Nice, cheap hotel in Rome

Run right out and pick up a copy of RS Rome 2011 (or 2012 if it's available). It's loaded with lodging recommendations for all budgets in all the prime neighborhoods. It will be the smartest money you spend on your vacation. Happy travels.

Kate, It would help if you could provide a rough idea of what cost level you're considering? Your idea of "reasonably priced" and mine will no doubt be different. Also, would you consider staying in other parts of Rome, for example the Termini area?

You're all right! I should have said reasonable FOR the Pantheon/Spanish Steps area. Reasonable (impossible?!) to me would be 100 - 120 euros a night. I think I have RS italy 2010 or 2011 and will look there, too, of course. Thank you all!

Oh, and has anyone stayed in the Trastevere area? I know I'd like to explore there a bit on this trip. Anything I should definitely not miss?

You can use venere.com to search by budget and location. The pantheon area is central so you won't find cheap. You may want to give more specific information on your budget. Cheap and reasonably priced mean different things to different people. You can check out the hotel smeraldo or the capo d"africa (near the colosseum). These are both wonderful hotels. donna

Define reasonable. And reasonable, Spanish Steps, Pantheon are often not used in the same sentence. These are high rent areas especially Spanish Steps. If you want reasonable, try the Termini area.

I too suggest Hotel Smeraldo. E120 per night. Excellant location. Walk to most anywhere. They added another building to the hotel which was remodeled. 24 hr desk. Clean. Free Breakfast too. Was just there 3 weeks ago for the 2nd time. Have them arrange a ride from airport, E50, easier than dealing with all the hassles. Added benefit of actually finding the hotel. Not all that easy to locate.

Thank you, all! Since, two of you (and Rick!) recommended Hotel Smerlado, I went ahead and booked online for a great price - 100 euros per night (off season advantage, I'm sure). I truly appreciate your recommendations!

In Trastevere, don't miss Santa Maria in Trastevere. It's got beautiful artwork, is in a lovely piazza with good local restaurants nearby.

Thank you, Zoe - I will definitely do that.

Thanks to everyone! I will check this place too! I go to Rome on the 23rd of Oct. My pricing is the same. I will post if I got a room and any other things that help all.
I am in Malpensa Italy, and at Cardona Hotel. Would suggest for a night before goin into Milan the next morning. It was a place for rest and FREE shuttle to and from airport at Malpensa for bus and train to Milan. Bruno. Allesandro and carrado are so nice. And they let me use a convertor. Hope spelling is on.

http://www.cardanohotel.com/ for Malpensa Italy. I liked it. I would love to post pics of area but don't know how?

Hotel Smeraldo sold out before I could book. wowser! This website does help hotels from our suggestions. :) Any other places that people found in the 100-120 euro range? In Rome? Actualy stays would be preferred vs. suggestions from places that are not familiar:).
As I am using that route now. LOL>

Kate, I'm glad you could get the Smeraldo. I've had several friends stay there at different times of the year and they all loved it. The location is wonderful so you'll have no problems getting to and from the sites. Donna

@Monique, Two Hotels that you might consider in the Termini area are Hotel Sonya or Hotel Aberdeen. I have stayed in both, and they were very comfortable. Check their respective websites for prices at the time you'll be there. Cheers!

Thank you, Donna! I just arranged for the airport transfer, too. They have been so helpful and prompt in responding. This will be my fourth trip to Rome, but my adult son's first! So, I especially wanted to be somewhere that would offer lots of options within walking distance. I think Hotel Smeraldo will be perfect. To Monique - I stayed at Hotel Sonya on my first trip to Italy on a Rick Steves tour several years ago! It was also a nice hotel and one I would have checked on if I had been unable to find a hotel I could afford in the areas I really hoped to stay in.