Jade

Hi guys:<BR><BR>I have looked through several travel guides, but it's hard to know what's nice without seeing it for oneself! Has anyone stayed somewhere really central in Rome, close to most tourist attractions (i.e - near Spanish Steps for e.g), for no more than $250 Australian per night?<BR>We were trying to get in to Hotel Regno but that fell through. We are going in mid-September.<BR>Thank you for any replies.<BR>Regards, Jade<BR>Sydney, Australia.

KAREN

It would be helpful to us if you could convert Australian dollars to Euro or USD since those of us in Europe or America have no idea what your price range is.

Kay

Hi Jade,<BR>as a fellow Australian, I know all about our exchange rate with the euro!! We stayed at Hotel Smeraldo in Rome earlier this year.<BR>www.hotelsmeraldoroma.com<BR>Can't remember the exact cost but we wouldn't have paid more than A$250. We also asked for no breakfast when booking and instead went across the small laneway to the bar (cafe). <BR>Hotel was in a good area, 2 min walk to Campo de Fiori which has a market nearly every morning. Lots of places to eat nearby. It's in a maze of narrow streets, full of atmosphere. Hotel was OK, nothing to rave over. Stayed in 2 different rooms, one had been recently done up and was quite small, the other was a little worn looking but larger. Quite clean. We did have a few issues with the lack of service when one night our room had no electricity (if you've seen Fawlty Towers you get the picture).<BR>Kay<BR>

natalie

Try the Inter-Continental. They were running a special at $179.00US.It is located at the top of the Spanish Steps,next to the Hassler.We recently stayed at the Bernini Bristol,which was a 5 star,and a good location,but I was unhappy with the room and my view.

Lucy

For those who would like to help Jade (& aren't aware of the rate of the struggling $A!) $A250 is about 140 Euro.

alex

Search www.venere.com for reviews, costs and availability. Then do a search on this website for previous opinions.

Jade

Hello and thank you everyone for your replies.<BR>I have been looking into your suggestions but it seems that most places are booked out or too far from where we want to be situated (near Spanish Steps).<BR>Sorry Karen, yes - I kind of assumed most people would know how pitifully weak the Aussie dollar is at the moment and knew that it is approx. half of what the American is worth.<BR><BR>I am looking at the possibility of the Hotel Smeraldo - thank you Kay.

Maira

Try Hotel Forte (http://www.venere.it/roma/forte/) located very close to Piazza di Spagna subway station. They had quoted me about $90/double in February (a trip I eventually had to cancel). I communicated thru e-mail with them, very expeditious and courteous service. It is located on a pedestrian street, Via Margutta (the street where Gregory Peck's character stayed in the film "Roman Holiday"; a lot of scenes from the movie were filmed on this street). Look for Paige's reviews; she actually stayed at this hotel and posted about it. I think this is a good option you should consider.

Liuba

Jade, I was in Rome in March and stayed at the Grand Hotel Plaza on Via del Corso, which was around the corner from the Spanish Steps (2-3 blocks) and near the Piazza del Popolo. It was the best location for sites and (window)shopping. I found a special rate on www.venere.com, which included a fabulous buffet breakfast. The hotel was outstanding (very grand-just like all of the pictures & in some instances even better), even though the staff was very "snooty". Try searching for more hotels in rome italy on www.yahoo.com- and keep at it. It is short notice, but you may find some last minute specials. Good luck!

cd2

Just got back yesterday from 4 nights at Bernini Bristol--WOULD NOT RECCOMEND. The hotel was very faded and worn, there was no food at the breakfast buffet, and during SAturday's rainstorm, the halls and rooms were full of rain.