Advice from friends about Rome, Italy

Our friend Carmen Thum asked me to give you some info on where to stay in Rome. Sorry for the delay in getting this info to you Robin, but I've just gotten back to town - I hope it helps you out. Here are my favorite hotels and a little about why I like them. We've stayed at almost all of them and the few we haven't, we've been to them to eat or visit friends.
First, I'd suggest that you stay within the confines of what is considered the "Old City Wall" - the area where the vast majority of Rome's most famous sites are. We stayed a few minutes taxi ride out of this area at a very nice villa for a surgery meeting we went to, but we found ourselves always taking a taxi down there. This area is especially nice because if you don't mind walking, you can get to most every site on foot.

Hotel name - area name within Central Rome - comments

Campo de Fiori - Campo de Fiori - probably the best bargain we found. Near the famous Piazza Navona area and the Vatican
The Raphael - Piazza Navona - like a museum in itself. Real Italian. Best Piazza area in Rome with beautiful Baroque buildings and churches and the most vibrant area for tourist hanging out.
Scalinata di Spagna - Piazza di Spagna - at the top of the famous Spanish Steps, a great location with a neat terrace area
Hassler -Piazza di Spagna - also at the Spanish Steps. one of the most famous hotels with a great roof top restaurant
Bernini Bristol - Via Veneto - very good bargain with shopping and dining close, right across the street from the US Embassy and near the Piazza Barberini, and the beautiful churches Santa Susanna (The Catholic Church for Americans in Rome) and Santa Maria della Vittoria.
The Grand - Quirinal - although it's pricey, it's probably our favorite and if I was only going to Rome once, I would stay there. - Luxury with Old World style - you gotta go to the restaurant there. Not too far from the Trevi Fountain.

have some more, but these are the top 6.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need any more info.