rome - where to stay?

That is always a very broad question especially "charm." We always stay in the Termini area just for convenience to transit. It has it own charm but probably not what you are expecting. Personally do not think high tourist areas like the Pantheon is very charming but other do. Now I think Trastevere can be very charming but it is charming because it off the beaten path a bit, less touristy and much quieter with a pleasant evening life. But it is not convenient or as convenient to everything as other places.

kim, I use the same method as Frank, and usually stay in the area near Roma Termini, as it's so convenient for transportation. Two hotels that I'd recommend in that area are Hotel Sonya or Hotel Aberdeen (I've stayed at both). In addition to the hotel listings in the Italy 2013 Guidebook, you could also check the excellent Ron In Rome website, as there's a good section there covering hotels in various parts of Rome. Happy travels!

I personally prefer the Pantheon/Piazza Navona area over the Termini area but it's simply a matter of preference. To me, the Pantheon/Navona area is more quaint and charming. I don't know what your budget is but you might try Albergo del Senato (right next to the Pantheon) to see if they have any rooms available. The hotel is highly rated on Trip Advisor and it overlooks the Pantheon which is a lively area at night. I like walking around the Pantheon/Navona areas at night after dinner with a gelato in hand.

We always stay four or five blocks from Stazione Termini in the area of the Roma Opera House on Via Viminale. For the last few years we have been staying at a really nice b&b across the street from the opera house called Armonio All' Opera. The walk to the station from this area is about 15 minutes. Buon viaggio,

For charm stay in the historic center: Pantheon/P.za Navona/Campo dei Fiori areas. Many good restaurants, too. We also have come to like Prati a lot, near the Vatican and an easy bus ride from the historic center. You don't have to stick with Rick's book. We've found great places through Booking.com and we've used VRBO.com all over Italy with great success. Stayed in an apartment near Largo Argentina in 2011 prior to moving and loved the 'hood, just 5 minutes walk from Campo dei Fiori, 10 from Piazza Navona, and close to tram and buses. Grocery store a couple of minutes away, too. Stay near P.za Navona, CDF or the Pantheon and you are golden for transportation whether walking or on a bus. It's much nicer than the Termini area and a cab from Termini is about 13 euros if. you need one coming and going from Rome

Cumulatively over the past five years, I've probably spent a couple of months in Rome, and I prefer the Prati area near the Vatican. I like the fact that it's quiet at night, and the restaurants/pizzerias and cafes in the residential district here are more local rather than touristy, and the food is better and cheaper. I've also stayed in Trastevere and it's a fun, charming and very young area also with good food and more activity/night life than you'll find in Prati. Someday I am going to stay near Campo di Fiori/Navona.......but I already
have my favorite hotel in Prati. One year my husband insisted that we stay in the Termini area at Hotel Aberdeen. While the hotel itself was nice, the restaurants close by were sub-par, and like train stations in most cities, the every-day locals were a little "sketchy" looking, which made us uncomfortable walking the required long distances to the restaurants we wanted to go to. There are thousands of hotels in Rome that you can enjoy without subjecting yourself to the Termini area other than your trip in and your trip out.

I agree with Laurel-near the Pantheon is the ideal place to stay in Rome. I also agree that restaurants near the Termini are sub-par. There are many great restaurants near Campo Fiori, the Pantheon, and Navonna. Look at Hotel Due Torri and Hotel Modagliani-those may suit you.

I second Donna. While Termini is convenient for public transit to, as well as in & around Rome, at night, the places I wanted to eat/go were not near by and I was less comfortable walking in the area at night. Never had a problem but just felt less comfortable.

We will be in Rome in August. The 4th time for my BF and my second time. I picked the location this time around. I chose the City's House (sometimes spelled City House) B&B right behind the Pantheon. http://www.cityhouserome.com/bookings/ I liked it b/c the reviews on TA were good, location is amazing, rooms looked nice and beds comfortable (people stated so in the reviews), and it was an incredible rate. Check them out to see if they have availability. They only have 5 rooms but we were able to get 2 for us and my parents (80 and 90 euro/night - which is GREAT for Rome in this location). Have fun!

hi, we stayed close to the spanish steps and we loved it. plenty of places to eat, shopping, and within walking distance to plenty of tourist attractions. i think quite a few people like the pantheon area as it is considered to be quite central. we used a company called nextaway.com and i know they have various apartments around the city. its worth a look. good luck in your search.

We stayed near the Spanish steps at the panda hotel. I loved how close it was to the subway and how easy it was to walk to all the sights. Simple rooms but would go back again

Another option is the Hotel Napoleon with the metro 10 steps out the front door. It's located just a short walk from the Colosseum. The hotel is fabulous and I find the area to be just great for logistics and restaurants.