9 Hotels for Roman Holidays

Unexpected treat: The surrounding neighborhood of Parioli, an enclave of upscale homes and parks. Nearby trattorias and gelatarias also offer some of the city's finest dining.

Nearby attraction: The art-filled Galleria Borghese is a 25-minute walk away.

• Hotel Kennedy (Via Filippo Turati 62, 011-39--06-446-5373, www.hotelkennedy.net). $90 and up.

The 52-room property, recently refurbished, is perfectly suited for American travelers. Staff members speak English and the gratis breakfast includes bacon and eggs. There is a free Internet station and a nice if small gym, rare in a Rome hotel of this size. Although not dripping luxury, the three-room lobby is inviting. And the guest rooms, with their subdued colors and solid furnishings, have the kind of calm you want after a busy day of sightseeing. Amenities include minibars and telephones. Some of the bathrooms have showers only, so if a bath is important to you, request a room with a tub.

Best for: Travelers who want to be near the Termini railway station, just a couple of blocks away.

Unexpected treat: The management encourages travelers with late afternoon or evening departures to read or lounge in the lobby area after checking out without fear of overstaying their welcome.

Nearby attraction: The basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome's most dazzling churches, is less than 10 minutes away by foot.

$100 to $150

• Hemingway Town Suites (Via Flavia 84, 011-39-06-4201-4499, www.hemingway-hotel.com). $100 to $140, depending on the season.

With 20 rooms spread among three nonconsecutive floors of an early-1900s building, this is more bed-and-breakfast than hotel. Most of the rooms are small but include comfortable beds and a writing/eating table, TV and telephone. The sixth-floor rooms are the best, done in pastel blue and decorated with handsome dark wood furnishings, including loveseats with comfy cushions. There is no lobby or dining room, but the staff will bring a hearty breakfast to your room at an agreed-upon hour. And the place is informal enough that you could get a price break on last-minute vacancies.

Best for: Independent travelers looking for a comfortable, safe place to bed down.