safety around Hotel Ariston termini area

It's perfectly safe, just not the prettiest part of Rome - dark and gritty. Lots of street peddlers, etc. You can definitely find someplace you'll like better. What's your budget for lodging? Do you have the RS book for either Rome or Italy?

I have rs book on rome. we are looking around the 120 euro range

Try looking around the Campo de' Fiori, Piazza Navona neighborhoods. They're great.

The area is fine. I don't understand your question, though. If you'll be staying at the Hotel Ariston, why are you looking for other places?

my sister in law read in the guide book she bought for my niece that it was a "seedy" place and wanted her (my neice) to be safe.
thanks to all for the information.

Tom, Agree with the other post that the area is safe, its just not charming. Check Flamini Domus Charming Suites. It's near Campo de Fiore in a more charming area. DH and I are paying 120 euro per night in May.

You have to remember in the US we associated seediness with crime, unsavory neighborhoods, etc.. A lot of Europe is seedy by Am standards, lots of graffito that they make no attempt to remove or cover like we do in the US coupled with lots of old building some times not in the best of external repair so it looks seedy. On six visits over three weeks we have stayed in the Termini area and prefer it for the price and convenience to local transit. You will be fine but just don't expect it look like Columbus, Ohio.

Tom, Which Guidebook are you reading, and when was it last revised? I'm not sure I agree with their opinion of that area as being "seedy". I've never stayed at Hotel Ariston but it appears to be only a few blocks from Termini, in the same general area as Hotel Aberdeen and Hotel Sonya. You might have a look at Google Street View, as it shows that the Hotel has a VERY NICE entrance with four stars above the door, and some nice sidewalk Cafés across the street. I wouldn't have any hesitation at all in staying in that area! As someone else mentioned, Rome sometimes looks "seedy" to those from this part of the world as the buildings are old, and some are covered in varying amounts of graffiti. Rome "is what it is" and IMO that's part of the character of the city. When travelling in Rome and most other places in Italy, you will improve your "safety" by wearing a Money Belt. Happy travels!

ken the guide book was Frommer's 20th edition 2011. Thanks to all.

Our RS group stayed at the Hotel Sonya, directly across from the Opera House, which is a short walk from Termini. http://www.hotelsonya.it/ You are still close to Termini, but a bit nicer area. I plan to use it again in June.

Numero Uno, your 13 year old niece isn't going ANTWHERE in Rome by herself, right??? I would have nightmares. That being said, I stayed at an apartment in that neighborhood two years ago. I felt safe. Lots of immigrants, but true of most of Rome I suppose. Graffiti is a problem, but true of everywhere except the vatican. As I think about it, I got hassled by street vendors much more near the spanish steps then anywhere else. Everyone has their favorite hotel/airfare site, mine currently is Kayak.com It has served me well for hotels and airfare. I might look for something near the Pantheon, which includes the Piazza Navrone (sp?) So, look around Rome. If you're arriving at Termini, you can catch the metro to anywhere in Rome if you're cheap like me and you don't want to hire a cab. There is plenty of info on the metro.

Minor point about the Metro. It doesn't actually take you anywhere you want to go. The vast majority of the historic center is not particularly well served by it. The "problem" is that they can't dig a new tunnel without making archaeological discoveries that have to be preserved. But the blessing is that Rome is pretty compact. Not like Paris.

If you do decide to change hotels, I can suggest Hotel Smeraldo, whiich is between the Campo De'Fiori and Largo Argentino in a great area. It is in the RS Guidebook, and 130 euros. It is neat and clean, has friendly staff, and a great roof terrace. A great deal for your money. Enjoy your trip wherever you decide to stay.