Rome

There is a myriad of options, really. I would suggest using something like http://venere.com and/or http://tripadvisor.com to find a nice cheap hotel with good reviews.

We used the suggestions in "Rick Steves Italy" book.. as cheesy as it sounds the hotel suggestions and other info is excellent). We stayed at Hotel Le Petit. It was not far from the main train/bus hub in Rome (about a 15 minute walk). It is about a 20-25 minute walk to Spanish steps (or 5 minute subway ride). Spanish steps are great at night. Key is to get something near one of the subway stops so you can get around town quickly.

Good websites to look at: http://Venere.com http://Tripadvisor.com-- Also: don’t try to do everything while you’re there-if it’s so great, you’ll go back again someday

can't remember where we stayed, though it wasn't near the Spanish Steps...but I would highly recommend a visit to San Clemente Basilica. This was recommended to us by a cab driver when we asked for something different to explore for a few hours. It ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. The basilica itself is amazing inside with mosaics and frescoes on the ceilings, walls and floors. But they've excavated underneath and found two levels of ancient churches down there. Seems to be a hidden gem - it doesn't look anything like a church from the outside. http://www.frommers.com/destinations/rome/A20657.html

My wife and I stayed at Hotel San Carlo in Rome las November, just down the street from the Spanish Steps. It was a perfect location and I would definitely stay there again.

We went for our honeymoon and had an amazing visit. We stayed near the Pantheon for a couple nights, at Hotel del Torre Argentina… which was GREAT – very large room for Rome (though it was semi-pricey) and a great location (you can walk to many many places, including the Forum, the Pantheon, Campo di Feiore (sp) and more). We also stayed at a place near the Vatican for a couple of nights, but I would only recommend staying in that area if you plan to spend a day or more at the Vatican – in which case, it makes a lot of sense and is a nice area. We had some great meals in that area, too, btw.