Stay IN Rome or outside of Rome?

We have been four times to Rome and I cannot imagine not staying close to the center of things. It is a very walkable city and easy to walk to most of the major sights. There are so many restaurants to choose from at all price levels. I think you were given bad advice.

Thanks, Susan. That's pretty much how I'm feeling too...

We were in Rome for 4 days 2 years ago. We stayed at the Hotel Lancelot, which is about 5 min. walk from the Colosseum, and is fantastic. Very clean, very safe, very friendly, great food. I think Rick mentions it in his guidebook.
Why spend time and $ on busses, etc., just to get back into town each day?
Oh--do be careful of the city busses, tho...if you get on one and it's packed, get off quickly. Those pickpockets have it down to a science, believe me.

If you've never been to Rome, I can't understand why you'd want to 'commute' to and from Rome for your vacation. It's a very walkable city, even late at night - and it's quite possible you'll be out late into the evening. Why not experience it from start to finish from the inside?
I recommend staying in Rome. We were at the Hotel Raffaello near Termini. Great location for us and we walked everywhere.

The money and time you spend commuting in and out each day may outweigh any savings from a lower hotel cost. Rome is not like Venice, there are more affordable accomodations options within Rome.

Stay in the historic center, definitely. It's wonderful to be within walking distance of so much.

I agree with the others that the time and expense of commuting outweighs any money saved by staying outside the center.

Don't be afraid to stay near Termini. It gets a bad rap . While it may not be the most attractive area of town it is safe. Stay closer to the sights if you can just for the convenience.

For a budget place that it still great try Gullivers Place, www.gulliversplace.com.

If you can afford to spend a little bit more stay at Nicolas Inn, www.nicolasinn.com.

I was in Rome first week of November last year. I found a package deal that had our hotel outside the old center. We took the Metro to the Colosseum stop each morning. It wasn't that big a deal. I'm not sure how far out of Rome you are planing to stay, but it wasn't a big hassle for us. Actually,it was kind of fun to pretend we were Italians commuting to work each day.
Our hotel was 3 stops to the Colosseum. It was so cool each morning to walk up those stairs and look at that building!

The Metro is easy to use, and it's only 1Euro each way.
Our hotel was beautiful with a great breakfast, and there was an internet cafe just across the street, so I could email home....also a Gelato stand on the corner. What else does one need? : > )

At least get close to one of the subway lines (there are only two). That will give you access to the evening strolls, people watching, late dining, window shopping and night-time site-seeing that are a big part of the Roman experience.

Make sure you note when the last trains run or you will have to pay extra for a cab (cabs are fun in the Disneyland Mr. Toad's Wild Ride sense).

Definitely stay in the city. Rome will not have the "charm" that the countryside will have but if your goal is to see Rome, stay inside it. I recommend the Trastevere area/St. Peter's--it seems more welcoming--but I lived in that area for a summer and so I may be biased. Hotels are quite expensive--if you want an alternative try convents (nibiru.it is the booking service I use). They are usually cheaper--nothing fancier than a bed and a private bath, but in my experience spotless and comfortable for the price. On other threads there are lots of other budget recommendations as well.