Trastevere

Depends on how you define good. Lovely area that is less hectic, quieter, many good restaurants but depending on the location you could be very far from the central sights requiring use of public transit. Just look on any good map of Rome or check a guidebook.

IMHO.........just returned from 9 days in Rome, sixth time to visit -- I think Trastevere is a wonderful base! A youngish neighborhood with lots and lots of restaurants, nightlife, etc. Also walking distance to my favorite Piazzas, Navone, Campo di Fiore and Jewish quarter. Public transportation is also accessable to the City Center, Spanish Steps, Trevi -- and also Capitol Hill, Forum, Colliseum, Vatican, etc. Don't know about grocery stores, etc., but because it's a working class neighborhood, am sure those are available as well. I usually stay in the Vaticano neighborhood when I go with girlfriends, but when I go with my husbad, he prefers Trastevere. Have fun and go for it!!

Public transportation is pretty simple, buses and trams serve Trastevere and can get you across the river (at least the buses can, I didn't take the tram). If you want views of Rome, the Janiculum (Gianicolo) area is good.

Trastevere is a great place to stay in Rome. Here are some photos from our stay there in 2008, in case you're curious: Trastevere in May 2008. Try to stay fairly close to the Tiber river, to make access to the main tourist sites easier.

PROBLEM!
Reserved an apartment with a deposit 3 months ago but cannot reach them...even our travel contact in Rome can't find the owner. We are probably out our $200. Thought we might get the place in Trastevere but it turned out to not be available. We leave in 2 weeks! Anyone have a recommendation for a hotel in Rome...$200 or less??

In what form did you give a $200 deposit? Hopefully it was with a credit card where you can contact the CC company and dispute the charges. One of the reasons I do not use VRBO is that every time I have tried to use them I found out that the owner/manager wanted the entire rent amount in cash up front. No credit card deposit = no business from me.

Hotel Modigliani, Althea Inn, Hotel Nerva, Al Centro di Roma B&B, Daphne Trevi and Veneto,Guesthouse Arco dei Tolomei

Mike, so sorry to hear about your apartment issues. Unfortunately, I hear far too many stories like yours and when living in Rome, I helped more than a few people scramble to find an accommodation - some on their day of arrival. Good for you to plan "ahead." I'd book through a group like Booking.com or Venere.com. I have used them often as we travel almost every other weekend. The good thing about using them in your situation... is you can CANCEL your reservation up to a day in advance (at many properties) IF your apartment owner suddenly turns up - although that appears unlikely. It also gives you a support group if you need to "debate" with the property group (Had that happen to me in Krakow). If you're still interested in the Trastevere area, take a look at this link of the best-rated Booking.com or Venere.com accommodations in Trastevere. There's even a link at the bottom that rates the area by price. $200 a day is currently about €150 and there are some places in this area for that price. We love Trastevere and have many friends who live there. In that price range, you might also look at the Prati-Vatican Area. Also, in the Monti Area, above the Colosseo, are some good deals (and a great part of town to stay in). There are SO many options - and good ones, like the many listed above - that you're hardest choice might be picking one!