Where to stay in Rome for the first time?

[PoliteSquid]

DH would like go on a trip to Rome for his 50th birthday. I’m overwhelmed with the choice of hotels!

I’m looking at end of January, needs to be central and offer B&B. I know it’s not a compact/walkable city but close to some main sights would be perfect!

Any suggestions?! Budget is £600 for 3 nights

It’s very compact as cities go, and much of it is walkable. We always stay in the colosseum are, good bus and train links and easy to walk to much of the sights.

We've only been once, but I loved it. We stayed in the Centro Storico - yes it's touristy but it's also a real city. We walked miles and in retrospect should have taken the bus more!

We found good places to eat by just wandering a little way away from the main tourist areas (like literally round the corner) and eating where there seemed to be Romans eating.

You do have to book in advance to see stuff - but book on the real websites rather than 3rd party websites - there's a lot of stuff on line about how to do it.

Trastevere.

I was happy staying between the Termini and Reppublica stations because it allowed easy access to metro line A (Vatican) and B (Colosseum/Forum) as well as the express train to Fiumicino airport. The Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Pantheon were all walkable (20-30 minutes). However, if you are flying into & out of Ciampino airport, it might not be worth it.

In the Centro Storico, and you can walk everywhere. I've been to Rome numerous times, and never needed to take public transport.

Some good hotels near the Pantheon, and in that part of the Centro Storico.
Trastevere is fine too, and might be a little cheaper.

Your budget is a bit tight - try to bump it up if you can - it will be worth it. Also bear in mind that hotel rooms in Rome tend to be on the small side.

Do NOT stay near the railway station, as it's a bit seedy round there.

As mentioned, book 4 to 6 weeks in advance for key sights.

We stayed in the Hotel Piazza di Spagna near the Spanish steps and a straight walk to the Trevi Fountain. It was cheap, clean and comfortable - and really handy for everything.
If you want to go to the Sistine chapel book in advance. Everything else we booked on the day.

Look at Monti area

We've been several times, and found that, for us, the best location was between Campo d'Fiori, and the river. Fantastic location as walking distance to all the major sights, and near to Trastevere which was lovely in the evenings.

We stayed at the Ponte Sisto Hotel, which was very good, and should be within your budget in January. Although a big part of its charm was the courtyard and roof terrace, which probably won't be open in winter. Great location though

I stayed in Trastevere and it was amazing. Walking distance from everything (it was 40min walk to the Vatican, likewise to the Colosseum). Highly recommend! :)

Thank you for all this info! Re budget I’ve looked at how cheap the flights are and I think we can def bump it up…

I was getting so confused as Rome looks huge on a map but good to know is more walkable.

Hi. We stayed at the Hotel Adriano Rooftop. It was great. In the centre and we walked everywhere. Reasonable price and lovely.

https://www.hoteladriano.com/en/