Viva Rome!

The Termini station is one of the most popular ways to enter the city of Rome. Much of Europe is traveled by an efficient rail service that rivals the American rail service. The area around the Termini station however is usually not the most savory part of the city and precautions should be made when ever you travel alone at night. It is always best not to be outside at night as that is asking for trouble. This area is not really an historic center but can be a convenient place to stay when you are on a budget or want to just spend a night or two in the city.

Hotel Alex
Via Palestro, 35 – 00185
This hotel is unique in that it is the third floor of a great building near the station. All floors are served by an elevator so at least you do not have to climb up stairs after a full days walking around the city. This hotel is also equipped with flat screen satellite televisions is all of the rooms. You do not have to feel disconnected when you stay here.

Hotel Brasile
Via Palestro, 13 – 00185
A smaller three floored hotel that also has an elevator.  A quite and quaint hotel that is sure to charm most travelers.

Hotel Fiamma
Via Gaeta, 61 – 00185
This hotel offers a bar that is open to all of the guests and a full breakfast which is kind of unique for Italy.

Hotel Galles
Via del Castro Pretorio, 66 – 00185
Once a residence of the nobles this hotel has been transformed from its earlier days into a grand hotel. A point of reference for many of the local business travelers and locals this hotel is a bit of a landmark it would seem.

Many hotels in this part of town are well kept up and maintained. However the area is certainly not for the weak of heart. However the shopping deals you can get here are some of the best in Europe and if that is part of your trip then be sure to check out the above hotels.

The Vatican is not really part of Rome or Italy for that matter. It is a separated country in itself. For many Catholics this is the reason to visit Rome in the first place. Some come as a pilgrimage to Rome just for visiting the Vatican and the various sites surrounding it. However are there any cheap places to stay near the Vatican? With so many people visiting the prices for hotels would be expensive as there is a high demand. However there are a few gems you can stay in that will not only charm you but save you some money as well.

Hotel Arcangelo
Via Boezio, 15 – 00192
This hotel is in the center of the city and is one of the closest establishments to the Vatican. An old home built around the time of Umberto I this is now a modern hotel that has been updated with modern air conditioning and fire suppression. A very safe and quaint hotel to stay in.

Hotel Bramante
Vicolo delle Palline, 24/25 – 00193
This hotel was recently restored and opened again in 1999. This hotel offers some modern comforts such as satellite television and of course air conditioning as well as private bathrooms for each room.

Hotel Emmaus
Via delle Fornaci, 25 – 00165
Only 100 meters from Saint Peters square you will find this hotel to be very close to the Vatican. This hotel offers a small bar that is open to all the guests and a buffet breakfast for all guests.

Hotel Spring House
Via Mocenigo, 7 – 00192
Also only 100 meters away from the Vatican’s museums this is an ideal place to be close to the Vatican. Larger then some of the other hotels this hotel is 6 floors large with an elevator that should accommodate some disabled or elderly travelers.

You can stay near the Vatican without emptying your wallet. It is much better to enrich the soul by enjoying the art work that is near the Vatican then emptying your wallet. I would much rather keep the money I earn then lose it for frivolous luxuries.

The Trevi fountain is one of Rome’s premier sites. By far one of the most visited fountains in all the world it is a wonder to the eyes. However for the budget traveler it can be very expensive to stay near there. But that is not to say that there are no budget hotels in the area. Far from it you just need to look around a bit. Fortunately I have done some of the looking for you and here is some of my picks of the better hotels in the area.

Hotel Accademia
Piazza Accademia di San Luca, 74 – 00187
Perhaps one of the closest hotels near the Trevi fountain this is a modern hotel that is very accommodating to Americans and others. Boasting free wireless internet access this hotel is ideally suite for the ever connected tourist that cannot seem to peel themselves away from the web. A larger hotel of five floors this place offers many luxuries you will not come across if you stay elsewhere. Such amenities include a private bathroom and a full breakfast in the morning.

Hotel Concordia
Via Capo le Case, 14 – 00187
This hotel is between the Spanish steps and the Travi fountains so you have your options with this one. A larger hotel of six floors with an elevator that is accommodating to disabled and elderly tourists. What is also interesting is that this hotels boasts of a roof top terrace that I am sure most will enjoy. Nothing is more enchanting then watching the sun go down on this historic city.

Hotel Madrid
Via Mario de Fiori, 93 – 00187
Also near the Spanish steps and the Trevi fountain this hotel can serve both locations quite well. This hotel also offers a roof top terrace and also some child care upon request so you can leave your kids in safety while you explore the city.

