Viva Rome!

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.

Rome is a very expensive city to visit. It is like New York in that there are plenty of very up scale places to stay but finding quality budget hotels can be a challenge. Fortunately I have been scouring the Internet and asking some of my friends who live in Rome for some of the best budget hotels in the city. Some considerations were made when I ever write something on hotels in any city. First I always consider the location of the hotel. It does not make a whole lot of sense to find a budget hotel but then have to spend half the day traveling to where you want to visit. So that is why I created a series on budget hotels broken down by location to the major tourist attractions so that you can find where you really want to stay.

Many of the following hotels are clean and high quality. Some lack some of the amenities that you would find in some of the higher class hotels but that is something you can expect from a budget hotel. I made sure to only select the 2 and 3 star hotels so that most budgets can be accommodated.

Hotel Colosseum
Via Sforza, 10 – 00184
One of Romes better hotels as this hotel is topped with a terrace on the roof affording the guests a unique 360 degree view of the city. The hotel is on one of Rome’s highest hills so the view is quite spectacular and will surely enhance your stay here. Consisting of seven floors this is one of the larger hotels around the Colosseum.

Hotel Borromeo
Via Cavour, 117 – 00184
Being so close to the Coloseeum this hotel is in the heart of the city and where all the action is. A smaller hotel then the Hotel Colosseum this hotel still can accommodate disabled and elderly tourists. Equipped with a elevator it should be easier to get to your room after a long day’s walking around the city.

Hotel Edera
Via Angelo Poliziano, 75 – 00184
A larger five storied hotel that is equipped with an elevator this hotel is also very near to the Colosseum. This hotel also has a terrace that overlooks the city and parking is available for only 20 euros a night so you can park your car as well.

Hotel Saturnia
Via Ruinaglia, 6 – 00184
This is one of the better budget hotels to stay in Rome. It is family run with all rooms coming equipped with a private bathroom and television set.

Hotel Adas
Via Cavour, 233 – 00184
A recently renovated hotel this is very close to the heart of the city and all of the attractions. This hotel is unique in that it is separated on two floors of the building. The hotel occupies the second and sixth floor and the elevator only goes up to the fifth so if you are unlucky enough to get a room on the sixth floor you will have to climb up one flight of stairs. Also this is one place that offers wireless internet connections so you can stay in touch with friends and family back home.

Most of these hotels are up on the higher hills in Rome so if you get an opportunity to stay in any one of them be sure to pick the hotels with the rooftop terraces as that will surely make the stay even more enjoyable. Nothing is better then seeing the sun set or rise in this glorious city and to do so from a unique vantage point makes it all the better.

For many that visit Rome it is time for vacation. A time to get out of your routine and just relax for a week or two. For others however their definition of relaxation might be a bit different. Keeping fit for many is a passion and fortunately Romans also have that passion as well. So you may wonder where is a tourist able to go to in order to keep fit. Well there are a few choices available and I have found some to be quite good and affordable.

Farnese Fitness
Vicolo delle Grotte 35
Tel: 06-687-6931
This is a gym that is centrally located and offers aerobics classes each day. A 10 Euros fee per day is required and the entire gym closes in the month of August so be warned.

Fitness First
Via GiolittiGiovanni 44
Tel: 06-4782-6300
This gym is very close to the rail station . You have your usual classes but also some other more advanced classes such as Thai kickboxing is offered here. A fee of 16 Euros per day should get you into this place.

Fitnext
Piazza Mignanelli 23
Tel: 06-679-6003
This is more of a yoga and pilates studio. You can choose either one for a low price of 20 Euros per day. You are also only limited to one class per day.

Roman Sports Center
Viale del Galoppatoio 33
Tel: 06-320-1667
This is Rome’s premier fitness facility. There really is nothing that this place does not have. A full sized Olympic sized swimming pool and many classes make this the place to be. It is surely reflected in the price of 26 Euros per day however.

Many people find exercising relaxing and a great way to relieve stress. This may be what you need on your trip to Rome as your family members get on your nerves. Nothing is better at relieving a stressful day then a good run on the treadmill or pushing some iron around and now you know where to go in Rome.