I’ve had nothing but good luck using the lodging recommendations in Rick Steves guides. Worth a look. I wish I could remember where my family stayed 7 or 8 years ago when we were in Rome, but it was something in Rick Steves, not far from the train station, but quiet inside and nice breakfast included.

I’ve gone every year since 1998 and made a mistake the first year by staying near Termini Station, and another year by staying near the Vatican. My favorite and not very expensive hotel is the Santa Chiara. It is in the Centro Storico so you can walk to everything, the Pantheon is a half block away the Piazza Navona a couple of blocks, you can walk to Trevi and the Spanish Steps. The staff is terrific and never changes. The rooms larger than normal for Italy, always well looked after. I will be there May 2nd. Hope you enjoy your trip Rome is fabulous, just don’t try to see EVERYTHING. Act like you’re coming back.

I have been to Rome twice in the last 3 years and both times my family and I have rented an apartment for our stay. Its such a wonderful way to experience the city and so affordable. The first time we stayed in a really lovely apartment in the Flaminio section of Rome, which is near the stadium and very close to buses which could get you to the Historic Center in about 15 minutes.
The second time we stayed in an apt in Trastevere, only a block away from the Tiber River. Really wonderful apartment.
Check out the Bed & Breakfast of Rome site, www.b-b.rm.it, to get all the details on the apts available. As their name indicates, not only do they rent out apts but have bed & breakfasts as well. Highly recommended! I will always use them when booking apts in Rome. Feel free to email me if you have questions about it: ciaooneida@gmail.com.

I’m afraid I can’t suggest anywhere near Pompeii to stay but I do very much feel that it would be worth staying the night in that area.
I have always found www.enit.it very good for finding accommodation.

We went to Pompeii several years ago and we stayed in Sorrento. You can get to Pompeii easily as a day trip from Sorrento. Also, if you have time, you can do a day trip south to Positano or other towns along the coast south of Sorrento.

To be perfectly honest… It depends on what type of stuff you’re into. I personally would only spend a day in Pompei. You can usually see everything you want there in a day. Same with Pisa if you’re going out there. If you’re really into that kind of stuff though you might want to stay longer. You might even want to stay in a nearby town (I suggest either Sorrento or Naples.) There’s so much to see out there though, so depending on how long your trip is you might just want to stay there one day and move on so that you can see more. Hope this helps!

I would suggest Sorrento or Naples if you plan on staying there. The only thing is Naples is more notorious for pick-pocketing than anywhere else in Italy, even Rome. But there are a lot of things to see around the area, and Sorrento is definitely worth a visit.

If you find that it might end up being out of your budget, Pompeii is easily a day trip. When I was in school in Rome, we went as a field trip down to Pompeii, so you can imagine that it is manageable. If you are going in April, pack something very light for Pompeii. It is sweltering there almost any time of the year from the lack of shade. Also, stop and see Vesuvius if you go as a day trip. Again, easy to do as part of your day.

Hope you enjoy your trip, and hope that helped!

If you stay in Sorrento as per the recommendation above, I recommend the Antiche Mura Hotel. I think it was the best hotel I stayed in on my entire trip to Italy which included various cities. They also had the best breakfast which was included. There is a subway that goes back and forth between Sorrento and Naples, and there is a station right at Pompeii.
A day trip from Rome to Pompeii can probaby be done, but I don’t know how easy it is.

I think it’s a day trip :)

When we went to Italy in September, we went the el cheapo way. Around Rome we stayed at Village Camping Roma. We stayed in a 2 person tent, and there are showers available. We had a car, but there is a bus stop right in front, so it would be easy to get into the real town area if you don’t. For pompeii, it can easily take up a full day, and to me is worth staying overnight. We stayed at the hotel Villa dei Mistery. It is right down the road from the main entrance, so you can get in easily in the morning and beat the crowds.

Whether or not you’ll enjoy Pompeii really depends on what kind of person you are.

One thing to keep in mind right now, however, is the garbage strike that is happening in Naples. It may get cleaned up by April, but Pompeii and Naples are really closely linked, and I really don’t think you want to travel around that area while this mess is going on.

Just something to think about.

I ended up staying at the best western hotel universo. The room was real modern and had a real BATHTUB. it was great. and close to the train station.

i believe it was 166 E and It came with a nice breakfast and the staff was real nice. they walked us to a nice restaurant they recommended so we wouldnt miss it.

had a nice time.