Where should we stay in Rome for the first time.

Hi, JP - it would help if you would give a bit more information - for example, what is your approximate budget per night? That gives people here an idea of how much you are willing to spend. Once we have that, it makes it easier to make recommendations for you.

Who is we? How many people in your party?

Have you searched this forum?
Here are all the threads on Rome hotels from the past 2 years.
https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&date_range=2y&filter=Travel+Forum&query=Rome+hotel&utf8=✓

We prefer the historic center- anywhere near Pantheon, P Navonna, Campo De'Fiori. You can walk almost everywhere from that location.

Another location to consider is Trastevere.

Booking.com is also a good place to search. Set your filters for location price, number beds, amenities like AC, bkft, etc and see what is available. Read the reviews- you can trust them because only those who have actually stayed at the property can leave reviews.
You can book on Booking.com or find the hotels website and book directly- your choice.

There are also recommendations is the RS Italy guide book.

Here is one that might fit your budget- I wasn't going to list it because it was closed for past few years- wasn't sure if it had reopened but looks like it has reopened as a condo hotel.
http://due-torri-rome.italyromehotels.net/en/#main

First time in Rome - I should think you want to be close to history, nightlife, and access to lots of things. I always recommend something in the Piazza Navona or Pantheon area. It's an easy walk to the Vatican and Trastevere. It's a bit longer to the Forum but it's not a deal breaker. Bus and taxi, or your own feet, can get you to lots of other places and very exciting experiences. Maybe an apartment (I prefer VRBO) if you can't find a hotel that meets your needs?

We stayed in the Argentina district, at the Argentina Residenza Style Hotel; it's 5-10 minutes from the Pantheon, another 3 more to the Trevi Fountain. There are some excellent restaurants less than 2 minutes away from the hotel as well; directly across the street from the hotel is the site where Julius Caesar was assassinated.

I recommend it absolutely; breakfast was good, rooms were wonderful and quiet.

https://www.argentinastylehotel.com/en/

Very nice suggestion Bob.

Intro to marketing the hotel was very clever on their part. A mini movie.

Another vote for the area near the Pantheon

My family just came back from Rome as first time visitors. We stayed at an apartment next to the Pantheon. I think it was my best choice ever made for this trip. We usually went out early morning and came back to have a rest around 3 o'clock and then out again around 5 for more sightseeing and dining, and finally came back around 9. I think by staying at the center of everything, we made a full use of every day without feeling too tired.

Hi JP.
I love Rome - lived there for a number of years. Prices have gone a bit crazy this past year for hotels in Rome but I have just booked what looks like a really decent little 3 star establishment (I'll be arriving there just as you left) called Buonarotti Suite at Via Carlo Alberto, 43 00185 ROMA. It is on what I consider the "good" side of the main train station (Termini) for getting to the main sites, and an easy walk to many attractions plus bus and subway access.
You can book with breakfast included.
Have fun!
Sharon

I am also visiting Italy, will be in Rome May 8-11 and am staying at Paba Inn Hotel, recommended by both Rick Steves and several people on these message boards. Three nights is 552.60€ and centrally located (near Colosseum)

We've been to Rome twice and have stayed in the same neighborhood--Campo de' Fiori--both times.

I'm sure there are literally dozens of 'hoods in Rome like this, but Campo is literally close to everything--bus, Metra, Trastevere, Jewish Quarter, the Tiber River and a daily open air market right at your feet.

Stayed at Campo de' Fiori hotel just off the piazza for 3 nights, then seven years later for a week rented an apartment overlooking the square from the same hotel folks--they had bought some apartments, which we definitely liked better.

Walking distance to Forno Bakery--daily pastries & Roman pizza, and then the Roscioli family's Ristorante Emma. But around there, virtually every joint we stumbled into had great fare.