Rome hotels

Pam, when you say Traveling with my spouse and 2 adult children do you mean that you are traveling NOW? If so, late notice rooms will be very hard to get in Rome at such short notice. What I mean is, the good ones, at a lower price, will likely all be gone for the peak travel month that August is. Nevertheless, the best place to start might be a good guidebook the creator of this website, Rick Steves, does a decent series of books on Rome which will give you an overview of the areas in Rome near the particular sights you want to see. Especially difficult, on short notice, though to get hotels recommended in guidebooks because they are usually booked out months in advance. Once you have narrowed down the areas you are interested in, for example the Pantheon area or Piazza Navona, you can then use those terms in a website like booking dot com which will only show places with availability on your dates. Do you need 3 rooms or two? You say reasonably priced but don't define what means to you in Euros. You may be surprised - sticker shock - for the remaining rooms.

Rome is a pretty walking friendly city. The streets are curvy and can be confusing but the bigger sites are all pretty close to one another. If price is most important to you, I would recommend staying near Termini. The hotels are cheaper but safe, clean, usually offer something for breakfast. There are also a lot of hostels in the area that are even cheaper and most offer some private rooms and bathrooms. We usually stay in this area and then walk to the sites in the morning. And at night when we are tired (or have had a smidge to much vino) hop on a bus or take a cheap cab ride back. As a bonus, the neighborhoods are much quieter at night and the restaurants are cheaper but just as delicious. If location is most important to you, Trevi Fountain/Pantheon/Spanish steps/Piazza Navona etc are all pretty close to one another so just pick your favorite. But hotels and restaurants in this area are all way more expensive. If you are a light sleeper, I would avoid things close to Piazza Navona or Campo di Fiori because it gets pretty loud and people are out late. Hotels by the Vatican are cheaper too (although Termini still probably cheaper) and it is a little quieter at night and also a little of a walk to the other sites (but not that long). Once you narrow down where you want to stay, I am sure folks will have lots of suggestions. In my hostel days, I was very loyal to the Freedom Traveller, had my own room and bathroom. More recently, I have stayed at a few hotels in the Termini area (the one I can remember is Hotel Gambrinus) and have been pleased with all of them. Trip Advisor has pretty accurate reviews in my opinion.

I am thinking you are in the planning stages? If so, look at :roninrome.com
Best Rome website EVER for all things Rome, he covers rooms from the most luxurious to the least expensive. The earlier the better for reservations.

Pam, I'd suggest checking your local Library to see if you can find a copy of the RS Italy or Rome Guidebooks. They have LOTS of listings for good and reliable hotels in various parts of Rome. You could of course also buy a copy, but if you'll be travelling next year you might wait as the 2014 edition should be released soon. The Guidebooks will also provide valuable information on sightseeing, transportation, etc. My preference is to stay in the area close to Termini station, as it's so convenient for transportation. From there you can walk to some sights or use Buses or Metro. If you're taking any day trips (ie: Orvieto) getting to the trains is quick and easy. Have a look at Hotel Sonya or Hotel Aberdeen in that area. I've stayed at both and would highly recommend both. Good luck with your planning!