Stay in Rome: Lepanto or Termini?

Lepanto is in Prati. Nice residential area. Piazza S.M. Maggiore is nice too. Both are close to the metro and other type of public transportation, so you can take transit to the Colosseum or the Vatican (although from Prati you can walk to the Vatican). Either one would work.

Remember, you can use Google Maps Streetview to take a look around those neighborhoods yourself to see if they appeal to you.

Happy travels.

We've stayed just hop-skip from Lepanto, and liked Prati very much. The Metro A line is easy to grab there, and you can change to Metro B line at Termini to get down to the Colosseum/Forum/Palatine area. You can do it on a single ticket; just don't go outside the turnstiles when switching lines.

We walked down to the Colosseum area from there one early morning but we're used to putting in a lot of time on our feet. :O)

We stayed at the Hotel Ivanhoe, a BnB located about half way between the Termini and the Colosseum and a block from Metro Cavour. It is on Via Urbana which is a block off Via Cavour. This was a gem of a hotel, small room and bath but we never stay long in the hotel. A fantastic breakfast each morning and a great lounging patio on the rooftop. We were there 4 nights in 2012.

http://www.hotelivanhoe.it/

Prati is great! Terrific connections via bus, Metro, tram, and on foot. We often go there to eat as there area many great choices that many non-Romans do not frequent.

Thanks for your advice! That's great to hear that it is convenient to get around from Prati and that it has great restaurants, and it sounds nice to stay out of the hustle and bustle of the touristy area. Any non-touristy recommendations for food in Prati?

Piacere Molise, Via Candia

I am one of the posters here who absolutely HATES the Termini area. The only time we've almost been robbed was in the train station, where a couple of good looking local young men tried to relieve my husband of his lap top. We stayed in a hotel in the neighborhood once, and just didn't like the atmosphere, or the restaurants.

Keep in mind that I've traveled all over Europe and even Sicily by myself or with a grand daughter, older lady friends, and have never felt less comfortable. I realize that many people on this website swear by Termini are because it's close to the train, but the only time I use the train is on my way in and out of Rome, and the remainder of my trip I'm at sites. I like to sleep close to the places I enjoy visiting. I've never felt uncomfortable in the Prati area, whether alone, or with a companion.

My favorite area is Trastevere. Makes me feel am in another smaller town. Not what it used to be 30 years ago, when it was largely frequented by locals and few tourists, but still ok and close enough to the historical center and the sights, although I don't visit much the sights in Rome anymore. Seen it, done it, been there, I'm just there for the food and visiting my cousin now.

Food in Prati:

1. La Pratolina in via Scipione. 2nd best pizza in Roma. Reserve two days in advance for Fri or Sat
2. L'Osteria dalle Commari in via Santamaura. Very nice but not too upscale. We've rarely seen other English-speakers there.
3. Osteria della Forchetta in Via Emilio Faa' Di Bruno, Low key, mostly seafood, and if they speak English they keep it a secret.

These are three we return to over and over.

Thanks for all the food tips!