Rome Ancient City

Home to some of the biggest monuments in Rome, the Ancient City is not the cheapest place to plant yourself during a visit to Italy's capital, though if you're willing to shell out at least €100 a night, you'll have more than enough four-star options to choose from. Never fear, however; plenty of bed and breakfasts and pensioni offer decent services at a much lower cost.

Casa Santa Pudenziana, V. Urbana 158 (☎06 48 80 056), If you're of the female persuasion and don't mind a 10:30pm curfew (12:30am on Sa), the quiet and spacious grounds of Casa Santa Pudenziana can provide you with a welcome relief from the more crowded (and somewhat pricier) hostels nearby. This convent's six-bed dorm, double, and single make for a small community of guests—and that's if there are no vacancies. Guests here often run into each other at breakfast, dinner, or throughout the day in the peaceful central garden. Library and chapel upstairs as well as clean common spaces with television, refrigerator, and microwave. Wi-Fi from nearby hotels floats through some parts of the convent, but Let's Go does not recommend relying on stolen Wi-Fi. No lockers or keys, so get ready to greet the friendly staff every time you buzz to get in. A: Cavour. From V. Cavour, turn onto V. Urbana. Women only. Breakfast included 7-9am; dinner 8pm, €10. Dorms €22; singles €40; doubles €52. Inquire about discounts for longer stays. Strict curfew M-F 10:30pm, Sa 12:30am, Su 10:30pm. Does not take credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet. Has outdoor seating.
Student House, V. Merulana 117 (www.hostelworld.com), This small hostel does indeed feel like a house—the central reception area is more like a living room, complete with bookshelves, photos, TV, and colorful furniture than a place to check in and out. Student House's rooms consist of two six-bed co-ed dorms, so don't plan on making it your private getaway. The living spaces are sunny and equipped with bunks and mirrors. The hall bathrooms might not be convenient, but the small communal kitchen and free Wi-Fi are. Brush up on your Italian before you get here—the owner speaks no English. A: Manzoni. From V. Emanuele Filberto, walk straight on V. Manzoni and make a right onto V. Merulana. Reserve your space at Dorms €20. Does not take credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet.
Hotel San Daniele Bundì, V. Cavour 295 (☎06 48 75 295; www.hotelsandanielebundi.it), Neighboring establishments recommend Hotel Bundì for its simple rooms and accommodating staff. Although the hotel is small, its central location, competitive prices, and surprising tranquility make it a good bet. Rooms have Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, private bathrooms and TVs. Complimentary breakfast is an added perk. A: Colosseum. From V. dei Fori Imperiali, make a right onto V. Cavour. Buzz at the doors and take Scale B to the 3rd fl. Singles €65; doubles €85. Reception closes at 8pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet. Has air conditioning.
Pensione Rosetta, V. Cavour 295 (☎06 47 82 30 69; www.rosettahotel.com), A friendly staff and clean, though spartan, rooms make Pensione Rosetta a convenient option for those who hope to roll out of bed and check out the Colosseum in their pajamas. Each of Rosetta's 20 rooms have a private bathroom, a telephone, a TV, and air-conditioning; free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. The central courtyard provides a welcome respite from the busy V. Cavour. A: Colosseum. From V. dei Fori Imperiali, make a right onto V. Cavour. Buzz at the doors and take Scala B to the 1st fl. Singles €65; doubles €90; triples €105; quads €120. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet. Has air conditioning.
Cesare Balbo Inn, V. Cesare Balbo 43 (☎06 98 38 60 81), Conveniently located entirely on the first floor, Cesare Balbo Inn is the perfect choice for those too lazy to climb a flight of stairs or walk more than a mile to Rome's ancient sights. Rooms here are big, colorful, and sunny. The staff is friendly, but they might get a little confused if you ask questions about topics as complicated as how much a room costs. Free internet, private bathrooms, in-room breakfast, and air-conditioning round out this small establishment. A: Cavour. From V. Cavour, make a right on V. Panisperna; walk 2 blocks and make a right on V. Cesare Balbo. Doubles €90; triples €100; quads €110. Reception 24hr. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet. Has air conditioning.
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