Rome Piazza Di Spagna

Staying in the Piazza di Spagna area is a pricey affair, and though you might be getting newer accommodations and slightly better services, you'll be surrounded by more crowds than are present in the Ancient City or Centro Storico. Boasting little nightlife to boot, this neighborhood is a better bet for older folks who want reliable services than for youth seeking value and fun.

Hotel Panda, V. della Croce 35 (☎06 67 80 179; www.hotelpanda.it), Luckily (or not), there are no panda bears around, but you'll feel as warm and fuzzy as one of these bamboo-chomping cuties while staying at this small, family-run hotel. Simply decorated rooms come with A/C, Wi-Fi, and TV at a better price than the spiffier hotels down the street. Opt for a bigger room if you can, as the small ones really are small. Though there isn't much common space (read: narrow hallways and no breakfast room), the rooms are enough of a retreat for this shortfall to be inconsequential. A: Spagna. From the Spanish Steps, take V. Condotti, turn right onto V. Belsiana and right onto V. della Croce. Hotel is on the 2nd fl. Breakfast €5 at downstairs bar. A/C €6. Free Wi-Fi. Singles €55-68, with bath €65-80; doubles €68-78/€85-108; triples €120-140. Reception 24hr. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet. Has air conditioning.
Dependance Anahi, V. della Penna 22 (☎06 36 10 841; hotellocarno.com), Though Dependance Anahi is an offshoot of the grander and more expensive Hotel Locarno, it still boasts a prime location and stellar services, if less history and pomp than its sister across the street. Mostly double rooms and two singles all have TV, A/C, private bath, minibar, and free Wi-Fi, and Art Nouveau detailing gives the place more flavor than your standard rooming house. Head across the street to enjoy a buffet breakfast in the quiet, vine-covered patio or relax in the palatial lounge rooms. A: Flaminio. From P. del Popolo, exit near V. di Ripetta and immediately turn right onto V. Penna d'Oca. Across the street from Hotel Locarno; reception at V. della Penna 22. Breakfast included. Bath, minibar, and safe ensuite. Free bike rental. Free Wi-Fi. Singles €90-120; doubles €110-190. Reception 24hr. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet. Has air conditioning.
Hotel De Petris, V. Rasella 142 (☎06 48 19 626; www.hoteldepetris.com), Not only are rooms equipped with all the basics—TV, A/C, free Wi-Fi, and minibar—but they're also especially elegant. Superior rooms are bigger than average and have hardwood floors and modern furniture, while the standards are less luxe. Expect no surprises from the rooms and reliable staff. A: Barberini. From P. Barberini, take V. del Tritone, turn left onto V. Boccaccio and left onto V. Rasella. Breakfast included. All rooms have ensuite bath. Free Wi-Fi. Singles €94-136; doubles €113-171. Extra bed €46. Reception 24hr. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet. Has air conditioning.
Domus Julia, V. Rasella 32 (☎06 47 45 765; www.domusjulia.it), The friendly dog at Domus Julia makes up for the reception staff who can be a bit short of temper at times. The hotel's 18th-century building retains its historic look but brings itself up to the 21st century with all the expected comforts, including free internet. If you've gotten a bit bored of seeing Roman ruins, rent one of their bikes for free or even earn an extra euro by walking the dog. The breakfast room is a nice hangout even in the evening. A: Barberini. From P. Barberini, take V. del Tritone, turn left onto V. Boccaccio and left onto V. Rasella. Breakfast included. All rooms have minibar and ensuite bath. Free Wi-Fi. Singles €60-100; doubles €78-180; triples €89-210. Reception 24hr. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet. Has air conditioning.
Hotel Elite, V. Francesco Crispi 49 (☎06 67 83 083; www.elitehotel.eu), It will be well worth your extra euro to opt for a superior room at this half-renovated, half-old hotel. Potpourri and clean, white decor in the reception lounge are a precursor to the sparkling superior rooms with glass shower doors, modern, office-like furnishings, and free Wi-Fi. Standard rooms are much smaller and contain older, less cared-for furnishings. A: Barberini. From P. Barberini, take V. del Tritone and turn right onto V. Francesco Crispi. Breakfast included. All rooms have TV and ensuite bath, superior rooms have A/C and free Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi in lounge €3 per hr., €7 for 3hr. Standard singles €90; doubles €110-120; superior singles €115; superior doubles €140. Reception 24hr. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet. Has air conditioning.