Trastevere or Pantheon Neighborhood?

As I have posted many times to this very frequently asked question (do some searching for more answers) we prefer the Termini area (Aberdeen, Sonya, Contilla) just for the convenience and not having to deal with Roman taxi drivers. Trastevere and the Pantheon are very different areas and some distance apart. I personally do not find the Pantheon area all that appealing (others do) simply because it is heavily tourist oriented. Trastevere is much quieter and off to the side and would be a very pleasant area. More of an apple and orange question.

Chris we stayed near the Pantheon, we liked it, it was close to all the sites we wanted to go to. We had dinner in Trastevere, less tourists there, nice restaurants, to get to the major sites you would have to use the public transport a lot but Rome's buses and tram are very efficient. I like the Pantheon area better, but they are both good choices. We use www.b-b.rm.it to help us find an apartment, they have lots in your price range, they we're very helpful and gave us good service.

I personally prefer the Pantheon or Navona areas but it's just a personal preference. I like those areas because there's a little more activity & it's more interesting to walk around these areas at night but the Trastevere area is also popular. You can't really go wrong with either area...it's just a matter of preference.

Chris,

Both areas are great and like other parts of Rome, they each have their own character. However, given that this is your first trip to Rome I tend to agree with Frank's suggestions to stay in the Termini area. You'll have easy access to Metro, Buses or trains for getting to different parts of the city, or if you want to take day trips.

The Hotel Aberdeen would be a good choice. Their website indicates rooms in early March are about €79 for a standard double. If you want something a bit more "adventurous", you could have a look at The Beehive Hostel (which is owned by a young American couple). There are LOTS of Hotel listings in different price ranges and different parts of Rome in the Italy or Rome Guidebooks.

Happy travels!

First trip to Rome = Pantheon to me. You can't get a more central location and if you're in reasonably good shape you'll be walking everywhere - not taking public transit.

Save Trastevere (congrats on the correct spelling) for your next trip to Rome.

Thanks for everyones input. After a lot of though we think the Pantheon for its central location is our best bet. What are everyones suggestions for B&B/Hotel for this area? Again we would like to stay below 150 euro/night.

I love Trastevere, and a good walk never hurt anyone. You see so much by getting around on foot. I always stay at the Arco del Lauro in Trastevere. It is adjacent to the Isola Tiburina and just across the river from the ancient sites, a very easy walk, and the Pantheon is a short tram ride away. Trastevere has a vibrant nightlife and tons of restaurants to choose from and you will feel safe walking there at night. The Arco del Lauro is tucked away in a very quiet corner.

Chris, do you have the latest RS Rome book? It's well worth it for excellent recommendations on lodging, etc., in the Pantheon area. It's especially vital for your first time to Rome.

Did you see Albergo Santa Chiara? I just looked at it for August and it's gotten good reviews from RS and Tripadvisor (I always look there.)