Hotel Elite
Via Francesco Crispi, 49 – 00187
A smaller hotel of only 2 floors that is still served by an elevator this hotel is quite charming. The hotel reception is still open 24 hours a day even despite its small size. Also even for its small size the hotel also offers a internet connection to all of their guests.

Hotel Erdarelli
Via Due Macelli, 28 – 00187
This hotel is run by the Erdarelli family believe it or not. So since this is a family run hotel you can expect a very warm and welcoming hotel stay. Not quite the experience you may receive at some of the corporate hotels so this hotel is more suited for the family travels and not the business traveler.

Most of these hotels are in the 2 or 3 star range and should accommodate most budgets. Some of the smaller hotels might appeal to couples without kids and the larger hotels are probably better suited for the larger families. Always look out for the amenities that are not mentioned in any guidebook as some of these hotels might offer services I might not know about.

The Spanish steps are known for the Spanish embassy that happens to be near these very large steps in the center of Rome. Many tourists flock to these steps to just sit and people watch. Having been there myself I can see the attraction to that activity. Nothing is better then just sitting back and relaxing as the world goes by on its own. However due to the popularity of that area the hotels do not come cheap. Nor do the apartments for that matter. Many hotels are quite expensive. So I have taken some of my time to research some of the better hotels near the Spanish steps that are sure to appeal to most savvy travelers.

Hotel Forte
Via Margutta, 61 – 00187
Literally only a few steps away from the Spanish steps this hotel is ideal if that is where you wish to stay. Offering a continential breakfast that is sure to please most Italians and many Americans this hotel does not lack comfort. Every room has a private bathroom and television set so you are sure to be at home here.

Hotel del Corso
Via del Corso, 78 – 00186
A three story building with an elevator this hotel is accommodating to many disabled tourists. Offering many services including many sightseeing tours of all the sights in Rome as well as wireless internet access. This is an ideal place to stay for the budget conscious American.

Hotel Miro
Via del Babuino, 35 – 00187
Situated in a charming Rome palace this hotel is certainly a treat. Having a rooftop garden certainly adds to its charm and is sure to be used by many of the hotels patrons. With a reception desk that is open 24 hours a day this hotel is for those that like to take in the Roman nightlife.

Hotel Marcus
Via del Clementino, 94 – 00186
This hotel has many facilities at its disposal despite the small size. You can book a guided tour right here in your hotel  Breakfast is served in the hotel so you do not have to go far in the morning to have a good meal.

Even though the area around the Spanish steps is one of the most frequented and hence expensive areas you can still find gems that fit your budget. Many of these hotels while small offer some unique amenities that you will not find in some of the larger hotels. You should always try and find hotels off the beaten track as many of these hotels will surely just enhance your vacation and not take anything away from it.

The Pantheon is one of the greatest wonders in Rome. Why not stay close to it and see the surrounding area in greater detail? I know I would love to stay around this area as the architecture and history is just amazing. Truly a sight to see in Rome. However like most o f the other great Roman wonders this area is also quite expensive for many travelers and if you are on a budget then it may very well be out of reach for some. But do not give up as there are some options for this area and some offer quite an enjoyable stay.

Hotel Montecitorio
Via delle Convertite, 5 – 00187
This hotel is only 200 meters from the Pantheon so you will not find a closer location then this one! This is one of theup scale destinations as this hotel has plasma televisions in most rooms and the bathrooms are equipped with a hydromassage showers. You will probably pay slightly more then your standard budget hotel but the luxuries may very well be worth it.

Hotel Abruzzi
Piazza della Rotonda, 69 – 00186
A entirely renovated hotel in 2003 that lies in the center of Rome this hotel is not to be missed! Unlike many other hotels in Rome the continental breakfast is included in the price of the room.

Hotel Cesari
Via di Pietra, 89/a – 00186
This hotel is located in Rome’s historical center. Since this hotel is located between the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon you can have your choice as to what you want to spend the most of  your time at. However since this hotel is near the Termini station it might be best to go out with someone at night just to be safe.

Hotel Adriano
Via di Pallacorda, 2 – 00186
This hotel is centrally located and is near the Pantheon, the Spanish steps and Navona square so this is an ideal location for the sightseeing traveler. A smaller hotel of only 4 floors this hotel still has an elevator so they may be accommodating the handicapped or elderly tourist.

I have stated many times that Rome is not for the cheap. There are some budget hotels out there that are worth staying in but you must look carefully. Some hotels however will offer some luxuries that you will not find anywhere else and it is okay to splurge now and then.