Many of us on the forum like staying where we’re able to walk to almost all the major sights, in the Campo de Fiori, Pantheon, or Piazza Navona neighborhoods. In the Campo de Fiori neighborhood a lot of people on the forum love Hotel Smeraldo. I haven’t stayed there, but in 2024 we stayed nearby at Hotel Damaso, and loved it. It’s a small hotel in a building that was completely renovated several years ago. Nice modern elevator, plenty of charging outlets in the rooms, and beautiful updated bathrooms. Super comfortable beds and double paned windows to keep out the noise. We really enjoyed the breakfast each morning and you can enjoy cocktails on the roof at the end of the day. We stayed in one of their smaller twin rooms and didn’t feel cramped. Would absolutely return to this hotel!
I recommend the Eating Rome Taste of Testaccio food tour. It introduces you to a part of the city that isn’t jam packed with tourists, and provides lots of interesting history in addition to lots of great local foods. Exceptional guides — check out their reviews! After our tour we visited John Keats grave at the Protestant Cemetery, then walked through the orange grove and rose garden (none of which were crowded) back into the city. The walk back to the hotel allowed us to walk around the Circus Maximus and enjoy the exterior of the Colosseum.
