where to stay near rome to catch a early afternoon flight

If you have an early PM flight why would you not stay in Rome? That would be the easiest rather than arranging transportation to the airport from where you are staying. Or do you have a car to turn in? There are a bunch of non-descript and slight expensive hotels around the airport.

Denise, I'd agree with Frank. Unless you have a car, stay in the city. For a late afternoon flight, all travel options to the airport - train, taxi, bus, private shuttle, etc. - are available to you at that time of day. If you want to stay near the airport, and again, with your schedule you don't need to... you can look at these Hotels and B&B, FCO Airport recommendations. If you have car, you might look at Hotels with FREE Parking in Rome. Otherwise, it would depend on where you're coming from. For example, Viterbo and Orvieto are wonderful towns to visit and probably 1.25 to 1.5 hours driving to the airport. There are many cities - like Frascati and Marino - east of the city... so really depends on where and how long a commute you want. Yet if you're NOT driving, like Frank, I'd suggest you spend the night in Rome and enjoy the beauty of the city after dark.