Since the Paris Hotels thread seemed to gather such good info...

I'll be going to Rome for the first time next month. Any recommendations for a good centrally located hotel at a moderate price (probably ITL 300-400.000 / USD 150-200 per night). Thinking about places near the Spanish Steps - but since I don't really know Rome, I'll take any advice.

Thanks!

I asked my Italian colleague Piervittorio, and here was his advice...

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Try these web sites --
http://www2.italy-hotel.com/category...6&category=983
http://www.virgilio.it/servizi/viaggi/008.html
http://it.dir.yahoo.com/Aree_geograf...sidence/Hotel/


My advice... try not to look like an American, because the prices will magically grow!

It is fairly easy to get around Rome (via buses, metro, cabs, etc.), so in my opinion it is better not to stay right in the center because it is more expensive indeed.

$200 is actually a reasonable expectation, and that in itself can take you pretty far. I would recommend staying in Trastevere (more characteristic and less touristy!!), or perhaps look for a little Pensione. If you like the Spanish Steps (in Italian -- "Piazza di Spagna") though, look into those web sites. In September price should go down a bit!

I'd also recommend staying around Piazza Navona / Campo dei Fiori -- it's a much hipper area!

See if you can get a good rate at the Sheraton Palace. It's a neat old hotel.

Agree 100%. The Campo dei Fiori is a great place to hang out (depending on your age or at least how young you feel ) with great (inexpensive) outdoor restaurants and clubs. Lots of fun!

The area around the Piazza di Spagna is so packed with tourists as to be almost unbearable. I would recommend visiting the Spanish Steps and taking pictures etc. but not recommend staying nearby. Prices are among the highest in town and IMHO not worth it.

It is very easy to get around town by subway or bus or even better just by walking. Such a safe feeling when walking around at all times of day and night and so many little streets and shops and restauants (my wifes favorite, Gellato!) and other great finds just by walking.

Have a great time

We stayed at the Grand Hotel Plaza on Via Del Corso last year and were able to negotiate a rate in the 350,000. range incl. breakfast and tax. It is a traditional hotel with excellent service. Definetely very centrally located, and the top floor rooms towards the back have a magnificient view towards the Spanish steps.
On a good day you might be able to negotiate an acceptable rate at the Hotel Raphael, close to Piazza Navona.