the area around Termini is "unsafe" per say, more that it has more than a fair share of "unsavory" characters. Public transportation is my friend in Rome and so many, many times I find myself at Termini changing buses or the metro. I have never been attacked or threatened or man-handled in any way, but the men especially swarm around you like flies and we got followed a few times (not in a stalking, menacing way - more like a "hey where you ladies going" type way, but followed just the same). If I were going solo, I wouldn't necessarily be "scared" but uncomfortable is a better word. I would leave it low on the totem pole of options and try other, more picturesque and female-friendly places first.

joie, Although you've already chosen a location to stay, I wanted to mention that I usually stay in the Termini area, and don't consider it to be "not safe" at all! It's a busy place with lots of activity, but I've never had a problem there, even walking alone back to the Hostel at night. Happy travels!

We usually stay at Hotel Lancelot near the coliseum. Great hotel!

We've stayed in Rome several times, walking with our bags from Termini Station and never had any problems. We'll be returning in June and recommend Hotel Medici about a 15 minutes walk. (http://www.hotelmedici.com/ita/index.asp)
It should be within your price range.

we stayed at hotel giardino, perfect location for sights, buses staff helpful , short busride or walk from termini

I love all the helpful replies!! As a young woman travelling alone and never been to Europe, the feedback and honesty is much appreciated! Joie :)

I think the easy way to think of it is that the Termini area is sort of like the Pioneer Square area in Seattle. (But not quite a bad) It is an area though where you are somewhat more likely to see some odd folks. I always stay in the Termini area due to lower prices for lodging, convenience in/out of town and my daily salad and wine and bread from the grocery in the lower level of Termini. At the end of a long day, I think you have more to worry about from the traffic in Rome than anything else assuming you practice the most basic safety rules.