Firstly, and most importantly, thanks to those of you who have been kind enough to reply to my query.

Secondly, to reply to one poster, budget is normally a max of 150E a night for 2 in Europe and I have been incredibly lucky in sticking to that (combined with Hyatt points) and getting excellent hotels. That limit appears unreasonable in Rome unless someone knows of an incredible find in the pensione category. First requirement is clean; frou frou hotel services matter not although minibar or fridge is eminently desirable for the obligatory water bottle. Obviously the other requirements are decent mattresses and a safe neighborhood although since the latest survey tells me I live in the 2nd most crime ridden city in the US, I am probably safer anywhere in Europe compared to my own downtown. Based upon my perusal of Rome offerings, I can double the budget for the right area, but canot justify the 5 star properties considering the amount of time not spent in the room.

I suppose my real question is what would be comparable in Rome to Kensigton High in London or the 1st or Madeleine in Paris?